The 3rd version of India International Cycle, Fitness & Outdoor Sports Expo started on 3rd March in Ludhiana which is arguably the largest hub for bicycles in Asia. The bicycle industries of Ludhiana feed to more than 50% of India’s bicycle consumption which is over 10 million, each year.
The quality of this bike show is nowhere close to other bike expos that take place in China or other countries but it has definitely improved compared to its previous events. More exhibitors were present this time including China and France showcasing their products. The main participants were Hero Cycles, Atlas Cycles, Avon Cycles, Suncross bicycles, LA bicycles, Merida bikes and many components manufacturers who are based in Ludhiana.
The entry started with the super-sized hall by Hero cycles which is probably the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world. The range displayed at their stall consisted of commuter bikes and beginner mountain bikes by their brand Urban Trail and Sprint.
Atlas Bicycles and Avon Bicycles are also a well know Indian brands who displayed a similar range of bikes.
We spotted a carbon hardtail XC bike by Upland in Atlas bicycles stall. We are still wondering why this bike was on display as the officials from the company had no answers.
.. Shimano at it again.
Merida entered the Indian market a while ago, however the response has not been that great compared to the other brands being distributed in the Indian market. The range displayed was limited but being marketed with new strategies.
La Sovereign is another bike brand that has been selling entry level bicycles for a while. After observing the needs of the growing bicycling community of India who invest in high quality bikes, LA Sovereign partnered with Infinite bicycles; A Thai bicycle manufacturer. The bike range was neat and priced well too. Their Zeal fat bike was the main point of attraction. Priced at INR 80,000; The Infinite Zeal fat bike will be available in various bicycle stores across India.
Here is the full carbon Infinite Inverse 1.0. A neat XC bike which looks attractive with our without the show girl.
Suncross Bikes had the best looking hall in the expo and they are the best in business as they have been distributing great bikes at great prices in India.
Suncross has tied up with well-known brands like Ghost, Lapierre, HaiBike, Raleigh and Upland bikes which were on display. We spoke Mr. Kalra (Director of Suncross Bikes) who hinted that more good stuff is to be expected soon by them for the Indian consumer.
Spark Engineering has tied up with ixow, a French company who displayed some innovating gadgets that should attract a bicycle commuter. Their industrial plastic foldable stem and bike security features were impressive.
Many OEM from China were also present at the expo with their products.
Firefox bikes were also present at the show with very few products by Trek.
Many individuals have started innovating their designs/products in India which can compete the worldwide market. BikerZ Rack is one of them. These guys have developed a rear mounted bike rack for cars which is as good as the top brands out there. The product finish and build quality was extremely good with added safety features. Priced at INR 4790, their TrunkZ bike rack can carry 3 bikes and is definitely a steal.
The 2015 International Cycle, Fitness & Outdoor Sports Expo also showcased some wacky and weird stuff which we could not ignore.
We had no clue why this 10inch travel DH bike was shown by a company who manufactures only 2 inch travel forks.
Yes.. you must join this gang.
We have no clue what is going on here.
The freaky lady by Atlas is always present at the bike shows.
“Foxxx Racing Shox” by Hero bikes will make Fox suspension and Fox riding gear jump out of their beds.
We’d love to hear your views about the bicycle manufacturers and distributors of India.
