China sees booming trend in smart bikes
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E-mail CNTV, May 14, 2016
The best on two wheels. That's what was on display at the 26th China International Bicycle and Motor Fair. Manufacturers came to Shanghai to show off their innovative and high-tech products.
Decades ago, China was known as the Kingdom of Bicycles. And two-wheelers are making a comeback in the 21st Century. The market has been pushing bicycle demand higher and higher, and sports and leisure are playing a big role. And so is technology.
"For example, thanks to the big data platform, our smart bikes can tell the customers how to ride correctly on different roads. It's also able to remind you to control your speed or cadence, to make better use of the bike," said exhibitor Li Gang.
Today's bikes aren't just for getting around.
"In previous years, a bicycle was simply a means of transport. But now, it means a life style, or an attitude of challenging oneself. So the new age of the bicycle industry is an age of sports bikes. And we believe that smart bikes are the leading trend in the industry in the future. That is to say, we should try to combine Internet elements with the traditional industry," said exhibitor Jiang Wenchen.
Analysts says the smart bike industry could have great potential in China if companies could offer attractive high-tech features.
"We're attempting to merge Internet Plus with the bikes. Because only with such innovative technology can our domestic bikes play a leading role in the global industry. If we stick to the traditional concept of bikes, we'll be lagging behind," said Ma Zhongchao from Chinese Cycling Association.
But not everyone wants to go high-tech. There will always be those who would rather spend each penny on the tires, frames and pedals.
