A note from the president
By the end of Tuesday, January 29th, NAHBS had 185 registered exhibitors. That is 11 more than the previous record, set at the Austin show in 2011.
Kudos for this goes to the exhibitors. Most of the companies exhibiting are small sole proprietorships and finding money for transport, accommodation, booth fee, not to mention the extra hours spent on building those darling show bikes we all love so much... that all adds up to a lot of financial strain on a small business.
So while it is great for NAHBS that we have set a new exhibitor record, and it is great for the attendees who can now enjoy the biggest array of handmade bicycling delights assembled anywhere in the world in recent history... the real triumph is that of the exhibitors who make the effort to join together to make NAHBS as big and proud a show as we can.
As a bike builder myself, I would like to express my gratitude to all of my colleagues for helping to promote our industry. NAHBS is the exhibitors.
Alchemy and Boo Bicycles get great 'cross results
As recently as the 1990s most of the top pro road teams were riding handmade frames. Times have changed though, and although as recent NAHBS News items have stated handmade builders are supporting 'cross teams, these days it's rare to see the name of a handmade bicycle maker at the highest levels. So let us take a minute to savor and celebrate some dazzling successes. First is the splendid bronze medal of Nicole Duke, riding an Alchemy Bicycles Balius, in the 2013 US Elite Women's Cyclocross Championship, Jan. 13.
That same weekend, Skyler Trujillo rode a Boo RS-X Disc, to fourth place in the U-23 national championships and fifth in the collegiate champs. The next day he was announced as a member of the US U-23 'cross team for worlds in Louisville this weekend. Bravo!
Have a gourmet breakfast on NAHBS!
$12 buys a pretty nice breakfast dish, so have one on us with the savings you make on the three-day pass if purchased online in advance of the show. NAHBS online ticket purchase discounts are $4 off the price of a one-day pass, $8 off a two-day and $12 off a three-day pass.
And of course there is always the benefit of walking straight up to the Will Call desk, rather than waiting in the ticket line while you could be ogling bikes in the show hall. Remember, online registration closes 11 p.m. MST, February 20th.
Click here to register online
Exhibitor News Ellis Cycles is unveiling their new 'Strada Fango' cross bike at NAHBS. Designed to run a narrow 29er tire, and with disc brakes, Dave Wages reckons you'll be ready to ride on the wild side. Also, you can catch Dave's interview on The Outspoken Cyclisthere Sampson Sports of Denver plans to launch a new pedal at NAHBS: the Stratics FS. Heralded in Bicycle Retailer and Industry News as a 'bike fitter's dream pedal,' the Stratics FS allows adjustment for width of stance, fore/aft, and also for foot angle.
More exhibitor news in upcoming issues of NAHBS News!
Volunteer for NAHBS!
We still need a lot of volunteers! Please sign up! The first 175 volunteers receive a NAHBS T-shirt, and all volunteers receive a complimentary day pass to the show. Click to register as a volunteer! Twitter hashtags
Our twitter account is NAHBStweets. For things you write about the show, use the hashtag #NAHBS, and for things we write about the show, particularly updates during the show, such as where the NAHBS Awards will be made, etc. we will use #NAHBStweets.
Accommodations at NAHBS
The NAHBS room block at the Crowne Plaza is full. As of Friday 31 January a room block at the Hilton Garden Inn will open up. This hotel is directly across the road from the Colorado Convention Center. To get the NAHBS rate of $129, book through our website and look for the Hilton Garden Inn link, which will be live as of Jan. 31.
NAHBS Mobile App
This year we will have a mobile app. instead of a paper guide. With features such as interactive floor maps, brief exhibitor bios, attendee photo galleries and calendar reminders, it works on Android and iOS, so bring your smartphone to enhance your NAHBS experience. It will be ready for download on February 21.
