Bicycle-related companies among the winners of the 33rd Taiwan Excellence Awards include Giant, Kenda, Merida, and KMC, showcasing once again Taiwan’s strong competitiveness in the cycling industry through innovation and development.
Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
TCR Advanced SL 0-DA
This pro-level road bike is made for competitive road riders who obsess over performance—from grand tour pros like Simon Yates to everyday riders trying to reach a new level. The flagship TCR model combines its legendary ride quality with new system integration and construction methods to make it more efficient than ever. The down tube is significantly redesigned for improved aerodynamics and a new integrated cockpit, including the OverDrive Aero steerer tube and Contact SLR AeroLight stem, offers internal cable routing to further minimize drag. From the integrated seatpost to the CADEX WheelSystem with 40mm deep carbon rims, every component has been selected and tested for maximum system optimization.
Merida Industry Co., Ltd.
Silex Gravel Bike
When the gravel bike segment recently became the strongest-growing in the bicycle market, Merida’s Silex was selected by OFFROAD.CC as the best gravel bike of 2023 with this verdict: “Many contemporary gravel bikes are either too racy or too capable – both of which come with several trade-offs, but the Silex does a very good job of blending these two extremes.”
Also, Silex wins the 2024 Design & Innovation Award judged by the German media who comment on the Silex’s superiority: “Behind the racy silhouette, however, hides a thoroughbred all-rounder, a trusted companion for all kinds of two-wheeled adventures, from epic bike-packing tours to fast-paced post-work rides and authentic racing.”
Featuring its enhanced off-road handling through distinctive MTB-inspired geometry, Silex has been crowned with more honors such as the 2024 Taipei Cycle D&I GOLD Award judged by iF, and it’s the bike Matej Mohorič relied on to win the Gravel World Championship in 2023. What an amazing all-round gravel bike SILEX has proven to be.
Kenda Rubber Industrial Co., Ltd.
All-Weather Road Tires
The Kenda 4Titude GCT gravel tire is the ultimate choice for gravel cycling enthusiasts. It features a tubeless-ready GCT casing that reinforces the sidewall for improved stability and protection against punctures, making it the ideal choice for demanding terrain. Developed at the US Kenda Technology Center, the new compound used in 4Titude delivers exceptional grip, speed, and durability, making it suitable for both racing and long-distance touring. Its low rolling resistance allows for fast speeds on gravel trails and roads, while the tread pattern ensures reliable traction. Riders can feel confident knowing the latest tread pattern has been designed with a new rubber compound for optimum grip in all conditions. A newly-developed compound finds optimal grip in wet and cold conditions. The Gravel Casing Technology (GCT) casing is built with a stable yet supple fabric weaved into the sidewall that offers pinch protection, lateral stiffness and a fully-sealed tubeless interface. It can come tubeless-ready with the GCT casing.
Kenda Rubber Industrial Co., Ltd.
Airolution Gargo Bicycle Tubes
The use of e-logistics bicycles in Europe and the Middle East is expanding rapidly. Community logistics companies realize that such bicycles are a better “last mile solution” than trucks. Freight bicycles are also getting popular as amounting traffic worsens, whilst the weights of carried goods simultaneously gets heavier. As bicycle logistics evolve, the “Airolution Cargo Bicycle Tube” uses the latest technology to have a thickness of 2.25mm, compared with a tube’s traditional thickness of 1.0mm, improving air retention by 125%. The formula reduces the need for daily maintenance while improving against damage. The new carbon black can defend against punctures and is suitable for large-scale cargo bicycle fleets. Compared to standard tubes, the cargo tube extends air retention time by up to eight times, while maintaining the same weight. Non-polluting materials with low PAHs levels have been used for the construction of the tubes aiming to- wards sustainable goals that start from the enterprise contributing to the well-being of the environment.
KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
TT Racing Duo
“Beyond Limits” is the statement of intent from TT Racing Chain. Designed for speed, TT Racing Chain sets a new standard for bicycle transmission systems, embodying KMC’s dedication to near-perfection in every aspect from design to each component’s build. Through innovative technologies and material combinations, employing multiple delicate processes, KMC has altered the metal structure of the chain links, achieving optimal steel toughness and strength. This ensures a perfect compatibility with the rings, reducing energy loss caused by tooth interference. Precisely capturing every moment of shifting enhances riding efficiency by 10% at 45 km/hr - whether starting, sprinting, or cruising at high speeds. The TT 12, through comprehensive and precise tuning perfectly integrates with SHIMANO and SRAM transmission systems. Saving energy while pedaling makes the TT Racing Chain the definitive choice. Coupled with an unique layer featuring dazzling blue and purple hues, it aims to be the symbol of speed in the future.
