Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.1nterceptor
09-19-11, 06:16 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8762228/China-falls-back-in-love-with-the-bicycle.html#.TnenRE-9od4.facebook
Until the 1980s, a good bicycle was a sought-after status symbol and workers needed guanxi, or connections, to obtain the best brands: Flying Pigeon, Phoenix and Forever, all of which cost up to four months wages.
By the late 1990s however, one in four bicycles being turned out by the state-controlled factories was left unsold as Chinese fell in love with cars.
But for a new generation of Chinese, inspired by the West and Japan, the bicycle is once again in vogue. This year, colourful custom-made bikes have adorned the shop windows of Shanghai's trendiest boutiques as well as advertising campaigns for brands like Lee and Levi's.
Until the 1980s, a good bicycle was a sought-after status symbol and workers needed guanxi, or connections, to obtain the best brands: Flying Pigeon, Phoenix and Forever, all of which cost up to four months wages.
By the late 1990s however, one in four bicycles being turned out by the state-controlled factories was left unsold as Chinese fell in love with cars.
But for a new generation of Chinese, inspired by the West and Japan, the bicycle is once again in vogue. This year, colourful custom-made bikes have adorned the shop windows of Shanghai's trendiest boutiques as well as advertising campaigns for brands like Lee and Levi's.