King Liu, Founder of Giant Bicycles, Dies at 93

The visionary leader transformed Taiwan's cycling industry and global reputation.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:51am

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A sleek, carbon fiber bicycle frame resting on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the innovative engineering and global impact of Giant Bicycles under the leadership of its founder, King Liu.The elegant, minimalist design of a Giant bicycle frame pays tribute to the company's founder, King Liu, whose vision and leadership transformed Taiwan's cycling industry.San Jose Today

King Liu, the founder of Giant Bicycles, has passed away at the age of 93. Liu's impact went far beyond the millions of bikes his company produced, as he helped transform Taiwan's reputation and foster a global cycling culture. Through his leadership, Giant became a global cycling powerhouse, and Liu's partnerships with local bike shops and international distributors were instrumental in building both the domestic industry and Giant's global footprint.

Why it matters

Liu's legacy extends beyond just business success. He was a cultural pioneer who advocated tirelessly for bike paths and promoted cycling's health benefits, leaving a mark not just on the industry but on Taiwan's lifestyle as a whole. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped elevate Taiwan's reputation from a producer of low-cost, low-quality goods to a world leader in the cycling industry.

The details

Born in Taichung, Taiwan, in 1934, Liu's path to becoming a cycling titan was anything but straightforward. Before founding Giant in 1972, he dabbled in industries as diverse as eel farming, which ended abruptly when a typhoon destroyed his business. This setback became a turning point, and Liu pivoted to bike manufacturing, initially producing bikes for other brands. By 1981, Giant began launching its own products, introducing groundbreaking innovations like the Cadex in 1986—the first mass-produced carbon fiber road bike—and the TCR in the late 1990s, which revolutionized road bike geometry.

  • Liu founded Giant Bicycles in 1972.
  • Giant began launching its own products in 1981.
  • Giant introduced the Cadex, the first mass-produced carbon fiber road bike, in 1986.
  • Giant launched the TCR, which revolutionized road bike geometry, in the late 1990s.
  • Liu stepped down from day-to-day operations in 2016.

The players

King Liu

The founder of Giant Bicycles, who transformed Taiwan's cycling industry and global reputation.

Phoebe Liu

The daughter of King Liu, who currently serves as the CEO of the Giant Group.

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What they’re saying

“Through a strong commitment to quality and a clear long-term vision, he led the company onto the global stage and helped the world recognize the strength and capability of Taiwan's bicycle industry.”

— Giant Bicycles

“I was an old man contemplating retirement, but funnily enough, I instead discovered a brand-new me. It boosted my self-confidence, my health, and I became more willing to learn new things, to take on new challenges.”

— King Liu, Founder, Giant Bicycles

What’s next

The Giant Group remains in family hands, with King Liu's daughter, Phoebe Liu, serving as CEO. The company is expected to continue honoring Liu's legacy and vision for the cycling industry.

The takeaway

King Liu's impact on the cycling industry and Taiwan's global reputation extends far beyond the success of his company, Giant Bicycles. He was a true visionary who helped transform an entire nation's image and fostered a global cycling culture through his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative products, and tireless advocacy for the sport.