BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Eurobike has been running for 20 years. In that time the bike industry have ups and downs in that time – does the bike industry in 2011 seem strong compared to then?
Yes, definitely. The bicycle as a piece of sports equipment and increasingly as an urban mode of transportation is gaining ground in many markets. That means good business for bicycle stores and the bicycle industry and benefits everyone involved – including Eurobike.
All of the market leaders have their ‘big show’ on Lake Constance, where all the new features and innovations are presented to the broader public for the first time. The media is also watching the Eurobike 2011 closely. More than 1,700 media representatives are expected to attend.
How has Eurobike changed over the 20 years?
The Eurobike started in 1991 with 268 exhibitors in the midst of the trend at the time, which was ‘mountain biking’. Now, in its 20th year, Eurobike is recognised worldwide as a leading trade show which has grown with leaps and bounds over the last two decades. On the 20th anniversary of the international bike show, more than 1,100 exhibitors from 42 countries have registered to participate. Eurobike has long moved on from being a specialised bike show to become one of the world’s most important trade shows for all segments of the cycling industry.
What does Eurobike offer the international bicycle industry that other shows don’t?
As the leading trade show for the international bicycle industry, Eurobike will present the entire spectrum of products the industry has on offer.
It offers something for everyone: from the fashion show, the test track for mountain bikes and e-bikes as well as the Eurobike demo day the day before the show. The show is unbelievably diverse and a must for cycling experts and enthusiasts, who will be coming from all over the world. It takes place in Friedrichshafen, where three of the world’s most important bike markets – Germany, Austria and Switzerland – come together. There is an impressive amount of purchasing power just within within 300 km of Friedrichshafen. Lake Constance is a centre for sports and leisure with a real affinity to cycling. The compact and modern exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen, which are perfect for exhibiting leisure products, also play a role.
Will Eurobike have a dedicated zeppelin hall for electric bikes again?
Pedelecs and e-bikes are driving the bicycle industry right now. The entire market for e-bikes by quality manufacturers will be represented at Eurobike.
At the Demo Day and on the test track, pedelecs and e-bikes can be put to the test. E-bikes, pedelecs and LEV accessories, as well as an extensive test track on the east open-air grounds and in the Zeppelin hall, will be available for the bicycles with the built-in tailwind.
How many British firms will be exhibiting at Eurobike?
About 40 exhibitors from the UK will be exhibiting at Eurobike.
And do you know how many visitors come from Britain?
All in all, more than 40,000 visitors from the trade and media from 102 countries attend the Eurobike. In 2010, about 1300 were from Britain.
Will the iPhone app return for 2011?
After its successful premiere last year, the Eurobike app will be available again in 2011, for free and with additional features.
It will again be possible to access the combined information packet about the exhibitors, program of events, makeup of the exhibit halls, and much more. This navigation tool is perfect for preparing your visit to the Eurobike and orienting yourself once you are there. We have also further developed the service for other smartphone users and in 2011 we can offer them almost the same functionality as with the iPhone app.
Any final reasons why the trade should attend the show?
Eurobike is not just a classic product show offering the all-around program of a specialty trade show. Here in the beautiful Lake Constance region, with the lake and the Alps nearby, cycling is part of life.
Bicycles are in high demand here as a piece of sports equipment, but also as a method of transportation. Furthermore, with the Eurobike party we will also be offering an ideal social setting for networking and mingling, where business people from the industry can come together and make deals – all in an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere.
