BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The London Bike Show begins tomorrow (Thursday), but is it worth leaving the shop or office to get along to it? BikeBiz presents ten reasons why you should get yourself over to ExCeL in the next few days…
1. Get to grips with the latest tech
The London Bike Show is not just an opportunity to simply see new releases from major brands in the industry, you can also get to grips with the latest tech first hand. From smart technology such as GPS and heart rate monitors, and of course the latest bikes, you will able to get ahead of the game and discover which tech everyone will be chatting about in 2016. Some of the biggest brands in the biz are set to be at the show, with the likes of Specialized, Boardman, Cannondale and Scott confirmed to attend.
2. Expert advice and knowledge
Whether it is a case of getting industry insight or quizzing a seasoned ex-professional, The London Bike Show has plenty of elite knowledge to share. The Cycling Performance Theatre is back once again and has previously hosted discussions with legends such as Sean Kelly, Greg LeMond and Sir Chris Hoy, as well as mastermind Sir Dave Brailsford; the show has even acted as the official launch of new trade teams in the past. There are few better chances to discuss some of the industry’s and sport’s biggest talking points, the show says.
3. Solving your nutritional problems
With the exhibition floor hosting many big nutrition names in the sport, The London Bike Show offers up your chance to quiz the experts face-to-face and see how the competition measures up. Etixx and Science in Sport will be bringing their latest offerings, with High5 making an appearance at the adjoining Triathlon Show: London. There’ll also be chance to swot up on recent nutrition developments, so you’ll be able to show those internet researchers a thing or two when they come into the shop.
4. Show off your mechanic skills
The Workshop is another returning feature for 2016’s London Bike Show, where you can either sit down with a fresh coffee and discuss tricks of the trade with professional mechanics or show off your daunting skills with a spanner, in the Cytech Fastest Wrench Competition. Free to enter, the race against the clock consists of removing an inner tube from the wheel, replacing it, before then re-inflating and re-assembling the brakes; finish the day atop the leaderboard to claim your prize and be crowned Fastest Wrench 2016.
5. Air To The Throne Makes Its Debut
While we can’t really pretend this has a trend-angle, the inaugural edition of Air To The Throne will be a spectacle all the same. The adrenaline fuelled competition lines up 30 of the world’s finest freestyle mountain bikers who will duke it out for a prize pot of €10,000. Set upon a testing AT3 course, which includes gigantic features to allow the riders to showcase their biggest tricks, it guarantees plenty of heart in your mouth moments to accompany the aerial acrobatics above. There is also the option to head up to The Hot Seat bar, which overlooks the course, in order to watch British riders including Sam Pilgrim, Matt Jones and Daryl Brown contest this rare spectacle in the UK.
6. The Performance Training Hub
Not sure whether to dip your toe into bike fitting? Well the Surrey Human Performance Institute is back to the LBS by popular demand, putting athletes through their paces for two hours in order to analyse fitness with a broad spectrum of tests; delivering comprehensive reports on nutrition, technique and body composition. This performance lab provides an insight as to the scientific testing which is undertaken by professionals throughout the year.
7. See 2016’s clothing trends
Sure you probably have an idea of these already, but finding a bunch of apparel brands together can highlight hitherto un-noticed trends in the market. Floral prints? Fluro designs? Whatever the breaking style of the year, it is sure to be on show here, giving you a close up first look at race kit, commuter clothing, casual attire and anything else the market has to offer. The range of clothing brands showing their wares will be varied, with Vulpine bringing their stylish apparel, and X-Bionic catering for those wanting the most up-to-date technical products. This as well as Fat Lad at the Back giving their own unique twist on the cycling clothing market.
8. Test Rides
It wouldn’t be right to look at all that nice shiny new kit, accessories and bikes without trying them out. With that in mind, The London Bike Show has constructed the indoor BikesEtc Test Track. Here visitors can make sure they know which bike suits them best and try out that latest tyre sizes. Canny dealers can identify which bikes – types and brands – that have been left on the rack. Just a thought.
9. It Is Not Just The London Bike Show
Buying a ticket offers more than just seeing what’s on offer from the world of cycling, a ticket also includes entry to Triathlon Show: London, The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show and The London International Dive Show.
10. It’s free to the trade
That’s right, readers, you can come along for free to the unofficial trade day on Thursday. Register at www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk/trade
The London Bike Show takes place at ExCeL London, from February 11th to 14th.
