Eurobike 2009
I’ll keep the words brief, as I think my collection of photos tell the story better, but my basic overview from Eurobike, the worlds biggest and most globally influential bike tradeshow, can be summarized in four broad points.
- Dealers I spoke with from all over the world were less spooked about the global economy, and seem a lot more optimistic than they seemed to be 6 months ago. As an added bonus, they seem pretty excited about many of the new 2010 bikes and products.
One of many pretty bikes from Electra
- SRAM’s new XX group has basically shattered Shimano’s dominance of the high-end XC market, at least for OEM. Everyone’s top bike had XX. Not XTR. SRAM is singlehandedly shattering the Shimanopoloy.
Integrated XX brake lever, shifter, and RockShox lockout button, all on one bar clamp.
- Last year it was all about white bikes. This year, the trendy top color was Red+White+Black. Here’s a small set of photo examples of what I mean. Interestingly, it crossed over from road to MTB, from DH to XC, and even dipped into apparel and helmets. Granted, Specialized bikes have been running these colors for years, but now, they’re everywhere. Runner up mention goes to Green+White+Black.
One example of the new Red+Black+White zeitgeist
- Electric bikes in europe are now officially far beyond a “trend”, and are now an established category. They’re intelligently designed, in many cases they look like normal-ish bikes, they often include racks, lights, full chain guards, and full fenders, and there are lots of belt-drive bikes in this category too. Some leap into the realm of scooterville, and have done away with pedals entirely, but these are the exception. The reality for the north american market, I suspect, is that it will take another couple years to see mainstream, and we’re still stuck by the reality that many in the north american ebike target audience simply can’t comprehend spending $3500 on a bicycle.
One of hundreds of electric bikes. I liked this one for the battery, hidden in the rear rack.
So there you have it. And if my set of photos (and comments on each pic) isn’t enough Eurobike awesomeness for you, take a look at the extensive (and excellent) photo coverage from Carlton Reid from Bike Biz UK here – or even better, follow him on twitter here.