I Expected a Parade of $14,000 Superbikes at a Taipei Group Ride. I Was Wrong.

Welcome to Velo’s Taipei Cycle Show coverage, where we share our favorite things we’ve found at the 2026 show. Bikes, components, accessories, and more: if we think it’s cool, you’ll see it. See the rest of our coverage here.

Before the madness of the Taipei Cycle Show floor began today, I wanted to see what local speed actually looks like in the carbon capital of the world.

With no expectations, I rolled out of my hotel just after dawn for the 4km commute to the start. As soon as I hit the street, I spotted a rider I knew was going to the same place. Even if the flawless Rapha kit with Shimano S-Phyre shoes wasn’t a give away, the bike would have been. He was on a top-spec Giant Propel that had Cadex wheels still wearing their shipping stickers, and a carbon crank I didn’t recognize.

We didn’t share much of a language, but I was on a Factor One, and the mutual nod said enough. He looked over, said “nice bike,” I responded in kind, the light changed, and we fell into sync.

That commute gave me time to form an assumption, and when we picked up a couple more riders on two different shades of S-Works Tarmacs along the way, I was sure I knew what was coming: a parade of pristine, $14,000 superbikes.

Then we arrived at the meetup, and the reality was entirely different.

Yes, there was high-end machinery and some Asian-market components I wasn’t familiar with, but there was also a full spectrum of bikes from around the world with various price levels represented. What’s more, the group was incredibly welcoming, and before long, we were climbing hard through beautiful jungle roads, instantly drenched from the crushing humidity.

Here is a look at the bikes—and the people—of Taipei.

Shot on a Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.