Day Two at the Shimano North American Handmade Bicycle Show saw a show hall filled with 3600 people, and local enthusiasm running high in Richmond, Virginia, February 27th.
Show director Don Walker said, “Based on pre-show ticket sales we were a little concerned about overcrowding today, but the attendees spread well through the day, and thankfully we didn’t face that problem. I’m optimistic about having another strong day tomorrow.” For many of the builders, this is unfolding as a very good show.
2009 Best of Show winner Dan Polito said, “This year there is much stronger awareness of my brand, I’m sure it had a lot to do with winning the award last year.” A steady stream of attendees visited his booth throughout the day.
Suppliers to the handmade trade reported good buoyancy in the handmade market. According to Don Ferris of Anvil Bike Works, who provides manufacturing tools and equipment, the market has not experienced any down trends in recent years. In fact he reported a spike during the recent fuel crisis. “2008/9 was a freakishly high year for sales, now we’re back to normal – where we were at in 2007 and earlier,” said Ferris. Terry Bill of the Reynolds tubing company continues to be amazed by the resurgence of demand for steel tubing in the North American market. “It’s a very important market for us. It’s dynamic, developing, always adding and growing,” he said.
The Shimano Bike of the Day was awarded to a Sycip 29er mountain bike, which was fully equipped with XTR PRO components – even to the hand grips. The Blue Moon Happy Hour was a big hit for the second day in the row with show-goers lining up for a bottle of handmade beer.
In the below Day 2 Recap video, Arleigh AKA “Bike Shop Girl” takes a look at Serotta, Industry 9, Kimori Bikes, and Sheila Moon. View more video recaps at the NAHBS Video Page.