2010 INNOBIKE Award Continues to Set Trends in Cycling Industry
2011/04/01 | By Quincy LiangSome 48 short-listed entries among 109 submits from 55 makers were judged
Knowing that rewarding creativity may be the surefire way to bring out and breed innovative designers in Taiwan's bicycle, assembled-bike, parts and accessory sectors, which is critical to continual upgrading of product sophistication, marketability and desirability that positively influence overall industrial growth, the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association (TBEA) inaugurated a few years ago the Annual Innovative Bicycles, Parts, and Accessories Competition (INNOBIKE), an event that also helps to further reinforce the island's reputation as home to some of the biggest volume makers of bicycles, as well as world-class bicycles for racing, off-roading and urban cruising.
Held in Taichung in central Taiwan's Cycling & Health R&D Center (CHC), the 2010 INNOBIKE saw a jury of 16 experts, including some heavyweights as Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association (TBEA) chairman Y.M. Yang and CHC president B.C. Liao, evaluate 48 short-listed entries among 109 submits from 55 manufacturers.
The entries were judged on 30% for originality, 20% for trend-setting, 30% for practicality, 20% for eco-friendliness, and 10% for safety.
TBEA chairman Yang, also chairman of major bicycle tire maker Kenda Rubber Ind. Co., expressed enthusiasm about INNOBIKE, which is jointly organized by TBEA and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).
"With the joint support of the government and private-sector companies over the years, Taiwan's bicycle industry has achieved outstanding performance in production, branding, and distribution management, as well as wining wide recognition worldwide," Yang says. "All the operators in the bicycle sector in Taiwan will continue to tap existing strengths to further develop markets, innovations in their respective specialties."
Notable Winners
The below summarizes the prizewinners in different categories, mainly the champions and second-prize winners.
Product: Trinity Advanced SL
Category: Complete Bicycles
Award: Champion
Company: Giant Manufacturing Co.
This overall winner in the Complete Bicycle category earned with a win at the 2008 World Championship Time Trials its nickname "World's Fastest Bike." It was then an unproven prototype but, after further development with Team Rabobank riders, including 2009 Giro d'Italia champion Denis Menchov, the Trinity Advanced SL is available to triathletes and anyone racing against the clock. The all-new composite frame is brimming with aero designs, and is infinitely adjustable for the perfect fit. Add the groundbreaking AeroDrive stem/ handlebar combination and aero tubing, and it seems clear--the clock has met its match.
Product: Time Warp
Category: Complete Bicycles
Award: Second Prize
Company: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.
Product: AM
Category: Complete Bicycles
Award: Third Prize
Company: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.
Product: Eagle
Category: Electric Assist Bike
Award: Champion
Company: JD Components Co., Ltd.
Product: PC-220
Category: Electric Assist Bike
Award: Second Prize
Company: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.
Product: Springless
Category: Pedals
Award: Champion
Company: Wellgo Pedal's Corp.
Product: Suspension Pedal
Category: Pedals
Award: Second Prize
Company: Wellgo Pedal's Corp.
Product: Sidelight Handlebar Grips
Category: Components
Award: Champion
Company: Chia Cherne Industry Co. Ltd.
Product: Environment-friendly Water Transfer
Category: Components
Award: Second Prize
Company: Transart Graphics Co., Ltd.
Product: Magnetic Wide Opening Energy Dual Chamber
Category: Accessories
Award: Champion
Company: Taiwan Vertex Production Corp.
1. German-patented wide opening for easy clean-up. The diverter allows riders to choose from water, energy drink or mixed.
2. Quick refilling system allows to replenishing without removing the backpack from riders to save time and effort.
3. Multi-nation patented; 100% anti-microbial; lightweight; and meets all food-grade regulations worldwide.
Product: LED Optic Fiber Bicycle Helmet (EX-5)
Category: Accessories
Award: Second Prize
Company: Hopus Technology Inc.
Product: KMC Chain Riveter
Category: Tools
Award: Champion
Company: KMC Chain Industrial Co.
Product: Digital Chain Checker
Category: Tools
Award: Second Prize
Company: KMC Chain Industrial Co.
Product: Kool Knight Chain
Category: Chains
Award: Champion
Company: KMC Chain Industrial Co.
Product: CRES Chain
Category: Chains
Award: Second Prize
Company: KMC Chain Industrial Co.
Product: RL-05 1-PC FORK
Category: Front Forks
Award: Champion
Company: Kinesis Industry Co.
Product: KR-515 Frame Kit
Category: Frames
Award: Champion
Company: Kinesis Industry Co.
Product: Seatpost i7
Category: Stems & seat posts
Award: Champion
Company: Kind Shock Hi-Tech Co., Ltd.
Product: YSP05 Bearing Axial Suspension Seat Post
Category: Stems & seat posts
Award: Second Prize
Company: J.D. Components Co., Ltd.
Product: Environmentally Friendly Tire Tube
Category: Wheel Set Group
Award: Champion
Company: Foss Worldwide Inc.
1. Eco-friendly thermoplastic elastomer compounds (TPE), an un-vulcanized rubber which can be recycled. 2. When punctured, this highly-polymerized rubber tube forms air-tight seal to slow leakage, hence being safer to allow riders more time to react. 3. Material density is only 0.88, or 30% lighter than that of traditional tubes.
Product: Switchable Dynamo Hub
Category: Wheel Set Group
Award: Second Prize
Company: Formula Engineering Inc.
Product: Revolutionized Ceramic-Fiber Bicycle Brake Shoes/Pads
Category: Braking Systems
Award: Champion
Company: GE Nuine Products Co., Ltd.
1. Carbon-fiber rim dedicated. 2. Non-squeal guarantee. 3. The only all- terrain, waterproof brake shoe. 4. Extends carbon rim life by insulating against friction heat buildup and maintaining temperatures well under 100C. 5. German DIN EN14766 certified.
Product: Synchronous Moving Adjustable Brake
Category: Braking Systems
Award: Second Prize
Company: Lee Chi Enterprise Co.
Product: SRAM XX MTB Drivetrain
Category: Others
Award: Champion
Company: SRAM Taiwan
Product: F.A.Q.
Category: Others
Award: Second Prize
Company: Qbicle Inc.
Product: High-end derailleur set for MTB
Category: Others
Award: Third Prize
Company: AD-II Engineering Inc.
An innovative derailleur set for MTB was launched by microSHIFT at the end of 2009. The set contains a pair of thumb-tap shifters, aluminum front derailleur and a double wide links plus computer numerical control (CNC)-machined, plus seal-bearing rear derailleur. Besides being appealing in looks, this derailleur also works smoothly at reasonable cost.