Where Do Your Bike Components Really Come From? | Inside Cycling's Biggest Factories

A large proportion of the world's best carbon frames are made in Taiwan! But you may not realise that many of the other components on your bike are also made there too! Ollie has been to visit two massive factories that make saddles, pedals, and other components for many of the world’s biggest bike brands! Let’s go!

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📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency

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[xlphh]

Love watching the manufacturing process…thanks to Velo and Wellgo for opening their doors to GCN

[julianwinn]

Spent some time in a Giant bicycle factory in Shanghai a few years ago. 6000 bicycles a day, 1500 of which were carbon frames. The ladies welding the aluminium frames together were super skilled and a joy to watch at work.

[andrewmcalister]

Thanks Ollie for a couple of fascinating factory tours. Glad you were able to make the most of your time in Taiwan.

[buster.keaton]

I thought this video was going to be super boring but I ended-up watching to the end as it was pretty darn interesting to see how some of the components we take for granted are made.

[kevingormany]

So glad to see Wellgo getting some time in the sun. They make great pedals. Love them.

[tonyBobb]

Brilliant Brilliant content! This is what the cycling community have been after. This episode is a nice fit after the previous episode talking about the bike industry, with the costs for the latest bikes being out of reach for many people. I'd like to know if Ollie managed to do any cycling while overseas? Would be rude not too. Well done GCN this has been a great watch, throughly enjoyed. Makes me want to take a trip to Taiwan myself.

[balbontinsergio]

LONG time GCN fan & also a U.S. attorney specializing in international trade. (First Asian factory I "visited" making bike stuff.) EXCELLENT video blending my hobby with work. Kudos guys on showing the world the behind the scenes!

[DougBateson]

One of the most interesting and informative videos I've seen in a long time.

[deepspoke]

Sourced pedals from Wellgo for an OEM brand in 1998; great company and glad to see they’re still around. Was also surprised on my 1st visit to see multiple OEM brands supported by single contract manufacturers.

[edromero]

For my mechanical engineering final project I visited Medici bike was a very great insight to practical manufacturing for those who had never seen it

[DRDCZ]

8:57 it says GIANT on the wall.. at least one customer you forgot to blurr 😀

[recstoppauseplay]

Manufacturers in Taiwan should also get tremendous applause and credit for making parts for vintage bicycles of latter half of the 20th century. If you're asking your local bike shop for Sturmey Archer parts, 26 x 1 3/8" tires, spokes, BB bearings and cups etc. They'll most likely be able to find them from Taiwan. The fun of restoration gets many a good bike back out on the road.

[yevhen]

Thanks for that video! From childhood till now I love those affordable yet well built products both Velo and Wellgo manufacture. Wanted to see how it’s done and you’ve delivered from Taiwan exactly what I wanted, guys!

[Jayneflakes]

Fascinating as always. Thanks Oli & GCN.

[jonathanzappala]

More please. I love seeing the business of cycling.

[chirpy]

Fantastic film, love seeing Robots and the machines that make our kit, thanks Ollie and GCN.

[questionmark]

Velo saddles and Wellgo pedals have been on my bikes for years.

[jackcisco]

Well done! We need more of these manufacturing videos! So cool and interesting to watch

[Shadowboost]

Very cool to see the Wellgo factory. I'll happily buy Made in Taiwan bike parts.

[michaelw]

Fascinating Ollie, many thanks for this insight.