From September 16–19, 2025, product managers, OEMs, component suppliers, and industry leaders will come together in Taichung for four concentrated days of meetings, discussions, and insights. Unlike the big consumer-facing shows, Taichung Bike Week remains a pure business-to-business event: no flashy booths, no showmanship – just the industry talking shop. And there will be plenty to talk about this year.

1. The Ongoing Recovery of the Bicycle Industry

The word “recovery” has been on everyone’s lips for years, but the latest numbers have not painted the rosy picture many were hoping for. Both the Taiwan Bicycle Association’s market data and the quarterly reports of publicly listed bicycle companies have shown that sales remain under pressure. Inventories are shrinking, but not fast enough. Consumer demand is picking up in certain segments, particularly in e-bikes and performance models, yet the overall momentum lags behind expectations.

In Taichung, the big question will be: How long will this recovery take? For brands, suppliers, and distributors, this determines how much to invest in innovation, production, and marketing in the near term. Conversations in hotel lobbies and meeting rooms will likely focus on balancing cautious optimism with the realities of the market. Many in the industry will be looking for signs that 2026 could finally bring the long-awaited turnaround.

2. Trade Conflicts and Tariff Uncertainty

Global supply chains remain fragile, and tariffs are once again at the center of strategic planning. For Taiwanese suppliers, the uncertainty around the U.S. tariffs creates both risk and opportunity. On one hand, higher costs and the lack of planning safety slow down international expansion.

On the other, Taiwan’s reputation for reliability and quality could make it an even more important sourcing destination if other markets stumble. Expect heated discussions around diversification strategies: stay loyal to Taiwan, explore Southeast Asia, or even shift focus towards Europe? Taichung will be the place where many of these conversations take shape.

3. E-Bike Regulations in Europe

Europe remains the engine of the global e-bike boom, but the rules of the game may soon change. The EPAC (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles) framework, wattage limitations, and the classification of higher-speed models are currently under intense scrutiny by European policymakers.

For OEMs and suppliers, this is more than a bureaucratic headache. Regulation directly affects motor design, battery integration, and safety standards – essentially the building blocks of the e-bike business. With the EU considering potential adjustments, manufacturers will need to prepare for different scenarios. At Taichung Bike Week, insiders will be watching closely to hear how brands are adapting their R&D and product roadmaps.

4. 32-Inch Wheels – From Niche to New Standard?

One of the more technical but no less significant topics on the agenda is the potential rise of 32-inch wheels. Long seen as a curiosity for certain niches, the idea is gaining traction as engineers and designers look for new performance gains in comfort, rolling efficiency, and handling.

However, adopting a new wheel standard is no small feat. It touches on axle dimensions, frame geometries, suspension design, and compatibility with existing components. For OEMs, introducing 32-inch wheels means aligning multiple supply chains – a costly and time-consuming process. Taichung Bike Week will provide a glimpse into whether 32-inch has the momentum to become a mainstream standard or if it will remain an experiment for select applications.

5. Relevance of Taichung Bike Week for International Visitors

Taichung, however, holds a unique position. Unlike larger shows, it is not about exhibition halls or marketing splash – it is about direct, efficient, behind-closed-doors meetings with the supply base that keeps the bicycle industry running. For European brands, the trip has traditionally been worth it because decisions made here directly affect product launches months later.

Beyond the technical and regulatory issues, there’s a more fundamental question: How relevant will Taichung Bike Week remain for international visitors, especially from Europe? Other trade shows have already seen declining numbers of overseas attendees. Rising travel costs, tighter budgets, and the ability to conduct at least part of the business digitally have made some companies question whether international trips are worth it.

Still, with the ongoing cost pressures and uncertain market outlook, some will ask whether the same results can be achieved with fewer flights. Attendance in 2025 will be a strong indicator of whether Taichung can maintain its role as the development hub for the global industry – or if the gravitational pull of the show begins to weaken.