2008 Innovative Award Winners

To be Honored at Taipei Cycle Show

This year, a total of 40 products have been selected for the 2008 Innovative Awards in 10 different categories. In addition, three special awards for originality, innovation and functionality are also presented.

The 10 categories are: complete bicycles (4 winners), pedals (2), accessories (6), components group (6), front forks (3), frames (2), stems & seat posts (5), wheel set group (4), braking systems (3), and others (5). The three special awards are: The Best Innovation Award, The Best Latest Fashion Award and The Best Practicality Award.

The yearly competition is jointly organized by the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association (TBEA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Finalists are selected by a panel of judges composed of experts and leaders from the academia, government and industry.

An award presentation ceremony will take place in conjunction with the opening of the 2008 Taipei International Cycle Show at the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall on March 13.

COMPLETE BICYCLES  (4 WINNERS)

Champion

Gocycle

Gocycle combines fashion and lifestyle concepts to create cycle-related products for a new niche market. Well thought out design concepts are developed and truly consumer-orientated products are the result. The typical hurdles of craftsmanship in the bicycle industry are eliminated by introducing aerospace technologies.

IDEAL BIKE CORPORATION

jensonchang@idealbike.com.tw

www.idealbike.com.tw                

First Runner-Up    

Clip Folding Bike

The Clip by Giant features an interesting frame shape that was inspired by the popular stationary item, the clip. The core concept of the Clip is to fit in with a metro lifestyle and to be used to in conjunction with public transport, for example between the office and the home. This round-shaped frame is user-friendly and can eliminate the awkwardness of conventional designs. In addition, Giant has added numerous thoughtful design details to make metro life with the Clip easier and more convenient.

GIANT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.

RayLin@giant.com.tw                                 

www.giant-bicycle.com

Second Runner-Up

Maestro Trance X 0

The Maestro Trance X O is a brand new model based on the already award-winning Maestro platform that has achieved success in markets worldwide. Giant developed the Trance X with more innovative design and cutting-edge manufacturing processes to cater to the growing demand of longer journey XC-trail mountain bikes. The bike features a 5-inch shock, advanced linear design with smooth curves, responsive shock absorption, and reduced interference from braking and pedaling, as well as 13.75% increased rigidity over the '07 Trance model.

GIANT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.

RayLin@giant.com.tw                                  

www.giant-bicycle.com

Third Runner-Up

Ninety-six

The Merida Ninety-six toptube, headtube, downtube, seattube, and chainstays are all built usi ng new carbon Technology, resulting in sturdier and lighter components. The combination of these new carbon technologies and Merida's new rear shocks have resulted in what may be the lightest full-suspension frame in the world. The frame with shocks weigh in at a mere 1,884g.

MERIDA INDUSTRY CO. LTD.

bicycle@merida.com.tw                       

www.merida.com

PEDALS (2 WINNERS)

Champion

Multifunctional Modular BMX Pedals

These multifunctional pedals feature a modular design for the main body, with inter-changeable outer frames that can be selected according to riding style. Included in the options is an outer frame equipped with soft rubber, suitable for use with standard cycling shoes. These pedals can provide improved traction over standard anti-slip pins. In addition, they can eliminate the danger of rider injury caused by sharp anti-slip pins when riding under extreme conditions.

WELLGO PEDAL CORP. LTD.

wellgo3@mail.wellgo.com.tw

www.wellgo.com.tw

www.xpedo.com

First Runner-Up

E-PF12 Folding Pedals

Developed by Exustar in response to increased demand for short journey bikes and folding bikes, these pedals offer simple design, easy assembly, superior functionality, and user-friendly, safe operation. In addition, their three-bearing short axle design increases durability and makes for easy after-market service.

EXUSTAR ENTERPRISE CO. LTD.

exustar@ms76.hinet.net

www.exustar.com

ACCESSORIES (6 WINNERS)

Champion

Unobtrusive Automatic Retracting Kickstand

When this innovative kickstand is lowered, it bends into an L-shape to avoid touching the bicycle crank. What's more, when the user starts to ride the bicycle again, the kickstand will retract automatically such that the user does not need to kick it back with their foot.

TSAI JUNG ENTERPRISE CO. LTD.

massload@ms34.hinet.net

www.cl-massload.com.tw

First Runner-Up

Fully-adjustable Bottle Cage

The diameter of this multifunctional bottle cage is adjustable, allowing for a range of bo ttles to be carried securely. It can hold both bicycle bottles and smaller, non-standard bottles. The cage tilts laterally in both directions, such that bottles can be inserted or removed from the side of the bike frame, making it ideal for compact frames.

IBERA CO. LTD.

sales@ibera.info

www.ibera.info

Second Runner-Up

Yo Yo Bell

The n+1 series created by Nuvo signifies a brand new concept in consumer-oriented products. One such product is the new, user-friendly B430BP bell.

NUVO ENT. CO. LTD.

nuvo@nuvo.ws

www.nuvo.ws

Third Runner-Up

Flexible Color Masking Water Transfer

Combined with a masking layer, this pure water transfer is ideal for any curved frame made of carbon fiber or other metals with two-tone paint and graphics. The flexible film can be applied to curved surfaces and portray fine lines or graphic images on the edge of two painted colors while completing a masking and decaling job in a single process.?

TRANSART GRAPHICS CO. LTD.

black@transart.com.tw

www.transart.com.tw

Fourth Runner-Up

Nano Tech Anti-piracy Decal

This advanced nano tech anti-piracy decal provides an easy way to differentiate real products from imitations. Print as fine as dust can be applied to the decals in order to create a unique 'finger print', which can then be applied to any designated area of a product. This cannot be copied by others.

TRANSART GRAPHICS CO. LTD.

black@transart.com.tw

www.transart.com.tw

Fifth Runner-Up

Portable Air Pump

Perhaps the smallest pump currently available on the market, this portable mini air pump features a totally new effort-saving method of operation and is available in several surface colors. With a length of 99mm, weight of 59g, and capacity of over 100psi/7bar, it is small but powerful. It can inflate to a higher pressure than comparable pumps on the market, and is easy to use. Available with three kinds of pump valves: Schrader, Presta, or Woods. The Schrader valve can be used with a Presta adaptor or Woods adaptor.

ZAW TIEN PRECISION IND. CO. LTD.

airbone@airbone.com.tw

airbone.com.tw

COMPONENTS (6 WINNERS)

Champion

SRAM Red

When the pursuit of victory becomes so focused and single-minded that nothing else matters, riders can turn to SRAM. Inspired by the search for competition-vanquishing advantages, SRAM has created a world where high-performance race-ready componentry is taken one step further. SRAM Red is an ever-evolving lab focused on the design, development, and improvement of already revolutionary technologies.

SRAM CORPORATION SANDLEFORD LTD. TAIWAN BRANCH

alen@sram.com

www.sram.com

First Runner-Up

Tank Chain

A special new outer plate construction with strong impact resistance, increased rigidity and high tensile strength enables the Tank chain to provide better outer plate performance than traditional chains. Chain lifetime is improved, chain appearance can be modified to fit different bicycle types, and the chain can conform to multifunctional requirements.

KMC CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.

kmcsales@kmcchain.com                                   

www.kmcchain.com

Second Runner-Up

High-end Derailleur Set for Road Bikes

Launched at the end of 2007 under the microSHIFT brand, the new ARSIS model upgraded derailleur set for road bikes consists of a pair of dual control levers with carbon brake-levers, a CNC-machined front derailleur and a carbon and CNC-machined seal bearing rear derailleur. Features include attractive styling, smooth functionality, impressive performance as well as very reasonable pricing.

AD-II ENGINEERING INC.

micro.shift@msa.hinet.net

www.microshift.biz

Third Runner-Up

Xtra SuperLight Chain

Designed using stress analysis applications and weight reducing holes, this new chain type is super lightweight. Weighing an impressive 22% less than traditional chains, this product's unique construction maintains original strength levels.

KMC CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.

kmcsales@kmcchain.com                                   

www.kmcchain.com

Fourth Runner-Up

Wayzgoose

A key product from McSelle in 2007, the Wayzgoose makes use of simple design concepts to bring users maximum comfort. The Wayzgoose features lateral swing, reduced pressure, enhanced ventilation, and dual comfort openings.

CIONLLI INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.

sales@cionlli.com.tw                                                

www.cionlli.com.tw

Fifth Runner-Up

Advanced Headset

This patented 3-in-1 threadless headset structure combines top cover, compression ring and top cone in one unit. This new design enables a tighter fit between headset and fork and increases water- and dust-resistance. The set is designed as a four-piece pack. The inner components of the upper and lower head parts are pre-assembled to enable exceptionally easy bike assembly. The stainless top cover is very strong and light while the newest high-tech laser etching technology is used on its surface. The whole head part weighs only 73g.

YANTEC INDUSTRIES INC.

prestine@ms77.hinet.net

www.prestine.com.tw

FRONT FORKS (3 WINNERS)

Champion

One-piece Carbon & Magnesium Multifunctional Oil & Air Remote Suspension Fork

By combining the ductile strength of magnesium and rigidity and lightweight qualities of carbon, this company has created a lightweight and safe fork housing that is able to decentralize stress more safely via its completely two-sided cartridge design.

SHEN SHYE METAL MFG. CO. LTD.

tforce@ms78.hinet.net                                          

www.tforce-tech.com

First Runner-Up

Storm Lux Front Suspension Fork

The RST Storm Lux suspension front fork was designed for free-ride use. In order to offer the ultimate in fork performance, the Storm Lux is equipped with three key features that make the fork suitable for different kinds of terrain and riding styles. Firstly, an Air Spring System is incorporated to reduce weight and provide air preload function. A Remote Air Travel Change System uses new air chamber exchange technology to offer riders a wider travel adjustment range (100 -160mm) by remote device for improved riding performance, and finally, a Compression & Rebound Adjustment System comprising of a new open-bath hydraulic system is enables riders to adjust damping performance by external compression or rebound speed adjuster.

DAH KEN IND. CO. LTD.

Raymond@rst.com.tw                                        

www.rst.com.tw

Second Runner-Up

Head Shock Fork With or Without Lock Out

The mass-produced JD JF-1 Trekking Uni-Crown Suspension Fork weighs in at just 1.3kg/ 2.85lbs and offers 35mm of travel. Featuring steel balls as an interface for rolling, the unit provides hi-flow and smoother compression, smoother travel and less friction, enhances reduction of road impacts, is lightweight, compact and simple in design, and offers customized drop-out options as well as a lock-out system function. EN14764 approved and patent pending in USA , Taiwan and China .

J.D. COMPONENTS CO. LTD.

technic@jdco.com.tw

lydia@jdco.com.tw

www.jdco.com.tw

FRAMES (2 WINNERS)

Champion

SPF Time Trial Frame

In order to create lightweight time trial frames with low air-resistance, most designers turn to carbon materials. Kinesis, on the other hand, have taken the planet's environmental issues into account and developed the use of new SuperPlastic Forming (SPF) technologies in the creation of lightweight and sturdy aluminum alloy frames.

KINESIS INDUSTRY CO. LTD.

jun_huang@kinesis.com.tw                              

www.kinesis.com.tw

First Runner-Up

Single Pivot Linkage

Difficult to achieve and accurate suspension can be achieved with this short linkage suspension system that features a revolution axis with optimized footboard characteristics and greatly reduced footboard feedback force. With FD system installment on the CS yoke, rear travel is increased. This suspension system effectively reduces the reactive force of pedaling.

A-PRO/X-FUSION SHOX

ivanlin@x-fusion-shox.com                                  

www.x-fusion-shox.com

STEMS & SEAT POSTS (5 WINNERS)

Champion

Seat Post

The Cobra I950 is a revolutionary height-adjustable seat post. Seat height is a critical factor determining efficiency when climbing and control when descending. Traditional seat posts present difficulties when it comes to quick adjustment of seat height. The Cobra I950 utilizes a gas/oil system to offer infinite adjustability of seat height with the touch of a lever. One major improvement over competitors' designs is its patent-pending bearing system. By utilizing dual one-way bearings, the seat shaft bushing self-adjusts. This allows the post to be raised and lowered smoothly, whilst preventing unwanted play and seat drift. The Cobra I950 offers the ultimate in seat adjustability and convenience.

Kind Shock Hi-tech Co. Ltd

yenyue@ms49.hinet.net

www.kindshock.com.tw

First Runner-Up

Insert Folding Stem

This new folded stem adopts upper and lower bushes tightened with a quick-release clamp which improves the strength of the entire structure and eliminates connection tolerance. The new design provides confident control and accurate turning compared with existing products. A safety-lock works to further secure the unit. This innovative design achieves safety and stability and allows for a simple and convenient riding experience.

Kalloy Industrial Co. Ltd.

miles-rd@kalloyuno.com                                                    

www.kalloyuno.com

Second Runner-Up

Arch Seat Post

With its arch bridge design and lock-by-side principle, this unique product can be used by riders to adjust the angle of their saddle across a large stepless range, up to 73 degrees. This product is also non-traditional in that it locks the saddle from below.

Lee Chi Enterprises Co. Ltd.

pre2@leechi.com.tw                                                    

www.leechi.com.tw

Third Runner-Up

Speedlifter Twist

The Speedlifter-Twist is a handlebar adjustment system with special turning function. It is designed for use on bicycle handlebar units with an A-HEAD set system. With this product installed, riders can easily adjust their handlebar to the best riding position. Simple, fast and tool-less, a 90 twist of the handlebar unit will make it parallel with the bike frame. This greatly reduces the width of the bike, allowing for easy transportation and parking.

Castello Cycle Co. Ltd.

info@castello.com.tw

www.speedlifter.com

Fourth Runner-Up

Spherical Adjustable Stem

Traditional adjustable stems tend to be overly mechanical in terms of appearance and construction, which can be incompatible with modern, streamlined artistic frames. This innovative spherical adjustable stem features a turning point above the headset and is integrated with a headset cap covered by a spherical structure. Twin dentate tracks achieve a 60-degree range of adjustment. Due to intelligent structural design, the unit weighs only 215g. The entirely different appearance of this product makes it not only a highly-functional product, but also a very desirable, high-quality bicycle component.

Kalloy Industrial Co. Ltd.

miles-rd@kalloyuno.com                                                    

www.kalloyuno.com

WHEEL SETS (5 WINNERS)

Champion

Cornering King

Tire performance is improved with this new innovation by using special pattern construction and dual tread compounds. Features include increased shoulder strength for faster cornering speeds and excellent anti-slip qualities. With these tires, riders will be able to achieve increased speeds over straight runs and corners.

KENDA RUBBER INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.

kenda@kenda.com.tw

www.kenda.com.tw

First Runner-Up

Hollow Sidewall Rim Design

Alexrims’ new Hollow sidewall rim design is a breakthrough advancement in sidewall technology. Its internal cavity dissipates heat build-up across the rim sidewall surface resulting in an improvement in sidewall rigidity and flex. In addition, damage to brake pads is minimized, extending their wear life. Another benefit of the Hollow rim design is a reduction in the overall weight of the rim.

ALEX GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.

alexrims@alexrims.com.tw                                           

www.alexrims.com

www.aclass-wheels.com

Second Runner-Up

Disk Wheels

Unlike conventional disc wheels made using either foam core or nomex honeycomb structures, these are made using bladder molding techniques. This process enables a maximum inner molding pressure to compact the carbon lamination and therefore provides more rigidity to the wheels.Hence, the wheels can be made at least 200 to 400 grams lighter than conventional disc wheels. Moreover, since expensive foam core or honeycomb structure technology is not being used, they are less expensive (air is free!), and much easier to produce.

Gigantex Composite Technologies Co. Ltd.

roger-chen@umail.hinet.net                                       

http://equinox-bikes.com.tw

Third Runner-Up

Hub

The main aim in designing this hub was to shorten the distance between the two flanges to achieve the narrowest possible width ( 30mm) between two wheels on a folded bike. Additional design details include large holes on the flanges and arch cuts along the edges to solve the issue of difficult spoke assembly, as well as a simplified wheel set assembly with disc, to reduce labor costs. This product is EN14766-approved.

Ming Cycle Industrial Co. Ltd.

mingbike@ms9.hinet.net

www.mimgcycle.com.tw

BRAKING SYSTEMS (3 WINNERS)

Champion

ABS Brake Shoes

Often times, as a result of emergency braking, control of a bicycle is lost and its rider falls due to inertial force. This product applies inertial force to release and tighten brake shoes at a high frequency to ensure braking safety and steadiness, and to shorten braking distance and enhance braking efficiency.

Ke Chiuan Technologies Corp.

ke.chiuan@addkc.com                                   

www.addkc.com

First Runner-Up

Helix 1.1

This compact hydraulic disc brake design weighs in at just 120g. and features dual piston activation for peak stopping power (PSP), a patented ‘Aorta’ valve reservoir that rotates 360 degrees so it fits all bars and all shifter pods, and brake pads with loosening-resistant design, wear limit indentation and dots that let users know when replacement is necessary.

Bengal Performance Brake Systems

sales@bengalperformance.com.tw                                                      

www.bengalperformance.com

Second Runner-Up

Hydraulic Disk Brake with Concealed Oil Reservoir

The lever body on this hydraulic brake lever set for bicycles is comprised of a two-step assembly structure. The brake fluid is concealed inside of the first-step chamber body and the brake fluid reservoir inside the brake lever body so that it seems invisible. This product can be used on both the right- and left-hand side due to its simplified design.

Lee Chi Enterprises Co. Ltd.

pre2@leechi.com.tw                                          

www.leechi.com.tw

OTHERS (5 WINNERS)

Champion

Pakrak Clip-on Luggage System

This practical product was designed to offer quick, easy and convenient use. An extensive range of complementary products can be attached to the rack, including carry cases, carry bags, baskets and more. It is a multifunctional carrier system that is safe, simple, easy to use, and that fits into position quickly.

Ibera Co. Ltd.

sales@ibera.info

www.ibera.info

First Runner-Up

Air Adjuster

The Ride Remote is a remote spring rate adjuster for air shocks and forks. The Ride Remote incorporates an integrated pressure gauge to make it simple to check and adjust pressure. By adding the Ride Remote to any air sprung fork or rear shock, adjustment can be made by simply turning the adjuster knob by hand. No tools are necessary. This means it is no longer necessary for riders to carry a cumbersome hi-pressure pump in order to make trailside adjustments. Pressure is adjustable from 0-180psi. The Ride Remote represents a huge leap in suspension adjustability and tuning.

Kind Shock Hi-tech Co. Ltd.

yenyue@ms49.hinet.net

www.kindshock.com.tw

Second Runner-Up

Out Mold Decoration for Frames

Out Mold Decoration (OMD) is a very advanced patented technology for decorating bicycle frames that can provide a brilliant, fashionable finish. Bicycle frames are covered by mold-injected plastic which is combined with a screen printed vacuum-formed plastic film. Not only can this technology improve the appearance of a bicycle, but it can also enhance rider safety due to the anti-impact characteristics of the plastic material. 

Transart Graphics Co.,Ltd.

black@transart.com.tw

www.transart.com.tw

Third Runner-Up

Folding Box

With its streamlined, folding body, this item is both simple and stylish. The ush and pull folding lever is easy to operate and the anti-loosening function featured within the spherical orientation system eliminates the need to have an extra mechanism to prevent loosening. The product design achieves attractive appearance coupled with safe construction.

United Engineering Corp.

jichang@khsbicycles.com.tw

www.khsbicycles.com.tw

Fourth Runner-Up

Profi-Hydraulic Oil for Disc Brakes

Riders worldwide will want to use SDO-7, the safe new hydraulic oil that is nontoxic and harmless to both human bodies and brake systems, and boasts a temperature range of -57.8 to 386.7 degrees Celsius. It has been adopted for use in submarines, airplanes, mechanical arms, and high-performance bicycles. It does not cause disc brake pads or rotors to lock following oil expansion, nor does it cause loses in oil pressure. Non-hydophilic, and reliable in terms of both quality and performance, this oil does not oxidize easily and will save its users money as it boasts a long usage time and a cheap selling price. Enjoy the high quality of aviation oil at an ordinary bicycle oil price!

Sun Chang Industry Co. Ltd.

sunczang@ms19.hinet.net                                                       

www.sunczang.com.tw

THE BEST IN INNOVATION AWARD

Champion

Gocycle

Gocycle combines fashion and lifestyle concepts to create cycle-related products for a new niche market. Well thought out design concepts are developed and truly consumer-orientated products are the result. The typical hurdles of craftsmanship in the bicycle industry are eliminated by introducing aerospace technologies.

IDEAL BIKE CORPORATION

jensonchang@idealbike.com.tw

www.idealbike.com.tw                

THE BEST IN LATEST FASHION AWARD

Champion

Seat Post

The Cobra I950 is a revolutionary height-adjustable seat post. Seat height is a critical factor determining efficiency when climbing and control when descending. Traditional seat posts present difficulties when it comes to quick adjustment of seat height. The Cobra I950 utilizes a gas/oil system to offer infinite adjustability of seat height with the touch of a lever. One major improvement over competitors' designs is its patent-pending bearing system. By utilizing dual one-way bearings, the seat shaft bushing self-adjusts. This allows the post to be raised and lowered smoothly, whilst preventing unwanted play and seat drift. The Cobra I950 offers the ultimate in seat adjustability and convenience.

Kind Shock Hi-tech Co. Ltd

yenyue@ms49.hinet.net

www.kindshock.com.tw

THE BEST IN PRACTICALITY AWARD

Champion

Cornering King

Tire performance is improved with this new innovation by using special pattern construction and dual tread compounds. Features include increased shoulder strength for faster cornering speeds and excellent anti-slip qualities. With these tires, riders will be able to achieve increased speeds over straight runs and corners.

KENDA RUBBER INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.

kenda@kenda.com.tw

www.kenda.com.tw