Last week saw Vicky and Olli flying back to Germany to catch up with our clients and see what was what at the biggest bike show in the world; Eurobike. Here’s Olli’s run down of the show…
First up on the agenda, we ventured over to the Pearl Izumi booth to catch a much-anticipated first glimpse of our new “Dynamically Different” campaign. We’re all very excited to see this roll out further over the coming months…watch this space.
Riding and playing around on motocross bike for years, I’m pretty sure that I would have been a strong contender in the ‘Fox Shox Moto Karaoke’ had I got around to entering. Nevertheless, an original booth competition concept, encouraging some pretty unique interaction with the brand, I loved it and hope to see it’s return next year!
One thing that’s for sure is electric components are fast becoming an integral part of mountain bike technology. Electronic shifting has previously been seen on the road bike scene but over the next year Shimano will be releasing their revolutionary XTR Di2 system designed to withstand the off road conditions of mountain biking.
The MIPS brain protection system, developed in Sweden, had a dominating presence at this years show and has set a new standard for bike helmet safety.
Developed by brain surgeons and scientists to reduce rotational forces on the brain, it’s no surprise to see so many brands including Giro, Bell, POC and Smith to name a few all opting to integrate the new technology. We’ll no doubt be seeing a lot more of this technology over in the snow market going into the 2015/16 season.
We’ve been huge fans of the small in size, yet big in ideas brand Evoc, since they first came into the market 5 years ago. Their approach to new product innovation is seriously impressive, with their growing camera pack range a real success story. They’ve also figured out how to tap into the huge (and ever growing) commuter market, with our personal favourite new product – this neat commuter backpack. With all the nifty features you would expect from an Evoc pack including a back protector; something all commuters could do with.
For those in the know, this is quite possibly the best guy to know at ISPO, OutDoor and Eurobike. It may have something to do with the fact he is without doubt the best barista around, fueling many many hectic tradeshow days!
Now we’re quite used to packed tradeshows but this year’s show seemed extra busy! Many of the halls had temporary extensions and the walk-ways were jam packed. There’s already speculation as to whether Eurobike has already outgrown Friedrichshafen but guess we’ll have to wait until next year to find out…
Completely off the topic of bikes and to conclude our time at Eurobike, allow me to introduce you to Longhorn Thursday. If by chance, you end up in a tiny town at the foot of the Austrian hills called Dornbirn, pop in to Longhorn BBQ. You will not regret it, unless you’re a veggie of course.
I’ll let this monumentally fantastic burger speak for itself…what a perfect way to end Eurobike 2014.
