Your once-a-week dose of retail therapy from Singletrack’s Premier Dealers, stockists and advertisers:
Tuesday Treats gives you a quality serving of independent bike retailing and a chance to win big in this week’s prize draw!
This week, we revisit The London Bike Show
It’s that time of year already folks! Blast away the cobwebs and head on down to one monster of a Bike Show. It’s bold, it’s brash and it’s stacked with the promise of performance, brand new gear, industry stars and linked access to three additional outdoor exhibitions. A selection of the good ship Singletrack’s crew will be there too, offering an ear to those classy riders who know just what a good bike mag looks like.
Bike Show marketing man Ian Chandler tells us what’s happening in the massive halls of the ExCel this year…
Dare we ask Ian – what’s in store this year?
We’re returning to the ExCeL London from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th February with loads of bikes, gear and accessories to browse and buy, exciting features to watch and take part in, and everything any road, mountain, urban or family cyclist could ever need.
Who’s booked to show off their wares?
Who’s not! Brands confirmed include Cannondale, Boardman, Scott, Giant, Colnago, Vulpine, Canyon, Hoy Bikes, Mavic, Raleigh, Santa Cruz and Schwalbe. We have retailer TriUK offering bike fitting and some great offers. If you’re looking for a new bike, new clothing, accessories, a cycling holiday, training advice or something else – the Show has all bases covered.
There will be over 200 exhibitors on show, including a number of retailers. Go here to see the current list of all confirmed exhibitors.
Otherwise the full ‘What’s on guide’ is here. This year in the Cycling Performance Theatre – Sponsored by British Eurosport we are set to deliver the best line up of special guests the London Show has ever welcomed, including: Great Britain’s most successful Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond and from MTB specifically …
The theatre will also host the team launch of Velosure Starley Primal and the Total Women’s Cycling Awards. The full schedule will be available here prior to the start of the Show.
The breathtaking Action Sports Tour will return, with demos keeping the crowds entertained every day. Expect impressive stunts, astounding bike-control and spectacular aerial action from some of the world’s top riders! There will even be a chance for visitors to have a go at learning some skills themselves.
Want a little more competition? The DMR Pump Track will see the UK’s best mountain bikers racing against the clock! As will the Cytech Fastest Wrench competition – how quick can you change a tyre? The speed of some people is incredible!
What about skills and technique advice?
We have the Surrey Human Performance Training Hub – Fuelled by Erdinger Alkoholfrei offering visitors the chance to measure fitness, challenge performance and a chance to walk away with a personalised training program after a 1-2-1 expert performance assessment. Organisers urge early booking to ensure you don’t miss out as there is extremely limited availability.
The importance of riding a bike before buying it can never be overlooked, which is why the 500m BikeEtc Test Track will return to the Show for another year, allowing visitors the opportunity to try a whole range of road bikes, commuter bikes and the latest electric bikes. There will also be a dedicated kids test track for the younger ones to try out the latest bikes on the market.
What’s brand new for 2015?
We’ve added a host of new attractions, including the Training & Safety Arena. Visitors will find a mock road network and Cycle Training UK & partners will be on hand offering hints, tips and advice to help you ride safer, on and off the road.
The StreetVelodrome is another new feature for 2015. Visitors will be able to take part in the heart-pounding, action-packed theatre of track-style cycling by either signing up to race on the world’s only pop-up velodrome or joining the cheering crowds around it.
The Innovation Lab in association with BikeBiz will showcase the most innovative cycling products. From ground-breaking concept bikes to mobile apps, technology, start-ups, ground-breaking transport schemes and the latest innovations in safety equipment, kit, accessories and clothing, the area will offer a flavour of the future of cycling.
What about the additional exhibitions?
It’s genuinely a ‘1 Ticket for 4 Shows’ event. A ticket to The London Bike Show will also gain visitors entry into three other events running alongside it at the same time: the Triathlon Show: London, The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show and the London International Dive Show (Saturday & Sunday only). It’s great value for money and a fantastic day out, with plenty of opportunities to try new activities, browse a range of kit and prepare to get active.
How best do we keep up to date?
It’d be great if readers would stay in touch with developments on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. We are updating the feeds with new information all the time. The full guide for ticketing and ‘how to get here’ is here.
Lastly, what do Singletrack Premier Subscribers get from you guys?
Open to all Singletrack readers this week, our exclusive offer is redeemable by ordering tickets online.
Enter TRACK2 at checkout which offers readers reduced priced £13 Thu/Fri Adult tickets and £15 Sat/Sun Adult tickets. This offer expires on 1st February 2015.
Tuesday Treats Prize Draw
Click here to win this week’s prize!