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Giant Group and World Bicycle Relief (WBR) today marked a major manufacturing milestone at Giant Group's Tianjin facility: the completion of the one-millionth Buffalo Bicycle built under the partnership that began in 2010. The event brought together WBR, Giant Group and component suppliers that have contributed to the program over the years. Together, they recognized the product innovation, manufacturing expertise and supply chain collaboration that have helped bring the Buffalo Bicycle from its earliest production runs to one million units.
The Buffalo Bicycle is purpose-built for rural communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America, with the durability to withstand heavy loads, long distances and rugged terrain. By providing reliable transportation where mobility options are limited, it helps riders access education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
Giant Group’s collaboration with WBR began in 2010, when Giant Group CEO Phoebe Liu first encountered the Buffalo Bicycle at a U.S. bicycle trade show. Recognizing its potential to address critical mobility needs, the company committed its product development, manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to the program. This expertise helped turn demanding performance requirements into a durable, easy-to-maintain bicycle, including a reinforced rear carrier capable of carrying up to 100 kilograms.
“At the time, I saw it quite simply,” said Phoebe Liu, CEO of Giant Group. “If we could use what Giant Group does best, our manufacturing expertise, to help bring a meaningful vision to life, then we should do our part. What we were supporting was never just a bicycle. It was the belief that bicycles have the power to change the world.”
Reflecting on Giant Group’s long-standing contribution, WBR Co-Founder FK Day said: “One million Buffalo Bicycles is not a milestone any one organization reaches on its own. Sixteen years ago, Giant Group encountered the Buffalo Bicycle and saw more than a manufacturing opportunity — they saw what reliable transportation could do for a family in a rural community, and they committed to it for the long haul. From the earliest production runs in 2010 to the bicycle coming off the line here in Tianjin, their engineers have taken our hardest requirements and solved them, again and again. I'm proud of what we've built together — and the next million now matters twice as much.”
Ride Like King: Riding for a Better World
Beyond product development and manufacturing, Giant Group extends its support for WBR through Ride Like King, its annual global cycling event. Launched in 2009, the event carries forward founder King Liu’s (1934-2026) vision of a healthier, happier and more sustainable future through cycling, bringing together employees, retail partners, brand ambassadors and riders worldwide to Ride for a Better World. This year's 18th edition, dedicated to his legacy, funded 927 Buffalo Bicycles — the largest annual total in the event's history.
Through virtual and in-person rides, participants collectively log kilometers toward Buffalo Bicycle donations. To date, Giant Group has donated 3,427 Buffalo Bicycles through Ride Like King, helping improve access to reliable transportation in rural communities.
Reliable Mobility, Greater Opportunity
WBR reports measurable outcomes associated with access to Buffalo Bicycles through its programs. Girls who receive Buffalo Bicycles are 19% less likely to drop out of school; healthcare workers equipped with bicycles serve 63% more households than their peers without bicycles; and recipient households report a 43% higher average monthly income. On average, each bicycle benefits a household of five, with WBR reporting an estimated five million people impacted, including riders, their families and community members who benefit from shared access.
“The one millionth Buffalo Bicycle shows what can be achieved when organizations bring their respective strengths to a shared purpose and stay committed for the long term,” Phoebe Liu added. “Giant Group will continue to work alongside WBR, our suppliers and riders around the world, applying our manufacturing and supply chain expertise to help reliable bicycles reach more communities and expand access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.”
