Being There: Philadelphia Bike Expo 2019

(2019) When visiting Philadelphia, one may hear the word jawn thrown around in colloquial conversation. Being a resident of the Philadelphia area, the word hardly creates a stir, but to some outside our region, further explanation is necessary. Don’t overthink it. It is a pronoun for the word ‘thing.’ To use it in a sentence regarding fixing a flat: “You got an extra tube in your jawn (pocket)? I forgot mine.” It’s fun. It’s Philly. It’s a Philly jawn. 

There was a lot to be excited for this weekend for Philadelphia cyclists: The local Dirty Dozen ride moved their date to this past Saturday, there was the unique Caffeinated Cross in New Jersey, Rock-N-Road Gravel Series Lehigh presented by Piscitello Law, and the big cyclist gathering: the tenth annual Philadelphia Bike Expo. For two days, November 2 and 3, some of the biggest names in boutique cycling brought their concepts to Philly for the public to lust over and wish garage upgrades, many of which they didn’t know they needed.

German car. Check. Colnago. Check. Campagnolo jumper. Check. Euro status accomplished.

As last year, we took the SEPTA rail system from our office to Jefferson Station. From there we walked to the Convention Center hosting the Philadelphia Bike Expo. It was easy, follow anyone with a bike and/ or cycling apparel. They knew what was happening. With quick entry we entered the cavernous hall buzzing with people, bikes, and White Industries’ rear hub demonstrations. There were few better ways to spend an afternoon than seeing the people behind the company banner. Also as last year, we took a customary expedited exploration lap before settling in.

Many of the vendors returned from last year. We talked to Josh from NixFrixShun, who makes some of the best chain lube out there. He was all smiles, boasting his product and dropping hints about new stuff. But he is the exact face of the Philadelphia Bike Expo. He is a down-to-earth guy who runs his small company in Maryland. Here anyone could talk to him about his product or anything else. Here was the Philadelphia Bike Expo model front and center. Talk to the person making the jawn. These are passionate people propeling the sport forward.

Walz returned with Philly-specific soft goods.

There was hope that some vendors not only returned but brought items from last year. This was the case with Walz, the boutique cycling cap company from California. Last year they sold beautiful Philly-specific caps. We forgot to pick one up on the way out in 2018 and figured they were gone for good. That is, until they brought them back this year and we hardly hesitated to grab one. Cotton or Tech, we went with the technical cap, but there were so many other caps noted for future purchases like the houndstooth wool cap or the trucker logo hat. (Keep an eye out for our upcoming review of the cap.)

Some big companies returned, too. Willier-Triestina brought their beautifully colored road bike, the metal- flake orange bike some of the Pro Tour riders sat atop for 2019. Wahoo brought their new indoor training Kickr Smart Bike. It was remarkable to stand next to a stationary with a notable price tag while it was getting thrown around during demos. Jamis/ Haro featured their large spread again. Seeing these companies return for the tenth anniversary Expo reassures that the event - and the boutique cycling scene - is thriving. Bianchi returned as well, bringing their celeste-colored machines as the whole focus of attendees and companies shifted to gravel and adventure riding. Van Dessel bikes also returned with their fleet of road-going machines. The wish list got longer by the footstep. 

VeloOrange raised the vehicle bar with their badged Westfalia.

Among others, there were numerous new and returning bike makers. Coast Cycles, a favorite from last year, returned with their intricately designed bikes. Local bike fabricators Bilenky Cycle Works and Engin Cycles proudly displayed projects for the tenth anniversary show. On the way in, a Bilinkey tandem leaned against the wall. Allegiant fans made sure their jawn was in the spotlight for all to see. Bishop Bikes, with some help from Tommy at Cutlass Velo, put their frames on display. Brooklyn based Weis Manufacturing displayed deep dish rims; Zukas Cycles, from Augusta, GA, featured one of the most beautiful paint jobs at the show. 

Georgia-based Zukas Cycles had a couple bikes on display, particularly this one with incredible paint.

Around the outside border of the show, Expo-goers could try out various bikes on the smooth concrete floor. Kids could also try out bikes or paint portions of a wall, or both. Cargo bikes were the big hit for bike demos. Kids had no problem jumping into the cargo box of bikes to enjoy the ride. Here comes the next generation looking to carry the Expo into the next decade.

Pedro's Bike Tools sponsored a Beat the Pro mechanic challenge. Mechanics challenged themselves to fix flats, replace cassettes, and install accessories with speed and precision. Dan from Doylestown Bike Works participated in the competition. Getting the mechanics involved added another layer to the Philly Bike Expo. People got to see mechanics swap out jawns as quickly as possible. See? You’re getting it.

VeloOrange had an impressive set-up displaying their incredible line of accessories.

Old and new bike shops set up shop at the Philly Bike Expo. Tandems East and Firehouse Bicycles returned for 2019. Tandems East are known for … well, tandems. Firehouse Bicycles came from a few miles away to say hello to the thousands of Expo goers. But a new shop recently sprung Velo Jawn on Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, came prepared to show how much they support the community. They were arranged right across from the Beat the Pro mechanic station. Their tent was bustling with activity from start to finish during our visit. That is an impressive way to arrive at the tenth anniversary Philly Bike Expo: a newcomer with a steady stream of fans. With the word Jawn in their shop name, it’s easy to see why people were snatching up shop swag.

Philly Bike Expo had parking space for those who opted into riding to the show.

It was with a bit of regret to depart the Expo and climb aboard the train back home. There was a bit of an after party and all were welcome downtown once the Center closed down. How cool would it have been to talk to some of the vendors even closer than in person? Talking bikes - or talking about not bikes - over a pint would have been even more interesting. For the second year in a row I learned a tidbit as to how to handle next year’s. Maybe for the eleventh Philly Bike Expo we will fill out a Purchase Order form and stay across the street at the Marriott. We could take the public bikes all 300 yards from the hotel to the Expo Center. Maybe we could go so far as to pull up on the city bike and have someone ask how much it costs to ride one of those jawns. Then we could explain to a cycling industry person from outside the area just what that word means.

Till next year -