Freshly returned from Taiwan, Fred Bernard shares his travel notes.
His trip began with the Taichung Bike Week, which this year felt rather subdued. Few exhibitors, limited visitor numbers, very few product launches, and no emerging trends, at least through the eyes of our expert, who is usually quick to spot weak signals.
Fred nonetheless took the opportunity to spend quality time engaging with potential suppliers. He achieved his sourcing objectives for ongoing R&D projects within our design office, particularly concerning a new line of recreational bikes.
Alongside the trade fair, Fred scheduled a number of factory visits, including several well-regarded frame builders already referenced by Antidote. Between the Taichung Bike Week, supplier factory tours, and weekend rides with Goblinbikes and Jean-Christophe Charrier, the most Taiwanese of Frenchmen, and a long-standing collaborator of ours. The trip was both productive and inspiring.
