Bicycle shows – other than the purely leisure variety – are something of an endangered species in the UK. Major public events are almost unknown here, leaving the field open for a plethora of specialist shows. But these are mostly enthusiast gatherings, without the breadth of exhibitors or visitors you might expect at a big public show. Our own Folder Forums were typical, bringing together the entire (admittedly small) folding bike industry, but it’s more than four years since our last glorious shindig on the Isle of Wight, and things being what they are, a repeat event looks unlikely.
So when we heard that a new annual show was to be launched in London, and that it would not be built entirely around ‘personal fitness programming’ and the like, we took an interest. CYCLE 2002 takes place at the Business Design Centre – a small but delightfully formed venue in Islington, north London from 26th – 29th September. Should the show succeed, 2003 will be bigger and better. If it fails, the industry may have missed its final chance… the choice really could be that stark.
The entry list for CYCLE 2002 is by no means finalised, but here’s a snapshot of the stands we think will be of interest. Please note that the list is by no means exhaustive, and the information may well have changed by the time you read this. For the latest details, check the CYCLE 2002 website at www.cycleshow.co.uk
A to B Magazine
Stand A3
Ah yes, an essential stop-over for all visitors.We’ve booked a modest broom-cupboard fronting the cafeteria on Level Three to sell back issues of the magazine and a few knick-knacks and baubles. Do drop in for a chat – this is a rare opportunity for us to get out and say hello, and we’d love to see as many readers as possible over the four days.We may also display a few bikes from manufacturers who will not be at the show. And for anyone with more than a passing interest in folding bikes, electric bikes, or just bikes, damn it, our show seminars are not to be missed:
1) The History of the Folding Bike
Tony Hadland
Tony is a familiar figure on the folder circuit and author of just about every book in the field: The Moulton Bicycle, The Spaceframe Moulton and The Sturmey Archer Story.With the late John Pinkerton,Tony also co- authored It’s in the Bag! – still regarded as the definitive history of folding bikes in the UK.Tony expects to provide a slide show backed up with some real hardware – classic folding bikes, in other words. He’ll be available for questions and signed copies of his books will be on sale at the A to B stand.
AM and PM Friday 27th
2) The Future of the Folding Bike
Len Rubin
Visitors to the Second Folder Forum may recall Len’s electrifying performance at the Weymouth Pavilion in 1997. We’re flying him in from California yet again, and this time he’s agreed to provide two lectures on the future of the genre: gears, lightweight materials, sprockets, widgets and much else besides. Len is currently working with an aerospace company, developing a titanium- framed hub-geared bike, and this should make an appearance if it’s ready in time.
AM Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th
3) Electric-assist Bicycles
Dan Hornby
Working for the Sakura Battery Company and market leader Powabyke, Dan is probably the UK authority on electric bicycles, with an unrivalled knowledge of where the industry is coming from and – following the closure of Yamaha Europe, and a number of bankruptcies – where it’s going…
PM Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th
4) Adam Hart-Davis
Adam will be a familiar face to UK television viewers, presenting his own history programmes and now fronting the popular science programme Tomorrow’s World.What the BBC won’t tell you is that Adam is that rare thing – a personality who actually rides a bicycle to get from Point A to Point B.
AM Friday 27th
Airframe
Stand M110
First conceived in 1976, the revolutionary Airframe folding bike went into production for a few short years in the early 1980s before being quietly withdrawn, following a number of relatively minor technical and managerial problems.
Thanks to the persistence of designerPM Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th Grahame Herbert, and the engineering know-how of Silkmead Tubular of Dunstable, it’s back, with the official launch taking place during the show.The manufacturer is claiming a weight of 10.6kg (23lb) complete with 4-speed hub, carrier and mudguards, and a folding time of ten seconds. Bikes will be available for test rides, and both Grahame Herbert and Colin Jarret of Silkmead will be on the stand.
Airnimal
Stand G46
Quite a hit with wealthier folding bike enthusiasts and billed as Britain’s answer to the Bike Friday.We can’t tell you much else, because Airnimal has never allowed us to test the machine, although they did once offer to write a test themselves! Not quite what we had in mind. Find out for yourself at Cycle 2002.
Brompton
Stand M26
For those who don’t know, the Brompton is generally accepted to be the folding bike for commuters, offering an unrivalled combination of folding and rideability.
Apart from a couple of appearances at the CTC York Rally, Brompton hasn’t taken a stand at a public show for some years.That alone makes this appearance interesting enough, but there’s quite a bit of new hardware on show for 2002, including the 6- speed gear system, and a number of consumer upgrades for older bikes, including a handlebar brace, battery lighting sets and numerous small but useful accessories.We’re also reliably informed that the stand will be fronted by Andrew Ritchie – designer of the bike, managing director of the company, and according to many a delighted rail commuter, well on the way to full Sainthood. He’ll never forgive us for that.
Like-a-Bike
More hobby-horse than bicycle – we liked the Like-a-Bike so much, we bought one. We’re holding a Like-a-Bike owners rally at our stand on the Sunday, featuring a mass cavalcade… assuming we can find enough bikes and owners. It might just be Alexander.We’re told there will be a free T-shirt for all participants, plus prizes. For confirmation, check with A to B.
Other Stands
At the time of writing, Powabyke will be demonstrating a full range of electric bikes including the new Commuter, on Stand M22, Mission will be showing the Space Genie folder on Stand M28, and Dahon will be on Stand M1. Pashley has yet to book. For the latest on stands, speakers and events, either call A to B on 01963 351649, mail us at a2b@onetel.net.uk or visit the CYCLE 2002 website: www.cycleshow.co.uk
Booking
Preview Day (Thursday 26th) is open only to press and trade.The booking hotline is 01923 690 648. For all other days, tickets cost £10 on the door, or £8 in advance, with a further 10% reduction for groups of ten or more. Children aged 5-16 pay £6 in advance, or £7 on the door, there’s a Family ticket for £25 in advance or £30 on the door. All these tickets can be booked on 0870 733 1022, or by visiting the CYCLE 2002 website.
How to get there
By Car
You’re joking, of course? We won’t even bother giving you motoring instructions because (a) neither we nor the Business Design Centre would suggest arriving by car, and (b) you’d be a fool to try. For the fools amongst you, ‘limited’ parking is available adjacent to the BDC for just £4.50 for each two hour period or part thereof.
By Train and Bicycle
You’ll find the Business Design Centre on the west side of Upper Street in the centre of Islington.The area is well served by cycle routes offering quick and relatively safe access to and from Euston/St Pancras/Kings Cross, Marylebone and Paddington stations. Liverpool Street,Waterloo and Victoria are a bit more challenging unless you know London reasonably well – if in doubt, order a free cycle map of Central London (Map 10) from Transport for London on 020 7222 1234.
The good news (possibly unique too) is the lure of free secure bike parking at the Business Design Centre, plus a complimentary Bike Health Check. Ooh, matron!
By Train and Tube
Head north on the Northern Line City Branch (that’s the right-hand loop on the tube map), and jump off at Angel. Emerging onto Upper Street, turn right and walk up the road for about five minutes – you can’t miss the venue, it’s quite large. From Euston/St Pancras/Kings Cross, it’s probably easier to walk straight there – about 15 minutes at a brisk A to B pace.
