I won't get into the debate about the relevancy of some of the bikes on display at NAHBS. However, personally, I certainly have some level of appreciation for just about everything I saw there. I believe NAHBS is still developing and evolving. And growing. Just like many of the builders, particularly the newer ones. Don deserves tremendous credit for creating an environment that promotes and showcases people and bicycles that are outside what generally is the "norm" in the the bicycle market. We should all hope that this growing bicycle movement/market keeps gaining traction. Yes, a lot of what was on display at the show was over the top. Glitz, glam, bling. Impractical. Maybe it doesn't reflect the reality of bicycles on the street. I don't think that's the point, and those that don't see that are missing something. Of course, that's only my opinion. I see something bigger at play here, something more than another unusual drop out treatment, brazed-wire flourish or shaped tube. It permeated the air in the convention center. It's the vibe that Dale refereed to. I'll fan the flames as hard as I can.
And could there be a better place for NAHBS than Portland? I know it can't stay there, but it's hard to imagine a better place for it. I had never been to Portland, but I've certainly read and heard a lot about it in relation to cycling. I had even talked with Sacha White about it at the Cirque last year. I wanted to know what it was about Portland that made it a hot-bed of cycling culture and frame builders. I'm not just talking about Portland today either. I recently acquired a frame built in Portland in 1976 that's among the best work I've ever seen. Sacha, in his humble way, talked about a place that fostered creativity, a strong "community" feeling, a favorable business environment, and a few other generalizations. Still, I wasn't prepared for Portland. Cycling is everywhere. It's in your face or in your peripheral vision wherever you go. Rain or shine. Cycling culture seemed to ooze out of the pores of the city. That vibe wasn't just in the convention center, it's everywhere. And I didn't even spend that much time seeing Portland, but what I saw left me pretty impressed. Awed might be a better description. I've been in European cities that had a similar feel, but I can't remember another one in the US. Thanks to Sarah for posting the link to pix outside the Convention center and around town. You can get a little of the vibe looking at those pix, with lots of shots of steel, and racks and Brooks saddles. And lots of other cool stuff. Check out a couple bike shops in town and you really start to get it. The Recyclery was really a treat. Never been a shop quite like it. Unfortunately. What a great amalgamation of bikes and bike people. A well-used Ebisu I had also seen near the convention center in the rain. A Geurciotti with Delta brakes and FENDERS (wrap your brain around that!). A group of Schwinn Varsity aficionados, known as the Belligerante, who's motto is "nothing should cost more that $20". I can't make this stuff up, but it's alive and well in Portland. And a lot more too. We should all hope that it's contagious, and spreads like the flu to other cities around the country.
I've always be a proponent of "anything bike is good", and I think everything bike at NAHBS is good. Is it every body's cup-o-tea? Does it all make sense? Will it all last? Who cares. I don't think that's the point.
Long live the Belligerante!
Wayne Bingham
Lovettsville VA USA