TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN)—The magpie is Taiwan’s national bird. It’s also what First Bicycle Components will bill its new line of high-end components, including headsets, which it plans to unveil in March.
The Magpie headsets will join a flock of similar products winging their way to market around September 2010. Why September? That’s when manufacturers stop sending royalty checks to Cane Creek, because its headset patent expires.
Industry experts predict low-cost headset production will soar as manufacturers quit paying the royalties and new companies try to grab market share. In fact, some bicycle companies are already trying to squeeze headset suppliers for lower prices.
“We want to aim at Canada and the U.S. because the Cane Creek patent is expiring,” said Chrissie Huang, the overseas sales manager for First Bicycle Components, which has been making headsets and bottom brackets for 25 years. First Bicycle Components is showing the new headsets and other new products at its Taichung Bike Week booth.
Magpie won’t be alone. VP Components, one of Taiwan’s best small-parts manufacturer, has been making headsets for Cane Creek and other brands—paying royalties on that OE business.
FSA’s Douglas Chiang, whose company also makes high-quality headsets, is thrilled he will no longer have to open his checkbook to make royalty payments.
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—Doug McClellan
