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 Well, the sun has come out for Demo Day, the new press and conference zone is open for business and the extra halls added over the winter are all filling up as I write.
So, just to keep you ticking over until the show proper begins, here are a few gems found on the way to the eve-of-show press conference.
Viva are a Danish company who place a great deal of emphasis on style.
They couldn't tell me how much lighter than the 2009 version their 2010 'Duro' townie model weighs, but it doesn't matter.
Just look at it ... it's gorgeous!
Custom lugs, custom parts, an understated, yet elegant paint scheme; for sure, this is a great looking bike.
More on the Viva range plus a chat with Viva founder and designer Lars Andersen, later.
Another eye-catcher is this display of schutzhölzer/fenders/mudguards/garde- boue/wellies - call them what you will - from German carpenter turned designer David Wolff.
His company, Designfabrik Wolff, produce these great-looking rainy-day essentials in a range of hardwoods to suit most modern/retro paint schemes.
These actually work, because underneath the solid wood (not a laminate or veneer) is a flexy stainless-steel 'skeleton'. These fit any existing fender mount thanks to their 5mm-eyelet bolts and look to be a cinch to fit, thanks to the independent twin rear stays. Check out the monting bracket for the rear; not only does it form the 'Wolff' logo, it's also entirely practical by offering a multiple stay fixing points to suit any dropout angle or length!
David also produces fine-looking chainguards offered in the same wide range of hardwoods. Unfortunately, he won't be exhibiting for the whole of the show, so check out his website!
Lovely stuff - and the doors haven't opened yet!
Click on the thumbnails for a bigger look:
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