Interbike 2008 – Still the Best

-by Michael Hopkins

I don’t care what anyone says, Interbike is still the best place to get a handle on what the biking industry has on its collective mind.

This year, while overall attendance seemed to be down a bit owing to the economy, the enthusiasm and interest was as good as ever.

Evolution rather than revolution seemed to be the story from most of the manufacturers, along with the trend toward women’s specific models and designs and topping the trends was the movement toward more commuter specific designs in bike, accessories and components.

The idea behind the trend in bikes this year is that people actually use them for more than just fun, transportation included. A leading example of how form and function can be blended is the lovely Electra Amsterdam. This bike is priced well at $550, and is simply a gorgeous, piece of wheeled art that can efficiently transport you to the coffee shop or office as well as your other in town errands. The aluminum Sport version weighs only 25 pounds, and the steel Classic (which weighs “more,” according to a company owner) comes with lights, a rack and coat guard.

 The commuting category is so hot that Specialized has brought back its Globe city bike after a few-year hiatus in 6 different models ranging in price from $410 to the top of the line version at $1,300.

With offerings from the more utility-minded Jamis Commuter line ($415-$535) all the way up to the Ferrari of working bikes, the Pinarello Treviso which comes in at $1200 the commuter/utility bike market is poised for big growth.

The hit of the show, in terms of commuter/utility bikes had to be the Schwinn Earth Prototype on display in the Schwinn. With extensive use of organic materials and products from Brooks this bike was a thing of beauty and had I been in possession of a spare $15,000 I would have purchased the prototype instantly.

Other big hits were the Diamondback Divine series of women specific commute bikes with their very artistic paint schemes, sensible and dependable parts offerings and riding comfort touches found in the grips and other accessories.

As you can see, the utilitarian side of cycling was well served this year and that is a good sign for the biking industry.

Next up we’ll talk about the care and feeding of the body while cycling and how you can eat well on the bike while pedaling into work or back home again.