Popularity of adult mini folding bikes seems to have dwindled with a more than 20 percent slip in sales and prices this year.

Models with retail prices over NT$20,000 flew off the shelves last year during the height of the mini-bike fever. Now, all models are being sold at 20-30 percent discounts and sitting in stores across the country gathering dust. Domestic bicycle manufacturer Giant sold 1.2 million mini-foldables last year, but projects sales of only 900,000 units for this year.

Cycling fever, however, is actually deepening in Taiwan, according to the report.

“Cycling enthusiasts are upgrading their bikes to mountain bikes and other types with modified technology. People buy mini-foldables for their convenience, but serious cyclists would usually upgrade,” said Huang Chia-ling, a bicycle store supervisor.