Events: Philly Bike Expo 2021
(2021) According to a 2018 Bike PHL Fact sheet on Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s website, Philadelphia had the most bicycle commuters of any large US city. Toss in the fact that Philadelphia was once the yearly host to the American cycling championship and it is easy to see why the cycling industry has its eye on Philadelphia. After a one-year Covid-induced hiatus, the industries looking to steal a glance from Philadelphian riders returns to the PA Convention Center for the Philly Bike Expo this weekend of November 6/7.
The Philly Bike Expo can be summarized in several categories. There are custom bikes that leave us daydreaming. There are handmade cycling accessories that have us constantly reaching for the cash. Of course there is a demonstration area but since it’s not Strava segmented we don’t bother. In a unique twist, the event continues its offering of valet bike parking. Ride to the event and your bike will be looked after as you tour booths featuring bike events, lubrications, caps, and more. The Convention Center hall is huge, so expect a full day of mingling, cycling, and networking.
In years past we have paraded the booths, going up and down before exploring side-to-side. At all times the ‘Best in Show’ ticket resides between the fingertips, ready to record the single bike that earns the vote. Each time multiple looks have been taken before a judgment is made. Each year we have crossed paths with passionate people in the cycling industry. We have sought the NixFrixShun booth to see the new chain lubricants offered or Cutlass Velo just to say hi. Walz Caps doesn’t have to try too hard to get us to open the wallet (or get a PO form, after all it is a business expense).
Simply put, the Philly Bike Expo is fun. Per the website the event requires masks regardless of vaccine status. With riders commuting and such a large gathering, this makes the event more attractive. Imagine a day where one can ride into the city, park the bike with confidence, tour applied art, get back on the bike to head home feeling inspired by people and companies that have been working through the pandemic. People have said they will not take as much for granted anymore and the Philly Bike Expo is one of those experiences. Expo-goers will be quite excited just to be amongst the cycling crowd again.
Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, among other things, has sought to prove that cycling in the city is popular. With numerous events to choose from this weekend, it’s proof that the City of Brotherly Love is notable for its two-wheel population. Tag along with one of the local group rides routing to the Philly Bike Expo to explore the items we can think about in the winter season and gear up to hit the new year in style. Maybe a chromed-out lugged frameset, shot-peened fenders, and shallacked bar tape is the future of cycling and you haven’t discovered it yet.
