Is this the future of cycling tech? Dozens of new brands reveal crazy designs at China Cycle - Tech Gallery

Shanghai recently hosted China Cycle, a rapidly expanding trade fair that is gaining prominence beyond its traditional local focus. With 1,600 exhibitors spread across 160,000 square metres and 13 halls, the event has grown so large that a dedicated taxi service is required to navigate the venue. While China Cycle has historically catered primarily to the domestic market, the fair is now attracting a growing number of Western brands, distributors, and media, reflecting the increasing global relevance of the Chinese cycling industry. The Chinese cycling sector, which accounts for around 60% of the global bike supply chain, is shifting from volume-driven production to a focus on quality and design that meets Western standards. This evolution is evident in the rise of fully-fledged Chinese brands showcasing innovative and sometimes unconventional products. Among the highlights were lightweight components from Overfast, including carbon thru-axles and an upcoming aerodynamic crankset, as well as Elite Wheels’ new one-piece Drive Mono 65D wheelset, which combines impressive low weight with modern aerodynamic features. Several other notable innovations caught attention, such as Komcas’s wheels featuring a unique wavy rim pattern designed to enhance stiffness, and Cybrei’s collaboration with SRM on an ultralight crankset with an integrated power meter. Elilee, a sponsor of Bahrain-Victorious, also displayed a range of lightweight cranks, wheels, and frames, including a triathlon frame aimed at carbon enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Incolor presented striking aerodynamic road and time trial bikes with distinctive design elements intended to manage airflow and reduce turbulence. The emergence of these advanced Chinese brands and technologies signals a broader shift in the global cycling market, where China is no longer just a manufacturing hub but a source of innovation and design leadership. With many of these products expected to reach Western markets soon, the event suggests that the future of cycling technology may increasingly be shaped by Chinese companies. This development could lead to greater competition and diversity in the industry, challenging established Western brands to respond to new design philosophies and engineering approaches.