Singaporeans show an increasing preference for luxury cycling gears

WTB's sale of premium products in Singapore underscores this trend.

Singaporeans take their recreational activities seriously, with the cycling industry gearing more toward premium products such as tubeless tires and “sophisticated saddles.”

In an interview during the Taipei Cycle 2024, Gary Gleason, Vice President of Sales at Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB), said that they cater to high-end mountain bike and gravel riders in Singapore who use upscale accessories.

"In Singapore, we work with a really great partner, ReEvolution,” Gleason shared, "[Clients] use tubeless tires and wheels, they use fancy saddles–it seems that the market is really kind of catered towards a more premium product.”

WTB is amongst the 950 companies occupying 3,500 booths in the Taipei Cycle, Asia's largest cycling industry trade show. The exhibition is open until March 9 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX).

Singapore emerged as the fourth-largest buyer in the trade show last year with a 5.9% share.

READ MORE: Over 240 SG traders to visit the ‘biggest ever’ Taipei Cycle 

All things business at Taipei Cycle

Organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the Taipei Cycle gathers almost 4,000 international buyers from 90 countries, making it a prime business hub for the global high-end bicycle industry supply chain.

TAITRA has prepared an E-Cycling Pavilion that offers visitors 3D virtual riding software, training platforms and hill climbing simulators. These online riding features respond to post-pandemic trends of cycling at home.

This year’s instalment also introduces the Bike Venture Startup Zone which features 10 bicycle startups from eight countries including Germany and Switzerland.

Felix Chiu, TAITRA’s Executive Vice President, said that international exhibitors this year have increased by 39%, reflecting the council’s focus on expanding Taiwan’s global outreach.

During the trade show, visitors can also engage in an E-Bike Demo test ride and other activities related to cycling.

Taipei Cycle aims to assist all exhibitors in expanding business opportunities, enhancing the green and sustainable value of bicycles, and connecting with the global bicycle industry. For more information, visit www.taipeicycle.com.tw