Interbike 2019 cancelled

[Dewey]

https://www.bicycleretailer.com/ind...rald-cancels-2019-interbike-show#.XAqlTRpOmhA

https://www.bicycleretailer.com/opi...interbike-died-unnecessary-death#.XAql7xpOmhA

BRAIN is reporting Emerald Expo have cancelled Interbike 2019 in Reno, and stopped funding the US cycling industry’s non-profit groups People for Bikes, NBDA, and BPSA.

 

[JRA]

The op ed nails it.

 

[bob armani]

This is sad news indeed. Loved the videos Court made with all of the exhibitors. It will be missed!

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

It's a real shame. The event was not only entertaining but also highly educational and an avenue to make great connections.
The op-ed does provide correct insights.

When I visited the Interbike few years ago, it reminded me of one of David Attenbourough's BBC documentaries.
We humans are social animals. our brains have evolved over thousands of years of refinement. Attending this once-a-year event was like understanding the whole spectrum of the business and it's hierarchies.
The big fish like SRAM or SHIMANO would put up a dazzling display and there would thousands of small vendors.
For some, it was purely business and for others like me, it was about learning and marveling at the scale and scope of the growing industry of E-bikes.
Now, when Trek or Specialized decided to not to partake, it was like few alpha animals in the forest decided to form their own hunting tribe and party.

What I really mourn is the loss of real human presence. Going there and looking at the whole spectrum of the industry. From bearing or O-ring manufacturer to full-bike brands. Meet real people and learn real things.
Now, if it all goes online... it would be a real shame...

It reminds of something I read few weeks ago. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/opinion/facebook-zuckerberg-investigation-election.html?

"Tweeting and trolling are easy. Mastering the arts of conversation and measured debate is hard. Texting is easy. Writing a proper letter is hard. Looking stuff up on Google is easy. Knowing what to search for in the first place is hard. Having a thousand friends on Facebook is easy. Maintaining six or seven close adult friendships over the space of many years is hard. Swiping right on Tinder is easy. Finding love — and staying in it — is hard."

 

[JRA]

Attended 15 IBikes over the years. The last I attended 4 years ago I could tell it was dying as well as it’s usefulness for me had gone.

Plenty of good memories though!

 

[Deleted member 4210]

CABDA is growing, expanded from Midwest, to a new Western (CA) event too. Interbike was dying year after year. Long time SRAM rep I know, who attended it this past year, said it was the worst he's seen. Most of the ebike firms don't know what it used to be like, so to them it seemed ok. Moving to RENO this past year, was the death knell for them, as so much more costly to get to for dealers that aren't close. I thought maybe they would last another year or so. Court can attend CABDA events (if he wants to). They aren't yet as big as Interbike was in prior years, but who knows, they might get bigger more quickly, now that Interbike is gone. More regional events, rather than just 1 big one, makes more sense, as dealers just dont have the staff, money, and resources to fly across the country for one big event. CABDA seems to have adopted that strategy, now that its expanded beyond just the Chicago/Midwest area.

 

[JRA]

But isn't it also important that the manufacturers, whether they require a large space or a 10 x 10, get value and ROI for their investment? That means getting dealers to the floor to sign pre-orders so that the manufacturers can better plan their schedules not just a bunch of folks roaming around geeking on new gear and filling bags with information which is how I saw Interbike the last several times I was there.

Regional shows are a good option but how many manufacturers can afford to do multiple shows? Certainly not the Asian guy sitting in a 10 x 10 with buckets full of bike flags. The cost of showing product at larger union hall shows like IBike is primarily what made Trek and Specialized do their own because in the end it saved them money and dealt strictly with their own dealer network. But with the increasing popularity of internet direct sales and marketing being able to happen in real time perhaps the usefulness of dealer shows in general is coming to an end and more onus should be put on the manufacturers reps to deal with shops.

Consumer events like OuterBike are gaining popularity and would seem to be relatively easy to set up regionally but once again how many manufacturers can support that type of venue?

 

[Dewey]

This year’s Progressive insurance Motorcycle Show has a “Discover the Ride” section featuring Zero electric motorcycles alongside Yamaha Power Assisted Bicycles and a Stayc Electric kids balance bike rodeo http://www.motorcycleshows.com/content/discover-ride. This year Harley showed publicity pictures of a future ebike, I don’t know if it’s a good fit for Sturgis (unless they pitch it as a return to Harley’s early roots as a bicycle maker) but would fit right alongside Yamaha and Zero at the Progressive show. Maybe at future shows scooter makers Piaggio, Kymco, and Benelli, could show their pedelecs in another booth.

 

[bob armani]

Now with this whole thing ending has me thinking if 'Eurobike' will stay or go? Anyone with their thoughts appreciated?

 

[bluecat]

'Eurobike' will stay or go? Anyone with their thoughts appreciated?

Indeed, Eurobike is struggling - but will remain.

Eurobike fair is mainly for dealers, but some important brands are not present. The venue is not an expensive hotspot, so also smaller dealers can attend (while the nationwide dealers might be invited by the brands). But over the Internet, the most information is also accessible, so no need for traveling to a fair...

This is a worldwide trend, Cebit cancelled the 2019 show, BaselWorld is shrinking, Autosalon is changing. The brands are choosing new channels for their marketing - and when you know, that a booth at BaselWorld costs more then a family house in the US, you will understand. I wouldn't be surprised, if the IAA 2019 will be the last in this format.

Regarding electric bicycles, the Taipei Cycle Show will remain the most important exhibition.

 

[JRA]

Another Op Ed: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/rest-in-peace-the-rise-and-fall-of-interbike-expo.html