NAHBS Show Preview
History of NAHBS
Don Walker explains how the show came about…
“The idea of a shop window kind of show that would also be an information exchange and meeting place for the frame builders was talked about on the various frame builders’ newslists during 2002/3, but nobody stepped up to organize it. Finally I got fed up with all the talk and decided I’d take the bull by the horns and just do it. I was living in Texas at the time, so we held it in Houston. As a frame builder, I thought the show would help me sell more bikes.
“The first year, there were 23 exhibitors and about 700 attendees. This year the show sold out at 155 exhibitors, several weeks in ago. We’ll see how many customers come through the doors. Last year it was about 4,000.
“The way things have worked out, the show hasn’t helped me personally sell more bikes, although I’m probably the exception among the builders there. Some builders have seen their order books double and triple in size because of the show. What’s happened is the NAHBS has taken me in a whole new direction. I spend 12 months a year working on the show now. I didn’t really intend to be a show promoter, it just happened that way.
“My vision was always to make it more of a show than a seminar. The main focus in my mind was to raise awareness of the handmade frame building industry, and so far I think we’re doing a fair job of accomplishing that.”
“As for the future, I don’t think it will get a whole lot bigger in terms of exhibitors or customers. It is a niche market show, that’s the whole point of it. It’s not supposed to be a mass market show. It’s not about huge crowds, it’s about top end bicycles for cyclists with a preference for the best.”
Thanks to Commissioner Sam Adams
At the time Portland was chosen as the site for the 2008 NAHBS, the show was already due to head east. Show director Don Walker explains, “Commissioner Sam’s office went out of its way to persuade the NAHBS to come to Portland. I have to say I’m really impressed by the commitment to cycling that I see in this city. It feels really good to be here, and I think this is a very fitting venue for our last stop on the west coast for a few years. It gives us a good reason to come back.”
World Champion Cyclists Visit NAHBS
We know of at least two current or former cycling world champions that will be visiting the NAHBS. One is Brian Lopes, the reigning and multiple UCI world champion of Four Cross Mountain Bike racing - and who showed astonishing speed and skill as a novice track racer a couple of years back. “I heard about the show last year and since I love bikes, especially ones that are more like art pieces, I decided to come up and see another side of our industry,” says Lopes, who will be walking the aisles on Sunday.
Ready to Ride Seminars
Riders who are interested in tackling longer, more challenging routes want to avoid the most common mistakes. A panel has been assembled, which includes several accomplished road riders who are actively involved with many of the most noteworthy cycling events in the Western United States. They will share their experiences to help riders focus on the fundamentals to get them up to speed in the shortest amount of time, with the greatest potential for success. Panelists will discuss the unique aspects of centuries, double-centuries, multi-day rides and ultramarathon events, to prepare riders physically, mentally, and mechanically for their 2008 cycling season and beyond. The panel will feature presentations from:
* Michelle Grainger, Coach and Personal Trainer, Athletic Excellence
* Chris Kostman, Chief Adventure Officer and Race Director,AdventureCORPS
* Jonathan Nicholas, The Oregonian columnist, and Co-Founder, CycleOregon
* George Thomas, Co-Director, Race Across Oregon
* David Rowe (panel moderator), Editorial Director, Ready to Ride
The edited transcript and photographs of the panel will be compiled into an eBook and distributed this spring byRoadBikeRider.com.
Imperfection is Perfection
A Film About Richard Sachs and his Bicycles
For nine months in 2007, frame builder Richard Sachs invited film maker Des Horsfield to accompany him through all aspects of his working routine. Horsfield’s film takes an intimate look into the life and mind of the bicycle frame builder as Richard Sachs talks about why he does what he does, exacty as he does it. The story reveals his reasons for entering the framebuilding trade, how and why he works only with steel, and why the entities of Sport and Bicycle have remained inseparable to him. This thirty minute film was edited from over sixty hours of filming Richard at work, at home, and at the races . This is a special version prepared only for NAHB S , and it will be screened as part of the show’s seminar series.
Sampson Components Launch at NAHBS
Sampson Sports will use the NAHBS to launch a whole new line of component groups! Sampson states their new Intuishift(TM) shifters provide exceptional ease of use that allows the rider greater focus on riding, not on the operation of the shifting and braking. The Stratics group provides many technically advanced features that give the user great durability and light weight. Sampson is aiming at the smaller builder and bike companies business. Visit Booth 317 of the Handmade show. www.sampsonsports.com
City Bikes - North America’s New Category
Momentum Magazine will present a panel discussion on bikes built for utility. Rather than focusing on the bikes alone, panellists talk about the people who ride. The intention is to inspire a lively dialogue about the customers for custom-built city bikes and their motivations and inspirations for wanting to ride bikes for transportation. “Problem-solvers that we are, we are also interested to know what obstacles the new transportation rider may face - and what can we do to help them overcome those obstacles,” says Amy Walker, editor of Momentum Magazine.
The panel discussion will conclude with a flex the collective visionary muscles as talk goes to what the North American city bike of 2033 will look like - and what percentage of city trips will be taken by bicycle. Time at the end of the session will be give to questions from the audience.
Go to The Show and The Ride
The Worst Day of the Year Ride, February 10, happens to be on the same weekend as the NAHBS show, and the good news is you can do both. Historically, the weather for the WDYR has been very clement, so you could be in for a nice surprise. Organizers of the ride promise warmth and comfort at every turn, with ‘tons of belly-nourishing treats.’ Hundreds of hardy cyclists will laugh at the elements and gather for a finish line party at the Lucky Labrador. www.WorstDayRide.com
NAHBS Supports the World Carfree Network
A conference, entitled Towards Carfree Cities, will make its North American debut in Portland June 16-20, 2008. The conference aims to bring together transport and city planning professionals and activists to discuss the creation and development of sustainable transportation systems and the transformation of cities into human-scaled environments rich in public space, community life and city bikes. www.carfreeportland.org
Exhibitors From Far and Wide
Once again California exhibitors dominate the numbers at the NAHBS, although that might change next year when the show moves away from the west coast. But for this year, it shapes up like this:
Arizona 2 exhibitors
California 45
Colorado 19
Connecticut 1
Florida 1
Georgia 1
Idaho 1
Illinois 4
Indiana 3
Massachussetts 5
Maryland 2
Maine 1
Minnesota 2
Michigan 2
Montana 2
North Carolina 3
New York 1
Ohio 3
Oklahoma 1
Oregon 25
Pennsylvania 5
Tennessee 2
Texas 3
Utah 2
Washington 8
Wisconsin 1
Canada 3
Slovak Republic 1
Germany 1
Italy 1
Australia 1
Total= 152 exhibitors
About The North American Handmade Bicycle Show
Having started with 23 exhibitors in Houston, Texas, in 2005, the North American Handmade Bicycle Show is dedicated to showcasing the talents of individuals around the world whose art form is the bicycle. It aims to be a gathering point — online and in person — for framebuilders and consumers looking for custom-made bikes, for the sharing of ideas and promotion of this industry and its traditions. For more information, see http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com
source: NAHBS Press Office
