Important news from both the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) and the San Diego Custom Bicycle Show (SDCBS) this week. Here’s a recap:
From the SDCBS:
- They are changing the name of the show to the International Framebuilders Exposition in San Diego.
- To reinforce the show’s new name, they will be bringing in small builders from both Europe and Asia–in addition to the current representation of builders from the US.
- They will have a special feature on Cyclocross racing and builders who make cross frames. (Possibly even a cross race during the show date.)
- They are considering a possible date change for the show.
- And a big piece of news is that they have formed the “Independent Framebuilders Guild“, IFG for short: “to support the traditions of custom framebuilding and to insure that the younger generation of framebuilders will have the creative and technical skills to carry on framebuilding at the highest level for the future. We will also be taking on the task of recording the History of Framebuilding in America, producing a modern framebuilders manual, standardizing judging and awards at IFG endorsed shows (right now that is the Rocky Mountain Bicycle Festival, the Cirque du Cyclisme, the European Handmade Bicycle Exposition, and the International Framebuilders Expo), and eventually a documentary film and coffee table book on framebuilders.”
News from NAHBS after the break:
Press Release from NAHBS:
“With demand for handmade bicycles thought to be picking up, and the 2011 NAHBS venue set for Austin, Texas, the search will soon commence for venues for the period 2012-15. Prospective locations shortlisted are in Southern and Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Eastern Central, and South Eastern USA.
NAHBS founder and president, Don Walker, said, “Following the great success of the Richmond, Va. show, things are moving very quickly and I’ve had invitiations from several regions around the USA looking to play host. With meeting my building commitments, running my shop and doing the inspections, it’s going to be a very busy eight weeks, I’m sure, but it’s great to know how much recognition and excitement this show is generating for the handmade industry around the country, and I am delighted about our prospects for the coming years. We’re six years in, have had three highly successful shows in the past three years–despite an economic downturn–and I can honestly say that from many perspectives things have never looked better.”
As for the announcement of future NAHBS venues, although they may be finalized long in advance it is unlikely that this information will be made public immediately. “It helps us to select sites two or more years in advance, although we will still keep the tradition of announcing the next venue on the final day of the show,” says Walker.”
