London Bike Show - Anyone going? What to expect?
London Bike Show - Anyone going? What to expect?
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Discussion

wilbo83

Original Poster:

1,552 posts

194 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
I am off to the London Bike Show at the Excel this Saturday. Not been to a bike show since I was a kid and used to hop about on an Onza, nowadays I am more happy riding singletrack on my Scott Scale or long rides on the Giant Defy.

Just wondering if there will be stalls selling things or is it more an opportunity for manufacturers to show off their new gear?

aspender

1,405 posts

294 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
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I'm hoping it is much better than the NEC one last year - that was pants and the only stuff on sale was tat.

Luckily I won a free ticket to this one and am going after work on Friday so nothing to lose other than time (and money if anything takes my fancy!)

Also worth noting that the price gains you entry to the outdoors show and boat show also running at the same time.

louiebaby

10,948 posts

220 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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swerni said:
Last time I went is was combined with the outdoor show and the boat show.

So lots to look at.
I went to the Boat Show for a wander last year, and had a gander through the bikes too. The Bike Show wasn't huge, and didn't have all the manufacturers there, but it was interesting for a look.

I think they may have missed a trick by not having a "Sizing" section on some of the bigger stands. They might well have made a few more sales off the back of it.

(eg Have one of each size of the most popular range. For instance with Trek, they make a lot of bikes with the same geometry. One of each size, each on a Turbo, so people could try, would have been useful, and probably lead to a lot of sales.)

The Boat Show was interesting, but somewhat more costly. Look out for some good bargains in the shopping area, a big sailing jacket is warm and toasty in all weathers, especially if you stand around at sporting events for long periods of time, for instance. I have a Musto BR2 that is the nuts.

MadDad

3,835 posts

290 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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Would be interested in hearing from someone who has been, I was planning on taking the family up for a wander around but it works out at £34.00 for tickets, plus another £10 for parking.

Don't mind paying if its worth it, but don't want to pay £45 to wander around a load of trade stands . . . . .

HardWorkers

537 posts

239 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
I'm going tomorrow.

Press tickets are the way to go! thumbup

MadDad

3,835 posts

290 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
HardWorkers said:
I'm going tomorrow.

Press tickets are the way to go! thumbup
Sadly don't have any contacts who I could beg them off! frown

deadtom

2,769 posts

194 months

Friday 13th January 2012
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anyone who does go, be sure to say hi to the lovely people at the biketart stand and ask them lots of questions.

this is for several reasons:

firstly, they are nice people who know their stuff and are always up for a chat.
secondly, they will probably have good prices on some very very shiney bits of kit.
thirdly, i work at biketart and was hoping to go with them to the show, but sadly i have to stay behind and guard the shop while they are living it up in london. gits.

MadDad

3,835 posts

290 months

Friday 13th January 2012
quotequote all
deadtom said:
anyone who does go, be sure to say hi to the lovely people at the biketart stand and ask them lots of questions.

this is for several reasons:

firstly, they are nice people who know their stuff and are always up for a chat.
secondly, they will probably have good prices on some very very shiney bits of kit.
thirdly, i work at biketart and was hoping to go with them to the show, but sadly i have to stay behind and guard the shop while they are living it up in london. gits.
Spent loads with them over the past year in the virtual world, would be good to meet them in the 'real' world!

HardWorkers

537 posts

239 months

Friday 13th January 2012
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Good show.

Just a little er... story about what er... nobody should try.

I arrived at the ticket office and explained that I was on the Press list (I was) and needed to collect my pass. They explained that I needed to go through the turnstile and collect the pass from hall N3. So, I went to the turnstile and explained that I needed to collect the pass from N3.

"OK, it's along there on the left" says the girl on the turnstile and lets me through.

At this point I've shown no ID to anyone and am inside the show with full access to all the shows.

Really, they should do something about that or someone might just take advantage of that little loophole...

aspender

1,405 posts

294 months

Friday 13th January 2012
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Thought it was ok, better than the NEC one. Nice to see Cube there, and lots of Di2 and Campy EPS on show. Some top end bike porn including a replica of Cav's new Pina steed.

Wasn't really looking to buy stuff, but what I saw was either list price or about 10% off.

Oh, and a wander around the boat show is worthwhile for some real money envy!

louiebaby

10,948 posts

220 months

Friday 13th January 2012
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I'm on the lookout for a 29er, and if Cube are there, it might be worth a trip.

Were there any bargain bikes for sale? I might pop along on Sunday and ride something home...

If I do, I probably owe you a beer or something Swerni...