BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
BROMPTON: Quinton Pullinger, marketing manager, Asia Pacific
Why Taipei?
“Brompton decided to exhibit at the show for a number of reasons, but no single one stands out.
“We did so partly to legitimise our brand within the bicycle industry; you gain some kind of credibility as a brand from your industry peers by being at these shows. After attending the Taipei Cycle Show for a few years you are suddenly approached by component manufacturers, distributors and dealers from all around the world that now have interest in your products. This slowly evolves into some good business relationships.
“These relationships are maintained at the shows and when London is a 12 hour flight away, you don’t get to see your customers as often as you should. The show allows you to build and maintain those relationships on a more personal level.
“Existing and new distributors, dealers or suppliers gain more confidence in you and your business and are more willing to invest in your brand or make special parts that are Brompton specific, etc. This benefits us and it enables us to make better bikes and products for all our customers.
“With the UK being our home market, we are relatively well known, but the world is still there to be convinced – even if we sell into more than 40 countries already.
“Imagine if each major city around the world had as many Brompton’s riding around as we have in London…”
What are you showcasing at Taipei?
“We will be exhibiting a mixture of our range in various colours and configurations. Brompton doesn’t really have standard models as I am sure BikeBiz readers are aware, just a good mix of colour and handle bar types will be on display.
“Also keep a lookout for a sneak peek at a new Limited Edition bike for 2014 that will be appearing at the Taipei show.
“We will also display our full range of luggage and accessories with a twist. We will launch a new range of Stylish, City-chic luggage with a hint of British heritage.”
020 8232 8484 brompton.com/contact
WELDTITE: Chris Jenkinson, director
“This year Weldtite will once again be exhibiting at Taipei Cycle Show in order to display our brands to the international market. As a major UK manufacturer of cycle maintenance products the Taipei show offers an important forum for Weldtite to meet both new and existing customers and also to showcase our complete product range with all the brands represented on the booth.
“Weldtite currently exports to 46 countries around the world and more than 70 per cent of our customers will visit us at the show.
“Products manufactured in the UK have become synonymous with quality and I am sure account for our continued success in the international cycling market.
“The Weldtite brand will be 75 years old in 2015 and by promoting the range around the world we will continue to expand the company’s international reputation for quality, service and innovation.
“Weldtite will be exhibiting on stand numbers L 0227 – L 0229 on the Joint COLIPED booth and we look forward to welcoming any of our UK customers who make the journey to Taiwan.”
01652 660000 info@weldtite.co.uk
CLARKS CYCLE SYSTEMS: Tony Wright, CEO
“We have been attending Taipei for 25 years and can honestly say it is one of the best shows out there. Over the course of the week we typically see up to 50 distributors from over 40 countries and this represents great value for us.”
As a registered Taiwan company, the show presents the opportunity to visit factory and offices whilst there, Clarks Cycle Systems added.
This year at Taipei Cycle Show, Clarks will be showcasing its new lightweight hydraulic brake M2 and the new mechanical brake, the R1 clincher, both of which have received some great reviews during testing, the firm told BikeBiz.
Aside from exhibiting at Taipei, Clarks has had a busy few months: Clarks has a brand new purpose built distribution centre, logistically sited within the Midlands in the UK. Constant stock levels of the Clarks Top 150 products means great availability, no minimum orders, 24 hour turnaround on orders and support for the Clarks European distributor network, Clarks said. The globe-trotting brand will also attend the Mexico and São Paulo Show, Las Vegas (Interbike) and Friedrichshafen (Eurobike) shows over the year.
At Taipei you’ll be able to find Clarks at the Level 4 Booth M0104-M0106.
01455 254 800 info@clarkscyclesystems.com
POLARIS BIKEWEAR: MD Roger Dillon, brand manager Andy Beach and international sales manager Thomas Nolleau are travelling to the show for Polaris.
Why Taipei?
Brand manager Andy Beach: "The show is an excellent opportunity to meet all of our Far Eastern, Asian, Australasian and North American customers and suppliers to help build on and maintain long-lasting relationships."
Thomas Nolleau, international sales manager: "Taipei is a great opportunity to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the worldwide cycling market to ensure we are current with the latest trends and advancements."
As covered recently on BikeBiz.com, Polaris is taking one of its new bike cases to Taipei – the Axial Pod. According to the firm, this is the first EVA based folding pod of its kind that will fit all MTB, cross and DH bikes of all tyre sizes. Key features include removable strengthening panels that allow the case to be packed flat when not in use. Also Polaris will be showcasing an addition to its ladies range: The E-Motion Ladies specific bib short with a tailored contoured fit includes a zip release for comfort breaks. These will also contain a ladies specific 3D filled chamois.
01246 291100
sales@polaris-bikewear.co.uk
Taipei Cycle Show runs Wednesday March 5th to 8th 2014. www.taipeicycle.com.tw
