The Philly Bike Expo: New Products, Artisanal Bikes and the Cycling Cultural Zeitgeist
The Philly Bike Expo is the East Coast's most important gathering of the cycling industry, and it's coming up this Nov. 2-3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
This year will see more new product introductions than ever before. At the same time, show organizers are working to lift the voices of women in cycling and to push the use of cycling as transportation, amongst other conversations. In addition, there will be many artisan framebuilders on hand showing their bespoke creations, as well as the latest in eBike technology. Pre-register for media credentials here: https://phillybikeexpo.com/events/media-pass-philly-bike-expo-2019/
Below are more details on a few of the important stories to tell at this year's expo:
The Philly Bike Expo is the de-facto US Launchpad for Products Which Debuted At Eurobike:
- Wahoo Fitness is an important player surfing the growing wave of indoor cycling, and the PBE will see the US launch of the new Kickr bike- which blew some minds at Eurobike in September.
- VAAST Cycles is debuting an innovative line of lightweight “Super-Magnesium” alloy frames.
- Schwalbe will be showing their newly redesigned tires line for the first time in the USA
- WTB’s new Fit Right system for saddle fitting, and corresponding range updates
- See expanded info on debuts and launches here
SRAM and the PBE are Expanding Diversity and Representation in Cycling
The new SRAM Inclusivity scholarship opens up opportunities for women, POC, and trans people who may otherwise have difficulty funding trips to shows and expos. This is not only good news for the PBE but good news for increasing representation in cycling, (and the outdoor space in general.) The topic of representation in cycling is also on the docket for numerous seminars hosted by luminaries including Ayesha McGowan, Georgena Terry, and Tenzin Namdol.
Read here for further information on the SRAM Inclusivity Scholarship.
The Philly Bike Expo is an important gathering for the handbuilt bicycle community.
Many of the framebuilders exhibiting at the PBE are seldom seen at the North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show or other artisan showcases. This is a great opportunity to spotlight builders seldom seen by the wider cycling community. The handbuilt bicycle community continues to set trends for the cycling community with new levels of artistry, integrations and clever problem solving ideas which presage the bikes of the future. The show will also have a panel discussion on the birth of American framebuilding hosted by legends Richard Schwinn, Tom Ritchey and Mark Nobilette.
eBikes and Multimodal Transit:
The landscape of commuting is changing, and the PBE will be a showcase for the latest in low-carbon city transit options. Shimano and Bosch eBike systems joins trendsetting brands including stowable eCargo brand Tern and a host of accessory brands pushing for increased use of cycling as transit. In addition to products on display, there will be discussion panels, seminars and movie screenings covering the topic of cyclist as transportation.