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Eurobike 2016
A word from the organisers CYCLING REMAINS a huge trend in Europe, with bikes as status symbols and favorite objects for their riders. Cargo bikes, increasingly equipped with engines, are proving to be a real alternative for cars for families and in big cities. Companies and cities are implementing programs to provide commuters with bikes and to make the streets safer for them. Whether your interests are in sports bikes, e-bikes, e-mountain bikes, road bikes, children’s bikes, recumbent bikes or just everyday bikes, every August/September, all of the bike-related trends are presented at Eurobike. Once a year, this event turns Friedrichshafen into the meeting place for the global bike business. This year, from August 31st to September 4th, around 1,350 exhibitors in Eurobike’s 13 exhibition halls expect approximately 45,000 trade visitors from 100 different countries on the business days, 35,000 end consumers on the festival days, and nearly 2,000 journalists from 40 nations. In over 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, the focus will be on the latest bike-related trends.
“The UK bike market is considered to be one of the most attractive ones in Europe.” The layout for the leading trade fair has changed significantly for 2016. With two festival days on the weekend instead of one public day, we are putting the focus on end consumers. The festival days welcome all kinds of bike enthusiasts with a program in 11 different areas. With 3,000 test bikes and the latest products from more than 1,000 international exhibitors, alongside an action-packed supporting program, the new Eurobike Festival Days represent a biking event of superlatives. The UK bike market is considered to be one of the most attractive ones in Europe, having grown by eight percent in 2014 and making up 18 percent of the European market. Every year, we are pleased to welcome around 50 British exhibitors, who are essential features of the trade fair.
Klaus Wellmann, CEO Messe Friedrichshafen Stefan Reisinger, Head of Eurobike/OutDoor
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Eurobike 2016
Editorial comment RUNNING BETWEEN August 31st and September 4th in Friedrichshafen, it’s looking likely that the world’s foremost bike trade fair, Eurobike 2016, is going to be the biggest and best ever. What’s more, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the show, which serves as an essential point of assembly for industry professionals. Débuting in 1991, and originally catering chiefly to MTB specialists, Eurobike has since swelled to accommodate all cycling categories, over 1,300 exhibitors from 50 countries, and more than 45,000 trade visitors and 1,700 press representatives – BikeBiz staff included.
“It’s looking likely that Eurobike 2016 is going to be the biggest and best ever.” Business days will be geared towards those working in the trade, while festival days are well-suited for end consumers eager to try out the new demo facilities. The event boasts 11 different areas, including a dedicated children’s zone, in which to use roughly 3,000 bikes, attend numerous workshops, and participate in cycling competitions. The tracks – which will be clearly marked with signposts for the directionally challenged, such as myself – span over six miles, and can be ridden on using the likes of carbon-fibre racing bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Eurobike 2016 is an essential addition to any cycling professional’s calendar – don’t miss this unique opportunity to sneak a peek at the next season’s novelties! Regardless of whether you’ll be in attendance for the full five days or just the business days, this event promises to be off the chain.
Hayley Ferguson, Editor, Bikebiz
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Eurobike 2016
Oxford
Visit Oxford Products Ltd Hall/Stand No. A1-220 SINCE APPOINTING David Jesson as the new commercial head of cycle, the team at Oxford Products has been busy developing a host of new products, some of which have recently been launched, while others are being kept under wraps until Eurobike. We take a look at what they have been up to… Locks remain a cornerstone of Oxford’s products. The unique new ALARM-D range combines a thief-scaring 110dB alarm with a Sold Secure-rated shackle lock. Its ergonomic, padded, drop-friendly construction is complemented by Oxford’s super-easy bike bracket. Oxford’s already-impressive high-visibility range has been bolstered by the arrival of fully-waterproof Aqua-V luggage. This series is comprised of two backpacks and a matching pannier, both of which are packed with high-visibility detailing.
David Jesson, Commercial head of cycling
On the same visibility theme, the company’s lights range has grown this year with the addition of some more premium lines, including a 25 lumen super-bright COB rear light. The Ultra Torch R25 rear light’s slim design for discreet seat post mounting uses a simple tool-free bracket. The rear light has four modes and will run for two hours at max output, and up to eight on flashing mode, for long endurance rides in poor visibility. The USB rechargeable lithium battery will fully charge in about three-and-a-half. Still under wraps… in addition to its 2,500+ existing product lines, Oxford will be proudly showing more new products at Eurobike, including some unique inventions and technologies which will help to establish Oxford as one of the leading players in the cycle parts and accessory market. For more details: www.oxfordproducts.com info@oxprod.com 01993 862 300
“In addition to its 2,500 existing product lines, Oxford will be proudly showing new products at Eurobike.” Meanwhile, the Metro V is an exciting new commuter helmet with a (removable) built-in LED light for extra visibility and safety. The removable light has six LEDs and three modes, constant, flashing and pulse. The helmet comes in four striking matte-finish colours, and features a deeper rear construction for increased protection, 18 air vents to keep the rider cool, and an integrated dial-fit retention system for a perfect fit and maximum safety. Two sizes are available: S/M (52-59cm) and M/L (58-61cm).
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Eurobike 2016
Polartec
Visit Polartec LCC Hall/Stand No. A7-306
HAVE YOU noticed a new kid on the cycling apparel block? It’s a technology whose brand name is popping up in cycling apparel from some of the hottest names in the industry. Got there yet? We’re talking about Polartec. And it will be exhibiting at this year’s Eurobike with another new technology, Delta. Heralded to be an innovative, next-to-skin technology that has been designed with cyclists and fast sports’ enthusiasts in mind, Delta works differently from many traditional base layer technologies, and has been described as a new cooling fabric platform range.
“Cycling has remained pretty much untouched by the brand, that is, until recently...” Polartec is famous for inventing that outdoor staple – fleece – back in the 80s, and since then the US technical fabric brand has been firmly ensconced in the outdoor industry. Cycling, however, has remained pretty much untouched by the brand, that is, until recently. With top names such as Rapha, rh+, Sportful and Castelli all featuring clothing using Polartec fabrics, it’s clear that the textile brand has something different to offer. But what do they have that the others don’t? Let’s start with a little overview of the brand. Established in 1906 as Malden Mills, the brand outfitted US soldiers with wool knits for two world wars. In 1981, it changed the world with the invention of fleece ¬¬– named by Time magazine as one of the 20th Century’s greatest inventions. Today, Polartec supplies the world with the most advanced fabric
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innovations. Polartec products range from advanced lightweight wicking fabric to insulation and weather protection textiles, and are utilised by leading apparel brands, the US military, and other global militaries. It offers technical fabrics ¬– sportswear, cycling, snow sports, outdoor and active wear to name a few – for use in all conditions and for any activity. It is the industry leader in post-consumer recycling (plastic bottles), as well as making fabrics for work wear applications and the upholstery market. Innovation is – according to Polartec – in its DNA. It’s not by accident that the brand has entered this market. CEO Gary Smith, an avid cyclist – also the MD of Independent Fabrication – saw a huge opportunity in the sector for the brand. And now, with Polartec Delta, it sees another winning fabric that will offer cyclists cutting-edge technology when it comes on the market in consumer-facing collections next spring and summer 2017. So what is Delta? Using a permanent mechanical wicking construction of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns, it prolongs the skin’s natural evaporative cooling response. By focusing on sophisticated construction rather than chemical additives, Polartec’s brand partners can permanently integrate cooling into a highly breathable garment that doesn’t stick to the user’s body during high-output activities. Traditionally, athletes turn to cotton or polyester garments in warmer climates, but sometimes find they get heavy, chafe or wick away their sweat, causing them to overheat. Polartec’s Delta sits in the sweet spot between cotton and polyester. By carrying sweat and holding it next to skin where it most closely replicates the human body’s natural cooling processes, it still allows the fabric to dry quickly. Cyclists will find garments made with Delta will provide comfort, reduce skin cling and help control odour. All welcome features, we’re sure you’ll agree. But we’ll have to wait until this time next year to try it out. For now, we’ll have to make do with looking at the ranges on the Polartec booth at Eurobike.
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Eurobike 2016
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A SNAPSHOT OF SOME CYCLING PRODUCTS USING POLARTEC TECHNOLOGY
Q SPORTFUL FIANDRE EXTREME NEOSHELL The Fiandre Extreme NeoShell is an all-conditions jacket featuring Polartec NeoShell fabric with taped seams for wind and waterproof protection. Highly breathable, this shell received rave reviews earlier this year. Look out for the R&D Zero jacket too. Using award-winning Polartec Alpha synthetic insulation, it offers warmth with high breathability and thermal versatility for cold winter riding.
Q CASTELLI POTENZA JERSEY Using one of Polartec’s softshell fabrics, the Potenza jersey is made from Polartec Power Stretch with a Hard Face DWR finish. This combination provides exceptional warmth with just the right amount of air permeability to keep the cyclist comfortable in cool conditions. The thick Polartec Power Stretch keeps the user warm down to roughly -10°C, yet is light and extremely stretchy, so they don’t feel weighed down as with a traditional jacket. The Potenza Jersey can replace a lighter jacket on mild days, or on autumn days when a vest and arm warmer kit just aren’t warm enough. Features include plenty of pockets: three rear, one zipped key pocket and one at the chest, plus bonded flat waistband with 360° reflective piping.
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Q RH+ – SHARK JACKET Polartec softshell fabrics make for perfect cycle wear: they offer stretch and protection in a lightweight, easy-care package. The Shark Jacket by rh+ uses Polartec Power Shield Pro, which was designed to enhance the strength and performance abilities of Polartec’s original soft shell technology even further. By reengineering the dense knit multicomponent fabric, Polartec developed an even stronger balance between warmth and breathability while drastically increasing the inherent ability to repel water [resistance of five metres]. The full-zip Shark Jacket marries the fabric’s attributes with great features, such as riding position Preshaped Aero SKIN Fit construction, three rear Streamlined Aero Pockets, rear-zipped mini pocket, Grip Fit Xlight waist gripper with anti-slip silicone, reflectivity and UV protection. Q RAPHA – INSULATED BREVET GILET Renowned British cycling brand Rapha have produced a gilet for long-distance riders who frequently encounter a wide range of weather conditions on their ride. Made with Polartec Alpha – a synthetic insulation originally developed for the US Special Forces – this gilet benefits from what Polartec calls “active insulation”. It regulates core body temperatures during both dynamic and static activities and, through its adaptable breathability, helps eliminate the need to shed or add layers while on the move.
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DISCOVER HOW POLARTEC IS CHANGING PERFORMANCE CYCLING APPAREL. ®
EUROBIKE HALL A7-306 POLARTEC.COM
Eurobike 2016
Eurobike 2016 Floorplan EMERGING TECH: Last year we saw some amazing new developments in emerging cycle tech, and we expect this year will be no different.
FASHION SHOW: Eurobike is a powerful platform on which to debut new clobber. Like past years, many brands will no doubt be debuting new clothing lines to the masses over the weekend.
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Eurobike 2016
GET HANDS-ON: If there’s one thing that Eurobike does best, it’s letting the public get up close and personal with products. Along with a host of products from the biggest players in the industry, there will be chances to try out some brand new bikes.
SOCIAL EVENTS:
Along with the Eurobike demo days, from September 3rd to the 4th, event goers are also welcome to attend the Eurobike festival days. 1,000 exhibitors will present their products, and amongst other attractions, the large perfomance area will play host to bike displays and test areas.
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Eurobike 2016
Squire makes Eurobike debut Visit Henry Squire Hall/Stand No. A3-504 BRITISH CYCLE security specialist Squire is set to introduce advanced technology products at Eurobike 2016, for the first time taking its own stand in Hall A3 – 504. This year’s Eurobike will be the showcase for Squire’s major new brand identity and specialist bike lock division Squire Bikelok – a mark of its strength in cycle security and expanding cycle product range. This new division is the result of extensive market research to make it as easy as possible for the consumer to make the right choice of cycle security. As a result, Squire has categorised its range into three distinct areas – Squire Leisure, Urban, and Sport Bikelok. Its own security ratings have been simplified too. Squire’s complete cycle lock range comes in striking new
“Squire is set to introduce advanced technology products at Eurobike 2016.” packs on show at Eurobike, together with a range of new merchandising options. The company plans to unveil exciting developments in locking technology, CEO John Squire stated. He said: “Consumers are looking for the best in security, the lightest weight and the most convenient, easy-to-use products. And we plan to announce some very exciting developments in smart technology.” Squire’s stand will also feature its heavy-duty line-up of combination bike locks, the world’s only integrated range to achieve Sold Secure Bronze and Silver ratings. The Sold Secure ratings for Squire’s combination cycle locks is a first for this type, and reflects the company’s level of our commitment to producing the very best products. Squire Snaplok, the UK’s first combination cycle lock to achieve Sold Secure Silver status, is a trailblazer for Squire’s combination cycle products. All nine products in Squire’s MAKO Combi range have been awarded Police Preferred Specification status, having passed tests to meet the high standards specified by Secured by Design. Squire’s MAKO Combi Armoured cable lock (AD25/1200) with hardened steel cups delivers exceptional resistance to attack. This 1200mm long armoured steel cable lock is the world’s
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Henry Squire, CEO, Squire
only combination lock of its type to achieve Sold Secure Silver status. Made from hardened steel, the MAKO Combi Armoured cable lock features a recodeable five-digit combination lock with easily spaced wheels for ease of use and over 100,000 combinations. What makes these bike locks unique is Squire’s patented TORQ DRIV technology: a recoding mechanism developed exclusively by Squire’s in-house designers to ensure the lock cannot be accidently recoded. Squire’s MAKO Combi (CN8/900, CN8/600 and CN6/900) integrated combination chainlocks come with 600mm to 900mm length chains (6mm or 8mm diameter). Made with tough hardened alloy steel to resist attack, the armoured steel lock body features a recodeable five-wheel combination lock with easily spaced wheels and 100,000 possible combinations. Similarly, Squire’s Hammerhead Combi is the world’s first combination D lock to achieve Sold Secure Silver rating. Ultra-resistant to attack and convenient, its recodeable six-wheel combination offers one million possible combinations. The hardened alloy steel shackle with octagonal sleeve comes with either 260mm or 290mm clearance and features an armoured steel lock body. All Squire cycle security products come with a personal ten-year guarantee as standard, and are available from Raleigh UK. For further information, contact Henry Squire & Sons Ltd on 01902 308050, visit www.squirelocks.co.uk or email info@ henry-squire.co.uk.ww
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Eurobike 2016
BikeBiz’s must-see stands Zéfal:
Madison:
Zéfal, the French accessories manufacturer will exhibit around 30 brand new products during this year’s Eurobike show. One of the main innovations that the company is keen to exhibit is the Tubeless Tank, which stores air from the floor pump (coming separately), and swiftly delivers it to the tire. The brand says that the pump is a versatile tool for cyclists on the go, as the tubeless tank does not require electricity, and can be used everywhere. Zéfal will be manning their booth in Hall B5-402, where they will invite attendees to take a gander at another exciting new product: the Profil Max FP60 pump. The new pump is constructed from French wood, anodised aluminium, and reinforced fibres. The Zéfal team says that they are looking forward to meeting the public, and are gearing up for a great show.
Madison will be bringing a wide range of brands with them to Eurobike 2016, with new products coming thick and fast from the likes of Shimano and Pearl Izumi. Shimano have reported that the new Dura-Ace will be proudly on display for the first time for members of the public to view, as well as the new range of Shimano Shoes. As always, Pearl Izumi has a gleaming range of options to suit road cyclists and mountain bikers alike, and Ridley will be showcasing its strong range of road bikes, including the brand new Noah SL Disc and Helium ALX, which the public may be seeing in the flesh for the first time. Elsewhere, Kryptonite will have its diverse range of security solutions on show for visitors, and it is also looking to get the word out on its newly-announced Global Anti-Theft Protection offer, as well as its recently-awarded Sold Secure status, which has been given to a number of locks in the Kryptonite Messenger Series.
Ultimate Sports Engineering:
X-Bionic:
Eurobike is the perfect time for Exposure Lights to launch its 2017 range to the global trade, just before autumn, when the days getting shorter. The brand commented that all of the new range with updated features will be present at the show. Lumen output, lens patterns and power are constantly being reviewed and improved, ensuring that the lights use power and shine brightest when the cyclist needs them, and emit a lower output when required, to ensure a better ride experience. A totally new offering from Ultimate Sports Engineering, called “Ultimate USE”, will also be shown to the world’s trade at Eurobike. Every bar, stem and post has been redesigned to give optimum comfort on modern geometry bikes, 29ers, 650b or 650b plus. Stealth black-on-black look carbon layups, created to ensure super light and effective feedback to the rider, also make sure they stay in control at all times. The brand says Eurobike is the ultimate environment to experience these new products, and are keen to explain all of these benefits and details to dealers in person.
Once again, sports clothing brand X-Bionic will be returning to Eurobike to show off the brand’s leading technical clothing range. Now in its 12th year of trading, the X-Bionic has won over 300 international awards for its textile manipulation. With more than 250 design and medical patterns that offer differentiated products for the retail, the brand says that now is a good time to make an appointment to meet with them, as X-Bionic are completely focused on the bricks and mortar retailer for sales success. UK manager Dave Hemming encourages dealers to “come meet with [his] UK team to discuss all the opportunities of growth [they] can offer; [they] are also launching some very cool new technology.” Dave Hemming can be contacted on: david.hemming@x-bionic.co.uk
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FOIL TEAM ISSUE
A E R O CO M F O R TA B L E
Milan-San Remo, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and now the Queen of the Classics- Paris-Roubaix. The Foil Team Issue proves once more that regardless of who it’s up against, this bike is the one to beat. It’s not just its aerodynamic advantages but also its comfort values that will keep you fresh enough to wrestle down your fellow escapees after a rough day in the saddle. The 2016 winner of Paris-Roubaix Mathew Hayman is the living proof of concept!
SCOTT-SPORTS.COM © SCOTT SPORTS SA 2016 | Photo: Kristof Ramon
Eurobike 2016
BikeBiz’s must-see stands Weldtite:
Continental:
At this year’s Eurobike, Weldtite will be launching their brandnew Carbon Gripper Paste. Specifically designed for use with Carbon components, it reduces the required tightening torque on handlebars, stems, and seat posts, while increasing surface friction to reduce slippage and prevent seizing. Available in both 50g tubes and 10g shop-counter friendly tubes, it’s sure to be a favourite with the IBDs. Also on show will be a new look for the ever-reliable Dirtwash Bike Cleaner, now with a stronger Orange colouring and new-and-improved trigger. Not only does it dispense three times more liquid per trigger pull, the spray pattern can also be altered with a turn of the nozzle. Dirtwash isn’t the only Weldtite product to get a packaging update: the Jetvalve range of CO2 Cylinders, launched at last year’s Eurobike, will receive a premium packaging upgrade to reflect strong sales over the last 12 months. Visit Weldtite at stand A4-308 for more information on these products or any of their other brands.
With 11 of the 18 UCI World Tour teams now riding on Continental, more athletes than ever before are trusting in Deutsche Technik bike tyres from Korbach, Germany. New for 2017, Attack & Force III tyre set, convincing both ambitious triathletes and any cycling enthusiast with the aero bug. Gravel bike options include Grand Prix 4-Season and a Speed King CX [32mm], to enable you to ride your bike safely and efficiently in new territory. A completely restructured City/Trekking segment sees new model names, sorted according to quality levels and areas of application. Make sure to block out some time to visit this tyre manufacturer at Eurobike 2016!
Ansmann:
SCOTT Sports:
Ansmann is well-known as a manufacturer of mobile energy solutions. Over 25 years experience in development and production of high-quality battery and charging technologies led, in 2010, to the introduction of complete e-bike drive systems. The new RM5.0 motor with its low weight – only 2kg – and high power is virtually silent, vibration-free, and goes almost unnoticed behind the derailleur. It has a mechanically advanced freewheel, with a width of 135mm and cruise-control function. The company also offers a new downtube battery pack, as well as many other standard batteries.
There are few brands in cycling with such a long history in mountain bike racing as SCOTT, who have been at the forefront of off-road bike racing for over 20 years. With decades of top-level bike competitions behind them, their racing concept – more commonly known as RC – is at the core of the brand’s heritage. The 2017 RC collection that will be taking centre stage at Eurobike 2016 is composed of dedicated race bikes, and the lightest SCOTT mountain bikes ever built. Nino Schurters World Champs winning bike will not only be on display, but also the full 2017 range – which provides a full head-to-toe collection for all cyclists – and bicycles designed to take riders to the next level in road, e-bike, urban or junior classes.
www.bikebiz.com
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Eurobike 2016
UK Exhibitors List 2016 COMPANY
BOOTH
COMPANY
BOOTH
AF Clothing Ltd. FINDRA
FG-B9/5
Endura Ltd.
FG-B4/1
Apidura Ltd.
FG-A7/4
Flaér
FG-B9/5
Bobbin Bicycles Ltd.
A1-201
Fordville Limited
Boxer Cycles Ltd.
FW-316
Free Flow Technologies Ltd.
Brick Lane Bikes Ltd.
A3-402
Global Opportunities
Brompton Bicycle LTD
A2-305
Grease Monkey Cycles
Brooks England Ltd.
A5-301
Green Oil UK Ltd.
A7-107
Clarks Cycle Systems Ltd.
B1-104
H7 Engineering, A L. Lozinski
A4-904
Dare 2b Regatta Ltd
A7-203
Henry Squire & Sons Ltd.
A3-504
Early Rider Ltd.
A2-500
Hiplok / Plus 8 Industries Ltd.
A2-501
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A7-320 FG-B9/5 A1-606 FG-B9/5
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Eurobike 2016
The complete list of exhibitors is now viewable online: www.eurobike-show.com/eb-en/index-of-exhibitors/ COMPANY
BOOTH
COMPANY
Hope Technology Ltd.
A2-207
Pashley Holding Ltd.
Kiddimoto Ltd.
A4-309
Rapha Racing Limited
LIMITS Technology Ltd Middleburn Cycle Components Ltd Momentum Electric Ltd.
FG-B9/5 A2-110 FG-A9/4 & DA-217
Scottish Development International
BOOTH A1-209 Eingang West 2 FG-B9/5
SealSkinz Ltd.
A7-326
Silverfish UK Ltd.
B4-203
Muc-Off Ltd.
FG-A7/1
SussMyBike ltd.
FG-B9/5
Nutrifiz Ltd.
FG-B9/5
TEKO eco performance socks
FG-B9/5
A1-104
Ultimate Sports Engineering
A2-303
Upgrade Bikes Ltd.
B1-304
Weldtite Products Ltd.
A4-308
OKO Tyre Sealants - The Oko Group Orange Mountain Bikes Ltd. Oxford Products Ltd.
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FG-A6/1 A1-220
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Eurobike 2016
Here’s a semi-rant …
Eurobike should knock out the “uro” IN MANY ways, Eurobike stinks. Friedrichshafen is a pig to get to, the town doesn’t have enough hotel spaces, traffic gums up the roads into the expo halls even though this is a bicycle show, the food’s expensive, and there’s just too much at the show to take in. It’s this last point that’s the kicker: there’s too much to take in. Eurobike is huge, truly immense. And despite a few notable pull-outs – no Pinarello bikes to drool over this year, and nor anything from Trek, Specialized, Felt or Cube – it’s likely to remain immense. The show is so big that Friedrichshafen’s icon – the Zeppelin airship – has to mosey out of town for a few days so its gargantuan hanger can be used to squeeze in a load more exhibitors. And when a show attracts loads of exhibitors, it’s a successful show. Successful for the organisers, that is. For visitors it all depends on the quality and relevance of the exhibitors. In previous years, Eurobike has been hugely relevant to the UK bicycle industry because it was a mountain bike show. Later, reflecting the market, it became a road bike show with some added mountain bikes. In the last three or four years it has switched again, and has become an electric bike show. Now, if this is where your business is going – on a pedelec journey – a visit to Eurobike is absolutely essential. And for many European bicycle dealers and suppliers, e-bikes are becoming more and more important to their bottom line.
“Eurobike remains a show that’s an entirely worthwhile visit for the owner of a pedal-powered business.” But, despite some notable exceptions, British bicycle dealers have yet to embrace e-bikes in the same way as their equivalents in the Netherlands or Germany. This is slowly changing, but most Brit IBDs remain stubbornly resistant to battery-powered bicycling. And if e-bikes are not your scene, you may find Eurobike to be less of a draw. Sure, there are still lots of carbon road bikes on show, and gravel bikes, fat bikes, MTBs, and Dutch bikes, but their numbers reduce each year. Within another three or four years, on the current trajectory, Eurobike could knock out the “uro” and become E-bike. So, for now, it remains a show that’s an entirely worthwhile visit for the owner of a pedal-powered business, but there are warning signs that what started life in 1991 as a purely mountain bike show is morphing into something quite different. Of course, the P&A exhibitors at the show – of which there are still many hundreds – have nothing to do with electric bikes, apart from the odd helmet or two, so they alone make a visit to Eurobike worthwhile. The bike industry’s two “S” corporates – Shimano and SRAM – remain as keystone exhibitors. Of more relevance to exhibitors this year is the show’s new format. The three-day trade show with a public day (attended by
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about 22,000 people) becomes a five-day festival of cycling. Having two public days adds to the show’s appeal for some exhibitors, but is a turn-off to others. Intelligently, the show organisers decided to allow exhibitors to opt out of the public element altogether, and the trade day-only exhibitors will be housed in the Zeppelin “hall”. This might not work for exhibitors; the Zeppelin hanger has always been a relative ghost town at Eurobike, attracting a fraction of the visitors that flock to the main halls. When the Zeppelin hall was used as the e-bike hall it had a focus, now that e-bikes have taken over much of the show, the hall will have no theme, and the show organisers will need to make sure visitors know there’s another hall not on the main plan. Eurobike is in transition for 2016, and it will be interesting to see how both exhibitors and visitors respond to the new format.
Carlton Reid, Executive Editor, BikeBiz www.bikebiz.com
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