 Packing 'em in! The annual bike show merry-go-round has got underway, with Eurobike first of the bunch. Record-breaking attendance, more exhibitors than ever - and more new products than you could shake a stick at.
Does Eurobike live up to the 'Globalbike' tag some would like to give it, or is it getting too big for its boots?
Eurobike was big – but now its massive! The stats say it all: 36,800 trade visitors from 75 countries; 1.430 journalists from 32 countries, and 18,000 visitors through the doors on Sunday's Open Day. Added to the gate numbers, the Demo Day 'prologue' (the day before the show proper) attracted 1400 retailers and 370 media representatives.
There was indeed plenty to see; over 200 new products – everything from skewers to electronic gearing systems - were launched at the Show. Submissions for the highly-prized Eurobike Awards totalled 361 from 27 countries. Seminars, media conferences and product workshops abounded. The stunts and races on the BMX track were an exciting distraction if one were needed, while the indoor test rink in the Zeppelin Hall had them queuing up to try every derivation on wheels - from city bikes, to cargo bikes, to e-bikes.
While the global megabrands are in no doubt over the importance of putting on a good show at Eurobike, there are still custom framebuilders to be found, braving the trip, the expense - and the scrutiny. However, all I spoke to were more than happy with the results of their efforts. 
Darren Baum bit the bullet and made the trip from Australia to Germany with his range of titanium and steel beauties. ”Amazing; absolutely knocked out!” was Darren's reaction to not only the appreciation his work was receiving, but also the extent of his 'fan base' in Europe! Word of mouth is still one of the greatest forms of marketing and there was plenty of talk of Darren's work at the after-show parties. Somehow, I don't think he'll be flying back to Aussie disappointed.
Others, such as Italian micro-brand Milani , found both their lugged steel 'Heritage' models and up-to-the-minute custom-built carbon race bikes receiving equal praise; not only from bike lovers, but from dealers and distributors hoping to bag a 'niche' label to enhance their portfolio with.
As for the show itself, its success may be down to the Germananic love of efficiency coupled with fine attention to detail on the part of the organisers. Or maybe its position as the first major show on the calendar gives Eurobike its edge. Perhaps its the enthusiasm of the German cycling public....or maybe a combination of all three.
Whatever it is, one thing is certain - Eurobike rocks! It can be a slog at times, but its well worth the effort. Whether you look on it as an annual requirement or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you won't be disappointed. There's more than enough to see and do, you don't get handcuffed to an order pad the minute you step onto a booth, and the overall organisation of the event should be a template for other promoters and organisers to follow. For 2009, the show takes place a day earlier, opening on Wednesday 2nd September, through to Saturday 5th, to give everyone a welcome day off before getting back work on Monday . (Well, nearly everone!) So there you have it; mark it down in your diaries and whether exhibitor or bike lover, if you can get there, be there! |
