BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The Outdoor Demo’s expo area includes more than 64,000 square-feet of booth space.
"Our booth was literally slammed all day with retailers specifically checking out our gravity bikes," said Chris Conroy, president of Yeti Cycles.
"Because of the great shuttle services and the trails at Outdoor Demo, our retailers have a unique chance to test the heavy- duty downhill bikes that they would not at any other venue. I loved looking up throughout the day and seeing every one of our 60 demo bikes out on the trails."
This year, in addition to the new products and technology for mountain, road, BMX and recumbent bikes, retailers noticed a new focus on urban, commuter and electric bikes.
"In our store, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of requests for commuter and electric bikes this summer," said Richard Marquis, a retailer from Javelina Cycles in Phoenix, AR.
"After spending a day at Demo, it is good to see that the exhibiting manufactures understand our need for urban style bikes that are not just targeted at enthusiast riders. Our staff had a very productive day demoing several bikes."
Adrian Williams, MD of Pashley (pictured above) said interest in his company’s traditional English sit up and beg city bikes had been "staggering."
At the head of this morning’s 24 mile industry ride to Lake Mead and back, Lance Camisasca, Interbike industry consultant, said:
"The first day of OutDoor Demo was busier than last year. We are very happy with how things are going so far.
The indoor portion of the show runs Wednesday through Friday, at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas.
On Thursday, another Lance will be at the show: Armstrong. He will detail plans for his 2009 return to professional cycling, including team, partial schedule and development program.
On Wednesday, Armstrong will give a press conference in New York City at the Clinton Global Initiative where he will discuss his Global Cancer Initiative.
NOTE: more of the BikeBiz Outdoor Demo pix here.
