The annual National Cycling Show was back in Birmingham at the end of June and, after a year off, I figured it was time to go and see how much it had changed.
I’d written previously about my disappointment in the size of the event and it was really the lack of exhibitors in 2022 which meant I dodged the show in 2023. But that also came with some regret. I’d spoken to a few people who had attended and they all relayed how much of an improvement there’d been over the course of the year. So, with some folks on the exhibitor list I wanted to see, I figured it’d be worth the two-hour drive.
First up was a trip to see Keiron at Radical Bicycle Co. He’s a top bloke and it was nice to be able to meet him in person. I’ve worked with Radical a few times on their illustrated images and it was brilliant to be able to see their metal headbadge in person. It’s quite surreal to see my own work actually on bikes. Often my work is digital so being able to see the end result being used in such a way was thoroughly rewarding. Of course, the merch and other illustrations which make up Radical’s branding were all on show too; the full range of designs out in the open.
After Radical was Atherton Bikes. Their aluminium S.170 sat alongside the carbon options I’d seen previously. As always, it was great to chat bikes with their staff and catch up with some of the folks who I’d previously worked with. I spent a lot of time with the folks at Atherton Bikes a few years back and, if I’d been able to find a house in Wales to move to during the Covid pandemic, would’ve been working for them right now. Still, they’ve played a massive part in giving me the confidence to pursue a freelance career so it’s always nice to catch up.
From there, I had a general wander around the show to see some of the offerings from other folks I was less familiar with. Shark eBikes, who are based out near me at Beverley, had their range on show. Their Thresher prototype, complete with battle wounds, looks like it’ll be right up my street – a proper trail mountain bike from a local company. Ideally, I’d love to get a ride on one at some point to pen some thoughts.
Vielo were worth looking at too. Their range was simply beautiful. With minimal branding on any of their bikes, the simplicity was noticeable and incredibly pretty. I spent some time oggling at the WTB collaboration bike with it’s Fat Creations livery and daydreaming about being able to afford one.
There were a few other bikes I stopped to appreciate, of course, but the real draw of the show this time was the people. It’s easy to pop in, see the bikes quickly, pick up a couple of products on show-only pricing, and then scarper. It’s how I’d have done it previously. However, stopping and chatting with the people behind the brands is even better. Most have an interesting story to tell and I learnt lots over the course of the day.
So, after a bit of truth in my previous writing, it’s only fair that I offer some more this time. Would I visit again? This year, I’m pleased to say I would. I didn’t stop to listen to any of the talks, nor did I do any of the workshops, but there seemed to be a good lineup this year. The show was bigger than before and with retailers like Tredz making an appearance, I can only imagine it’ll be bigger again next time. Having said that, if I were just stopping in to buy things, I’d probably give it a miss and opt for online shopping or popping down to my local bike shop. I think the draw is the people and bikes on show, rather than the deals to be had.