NANJING, Oct 7 ― Along with the rise of wealth in China comes an interest in luxury sports such as golf, polo, and now, cycling ― especially a taste for high-end bikes. Asia Bike in Nanjing, now in its third year, will showcase even more bike-related gear this year, with a spotlight on luxury bikes and e-bikes, hot in Europe for years but now making their way to Asia.

Running October 10-13, Asia Bike comes on the heels of Interbike in Las Vegas and Germany's massive Eurobike ― the latter is the biggest shareholder of Asia Bike. The event expects nearly 12,000 visitors to check out the latest in bikes and bike-related gear from some 400 exhibitors.

International brands such as Haibike, Cube, Ghost, and Corratec will bring their new e-bikes to the show, while brands including Fuji, Specialized, and Scott will display their all-terrain bikes. Tour de France winner bikes from Pinarello and Cannondale will also be on display. Other major international brands will include Shimano, BMC, Look, Colnago, and Cervelo.

According to news website The National, cycling in China has been on the rise thanks to the growing popularity of the Tour of Beijing road race, now in its third year. The event kicks off October 11 and wraps up October 15.

Around the globe, the taste for bikes is only expected to grow, thanks to rising energy prices and urban congestion as well as a growing fitness consciousness. Market research company Research and Markets reports that the global bicycle industry is expected to reach an estimated US$64.1 billion (RM204.1 billion) by 2018. ― AFP-Relaxnews