SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – June 28, 2010 – With just under three months until Interbike’s International Bicycle Expo 2010, Interbike today announced net-sold, square-feet exhibit space at the Sands Convention and Expo Center has surpassed the 2009 show, with only limited amount of exhibit space still available.

Exhibitors from Europe, China and Taiwan have shown increased interest in Interbike’s marketplace necessitating the expansion of all of the show’s international pavilions for 2010. In addition, the show is welcoming the return of several significant domestic brands to the expo.

“As with any trade event, Interbike has been part of the normal ebb and flow of the bike industry’s business needs, marketing plans and the economy,” said Andy Tompkins, Interbike show director. “As this year’s floorplan suggests, Interbike continues to be an important business destination on the industry calendar, and has only become a stronger venue for domestic and international brands and retailers to gather.”

All of the International Pavilions have increased their booths for Interbike 2010. The China, Italy, Japan and Taiwan areas will each have a larger presence on the show floor, featuring more international manufacturers from their respective countries.

Additionally, the rapidly diminishing available booth space at Interbike 2010 is in part due to key manufacturers, including Advanced Sports, Shimano, Specialized and SRAM, upsizing their displays.

Several brands such as Santa Cruz, Swobo, and Castelli are returning to Interbike in 2010 following time away from the show to propel their marketing and sales objectives into 2011.

“While we are still huge fans of the OutDoor Demo, indoors is really the best venue for the social part of the business,” said Scott Turner of Santa Cruz Bicycles. “What we missed while being away from the indoor Interbike for the last few years is the ability to see all our dealers, industry partners and media friends in one place at one time. We’re excited to have the three extra days in a more relaxed atmosphere to talk about bikes. We are also bringing Swobo brand along with us this year, so there’s a lot to talk about!”

In addition to its comprehensive exhibitor list, Interbike continues to meet the needs of the industry by providing open lounges, fashion shows, indoor electric bike demo track, a variety of seminars and a highly effective venue for conducting business in the bike industry.

“The convenience of convening the industry at one time and in one place is unbeatable,” Tompkins said. “Interbike will always be a cost effective and straightforward business solution for the industry.”

For more information on procuring a booth at Interbike 2010, please contact sales manager Andria Klinger at 949.226.5745 or andria.klinger@nielsen.com.

About Interbike
Interbike (a business unit of Nielsen Expositions, the parent company of the Outdoor Retailer (OR), Action Sports Retailer (ASR), Health+Fitness Business, and Fly Fishing Retailer trade shows) is a full-service trade show company that creates, markets and produces high-quality expos and educational conferences. Producers of the OutDoor Demo and Interbike International Bicycle Expo, Interbike is the leading bicycle industry business-to-business event management company, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of cycling. Interbike (www.interbike.com) gathers more than 1,100 cycling-related brands and close to 23,000 total attendees annually.

The Interbike 2010 trade-only events begin with OutDoor Demo (September 20-21, 2010 in Boulder City), followed by the Interbike Expo, September 22-24 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association (TBEA) has committed $50,000 per year for three years to the Bikes Belong Foundation. The investment will go toward Bikes Belong’s Bicycling Design Best Practices Project, which works to increase bicycle use in America by adapting and implementing state-of-the art international best practices in infrastructure and urban design to make bicycling safer, more comfortable and more appealing. The SRAM Cycling Fund has matched this $50,000 contribution for 2010.

Read the rest of the news release here.

While the concept of models dancing on a stage in bike wear seems to work in Europe, we didn’t believe that the format was ideal for the US market and the style of apparel we were looking to feature. In search of the right format to showcase this apparel at the show, I came across a video of Momentum Magazine’s small fashion show that they had put on in an art gallery in Vancouver the previous year. The concept of the models actually showing the outfits while riding bikes on a small bike path throughout the audience was genius. A quick phone call to Mia at Momentum got the ball rolling and we’ve had two great fashion shows so far that have really struck a cord with the industry and cycling community.

But while the dancing-models-on-a-stage concept might not have worked for Urban Legend in the late 2000’s (aughts? ’00’s?), it obviously has worked at Interbikes past. Take a look at this scan that I took from the 1984 Interbike event guide.

In 1984, Interbike was in Las Vegas and the Rams were still based in Los Angeles. For those not in North America, the Rams – now based in St. Louis – are a professional gridiron football team. I can’t think of a choice of models more diametrically opposed in both appearance and spirit to those we’ve used in Urban Legend than pro football cheerleaders. Though judging by the number of ads in the magazine for super shiny bright skin-tight Lycra jerseys and shorts, I suppose they were an appropriate choice for the styles popular at the time.

There are some choice quotes from the text to enjoy along with the mental image that the thought of mid ’80’s cheerleaders conjures, too:

Star attractions of the show will be the L.A. Rams Cheerleaders, fresh from an appearance on the George Burns television special.

I’d bet that they’d also been featured in an episode of the Love Boat.

While she wouldn’t reveal specifics prior to curtain time, she hinted at some truly memorable moments–including a slow-motion triathlon…

Now that’s a coincidence. I performed a slow-motion triathlon once, too. But unfortunately, it was at the Cape Cod Sprint Triathlon back in ‘93.

Not surprisingly, it was my one and only tri.

I’m clearly having some fun at the expense of my predecessors here at Interbike who worked hard to bring you this show. But lest you think that I have something against cheerleaders, here’s a photo of me at the Tour of Palm Springs a few years back with the Xavier Prep School Saints cheerleaders who were enthusiastically welcoming all riders into one of the rest stops.

It’s (the official) Bike to Work Week! I know a few cities and areas have already held their own BTW days, but according to the League of American Bicyclists, this week is the real deal. As long as we’re talking official, Bike to Work Day is this Friday the 21st of May.

For most Americans, it’s time to break out the 10-speed or the old mountain bike for their annual bike commute effort. For most readers of this blog, though, I would assume either an existing regular or occasional bike commute or, as is the case with me, the kick-off event to “bike commute season.” My bike commuting is not so much weather influenced (San Diego/Orange County weather anyone?) as it is by the distance and kids’ schedules. School summer vacation schedules typically make my 44.8 mile (according to Google’s biking directions) each way commute possible. I throw in a Metrolink train between Oceanside and San Juan Capistrano to trim some time off Google’s estimated 4 hour and 8 minute ride to work (and actually enjoy the ride up the coast with views of the Pacific and the surfers and dolphins playing in it).

Speaking of Google biking directions, below is Google’s widget that you’re able to embed on your website. In the spirit of Bike To Work Week, I have it pre-populated with our office’s address in case you happen to be coming down to visit us and can use a bike. The widget’s also there to motivate/assist my co-workers planning to ride to work this week who don’t normally do so and help us do well in the Specialized Commuter Cup challenge. You can do it team!

It’s a decent show of the common sense aspect of using a bike to get to work. They even have an “expert” on who highlighted some important stats such as how most Americans live within 5 miles of work. The focus is more on the health benefits, but I’ll take whatever positive mention of cycling the mainstream media give us.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Self Magazine, featured in the video, has a “Biking Guide” up on their site with tips and product suggestions for new cyclists.

Also interesting to note that near the beginning, Roker says it’s time to “break out the Schwinn” when referring to bikes. I wonder if “break out the Trek (or Specialized) would mean more to people under 40?

BUT, the content more than makes up for it. I’d heard going into the this morning session at the annual spring gathering of the bike industry’s leaders that there was going to be an announcement made by one of the advocacy groups. When I saw Tim Blumenthal of Bikes Belong, Jenn Dice of IMBA and then the CEO’s of the two largest US bike companies, Mike Sinyard of Specialized and John Burke of Trek, walk up onto the stage, I had a feeling it would be something big. I reached for my little Sony point-and-click digital camera that also shoots video and captured the proceedings. Who knew it would be so compelling?

If you didn’t read the coverage or were not fortunate enough to be present, here’s the background. The BLC this year hosted about 200 “heads of state” of most of the major bike manufacturers and suppliers in the United States. Pretty much a who’s who of the industry including the presidents, CEO’s, general managers, owners and/or marketing directors of companies like the two listed already, plus Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, Raleigh, Dorel, Performance, Scott USA, Ritchey, Giant, Haro, Crank Brothers, SIDI… you get the idea. They all gather to network, improve the business climate, discuss the state of the industry and work on areas to improve conditions for cyclists and ultimately grow sales of bikes. It’s really an amazing event and, as is the case with many conferences, the time during the meals and breaks in between sessions are some of the most beneficial and gratifying. I make it a point to find a table during the meals with no one I know to force myself to make new acquaintances and contacts. With essentially everyone in the room being a client of ours in some way, you can understand the value in attending for us.

So, apparently, in the weeks leading up the BLC, Jenn Dice from IMBA had been discussing with John Burke about some serious new challenges that they were facing on access issues. John asked what IMBA needed to mount an effective defense and he in turn committed to supporting it. He also told her to reach out to “Mike over at Specialized.” With that base of initial support from the two big guns in the industry, they decided to formally announce the new Public Lands Initiative at the BLC and to take advantage of all the assembled people with enough authority to write big checks on behalf of their corporations to try to reach the funding goals for the program.

Following the introductions and speeches by Dice, Burke and Sinyard, was an amazing sign of industry solidarity, belief in the role of advocacy in growing the industry and more than a little peer pressure. While many companies committed right there on the spot, many more joined in throughout the rest of the day and the conference (after a quick call to their CFO back home, perhaps?), and the $300,000 first year goal was surpassed and approached the two-year $600,000 goal finishing up at $587,000. Pretty amazing.

The quality of the video is not great as a result of the device and the indoor lighting and sound, but the spirit is inspiring. I caught a number of companies making their on-the-spot pledges of support and tried to note them all during the video. I added the complete list of 38 companies (including us, of course!) at the end. And remember, it’s not too late to email Jenn and make a pledge if your company hasn’t already. Retailers: note in the video that your peers at Wheel & Sprocket and Performance join in with support in the video so don’t feel like this is only a supplier issue!

Here’s a link to IMBA’s official news release about the initiative.

And while I was there I felt like a celebrity – because the subject of Interbike came up a few times. As a matter of fact, the Interbike show was referenced specifically by Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association (TBEA) Chairman Ying-Ming Yang who declared Taipei Cycle was set to take overtake Interbike as the world’s number two show (Link to release).

A few people have asked ‘is this true?’ or ‘how do you feel about that?’ so I wanted to take a few moments to examine this statement.

My first reaction is of course is to congratulate TAITRA and Mr. Yang on a well-run, dynamic show and for attracting record attendance. That is no small feat given the economic environment we are all facing. Looking through all of TAITRA’s releases and post show statements, I’m not sure which specific metric, other than pure booth and exhibitor numbers, Taipei is citing to make claims on its world ranking. A show’s size doesn’t necessarily dictate its ultimate power, importance and strength.

As Bicycle Retailer and Industry News stated in its show wrap-up coverage, it’s hard to judge which numbers a trade show is citing when it talks about growth – total attendance, retail, consumer, or buying power. All of these factors play into what determines a healthy and successful show for the industry and the markets it serves.

More to the point, both Taipei and Interbike are both unique parts of a very efficient global trade show cycle, which also includes Eurobike and many other shows, and are designed to serve the production, buying and selling needs of an entire planet. Very few markets can boast they have arrived at such an efficient model.

Interbike is the predominant show servicing the North and South American markets. While these economic centers have been hard hit by the recent downturn, they are emerging from this period stronger and the cycling markets stand to benefit as a result of increased economic activity. These markets represent significant potential for growth in the next five to ten years as more consumers look toward to cycling as a means to facilitate transportation, lifestyle and recreation. Interbike will continue to serve as the primary means to interact and influence these key buying sectors.

In the trade show season cycle, the Taipei Cycle Show is predominately a product managers and importers/distributors’ show. Bicycle product and purchase managers attend the show to see what’s new from Taiwanese component and frame manufacturers to make their spec’ing decisions for the next model year’s product lines. After they have nailed down their product lines the next step is for them to show their new products to retailers, and that’s where the next phase of the trade show season/buying cycle kicks in with Interbike, Eurobike and other national or regional shows.

The success of the 2010 Taipei Cycle means that bike exports are on the rise, which will ultimately benefit the North / South American market which Interbike serves. As many U.S. managers and I discussed, we hope a good deal of the 4.3 million units shipped from Taiwan for an average price point of $290.54 in 2009 (which is expected to grow by double digits in 2010) will ultimately translate to strong sales and margins on sales floors all across North and South America.

So once again, congratulations to TAITRA on an amazing Taipei Cycle. We should all be excited that the first trade show leg of 2010 was a huge success, because that momentum should carry over to the industry as a whole. Regardless of the trade show, the goal is to provide the best show experience and the best business opportunity for exhibitors, retailers, bicycle advocates and the media. At the end of the day Interbike, big, small or somewhere in between, will provide a unique and powerful buying opportunity for the markets it serves.

Andy Tompkins is the VP/Show director of Interbike.

The Salt Lake Tribune’s business section contains a story today about Specialized’s decision to remain–and expand their facility–in SLC when their original 10 year lease expired not too long ago.

Specialized first located their western distribution center on the west side of SLC back in 1999 and have been very pleased with what the state has offered them and their employees. This seems to be in line with what we’ve seen from many other cycling and outdoor recreation companies over the last ten years that have chosen to relocate or open DC’s in the SLC-Ogden area of Utah. Quality Bike Products (QBP) is a recent notable example from the bike industry, having chosen Ogden as the location for the new warehouse they plan to build.

In addition to the logistical benefits of SLC, Kim Petersen, Specialized’s corporate distribution manager is quoted in the article as saying:

“The icing on the cake is that Utah is a fantastic place to live and raise a family, with unlimited outdoor recreation possibilities. There’s also a great population of cyclists here. Specialized believes in cycling and the future of the sport and believes things will recover here. So we decided to make the investment and set up a new lease for a building with expansion capabilities.”

The photo above shows Specialized-SLC employees’ bikes racked in the warehouse. Just like their counterparts in Morgan Hill, California, lunch time rides seem to be a regular part of the workday. That’s great to hear, but I’m guessing that the weather in Morgan Hill is a tad more pleasant this time of year for those rides…

“The icing on the cake is that Utah is a fantastic place to live and raise a family, with unlimited outdoor recreation possibilities,” Peterson said.

“There’s also a great population

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of cyclists here,” he added. “Specialized believes in cycling and the future of the sport and believes things will recover here. So we decided to make the investment and set up a new lease for a building with expansion capabilities.”

Not one to avoid going back to the same well for more of the same traffic, I give you Design Your Dream Fixie 2.0: trendy fashion retailer Urban Outfitters has been selling bikes through its website–even going so far as to call it the “Urban Outfitters Bike Shop” and give it its own vanity url: bikes.urbanoutfitters.com.

The site lets you design your own bike and preview how it will look as you go along. Once you’ve designed it–by selecting frame, wheel and component colors–and placed your order, they (or rather their partner Republic Bike) build it and ship it to you (some assembly required). All for the incredibly attractive price of $399.

Is this mass-merchant/big box-style bike selling or a popular and fashionable non-endemic retailer helping to spread the gospel of bikes to their customer base? Does the simple and straightforward nature of fixed gear bikes alleviate some of the concern that U.O. don’t have service departments in their stores at all? If fixies hadn’t developed into the trend that they are, would U.O. be selling any bikes at all? Is a fixie just a fashion accessory to the U.O. customer or are they being used in a very practical way as a means of transportation with some lasting impact on the buyer’s lifestyle?

Aside from the impressive number reached, I believe that the importance of this research is that it is a rare analysis of the role that cycling plays in a region’s economy. If we can’t win the argument for cycling with some skeptics based on all the well known benefits of the activity itself, then maybe we can win on its economic significance. And with the state of unemployment, currently, in the US, the figure below from the report has particular value:

In all, bicycling supports an estimated 13,193 jobs in the state.

I married into a family with strong ties to Wisconsin and am very familiar with “God’s Country,” as they lovingly refer to it. It truly is a beautiful place to ride a bike, and non-residents who spend over 6.4 million days a year cycling in WI seem to agree. I bring this point up to emphasize that this report focuses on the impact from recreational cycling, though it does seem to touch on the benefits of replacing short car trips with the bicycle. The report also includes some recommendations to increase bicycle use.

Another interesting figure from the report that will appeal to industry members is that the report quotes the “economic impact of manufacturing, sales, & services” to equal just under $594 million. Considering that that amount includes Trek’s, Pacific’s and all other manufacturers’ business plus the sales of all of the state’s bicycle retailers, does that sound small to anyone or is it about right? I’m curious because the only real reference I have for Trek’s sales would be to compare them to Specialized’s. Back in 2008, an article and video interview with Specialized’s Mike Sinyard on the CNN Money website mentioned that he had grown the company he began in an eight foot wide trailer into a $500 million a year business. I would assume Trek to be very similar in size if not a bit larger in sales than them. And Pacific is no slouch themselves in the sales department, so I would arrive at a noticeably larger total figure guesstimate.  Am I wrong?

And in closing, lest you think that all is rosy for cyclists in Wisconsin, if you read the comments section of any of the articles written about the study in the state’s newspaper sites, you’ll see the typical anti-bike attitude we all seem  to encounter, unfortunately, whenever bikes are described in a positive way.

You can read the full report here on the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin website in PDF format.