As we head into spring that means we’re at about the “half way” point to another Interbike, the the cycling industry’s annual flagship trade event. This year the show hits its 30 year mark, and is quickly selling out as exhibitors large and small lock up their space for the September 14-16 show at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“Interbike 2011 is already shaping up to be one of our biggest shows ever,” said Show Director Andy Tompkins. “The mix of established brands that exhibit every year and companies new to the cycling industry or just new to the show provide retailers with the opportunity to see the latest offerings from every corner of the cycling world, something that can only happen at an event as broad based and well-attended as Interbike.”
Among 2011’s new exhibitors is outdoor apparel giant The North Face, which will join the apparel collections of long time exhibitors such as Canari Cyclewear, Champion System, Gore Bike Wear, Hincapie Sportswear, Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi, and Primal Wear.
Of course the show is about the bikes, and several key brands will make their return to the show after short absences, and these include Easton-Bell Sports and Kona Bicycle Company. Santa Cruz Bicycles returns for 2011 after rejoining the show in 2010. These returning brands join regular exhibitors such as Advanced Sports International (ASI), Electra, Gita, BH Bikes, Raleigh, SBS/Redline, Scott USA, Pivot Cycles, SIDI and Specialized.
This year Interbike celebrates its 30th anniversary of producing trade events for the bicycle industry. Last year’s edition of the show was attended by 24,700 industry professionals, of which were 12,200 retail buyers from every state in the U.S., along with more than 1,800 international retailer buyers from 67 countries and 560 journalists.
Prior to the Interbike expo, attendees will have a chance to get down and dirty, as more than 3,500 bicycle retailers and media will gather to ride some bikes. This year will see attendees come together in Bootleg Canyon’s world-class cross country mountain bike trails, downhill-specific courses, pump track, closed road course and eBike demo track for hands-on experience with the industry’s latest bikes and accessories. This festive outdoor event is the leading bicycle industry demo event. We can’t wait to ride.