Events: Philadelphia Bike Expo 2019
(2019) On the first weekend in November, Philadelphia Bike Expo will celebrate its tenth anniversary of heralding handmade bikes and boutique accessories. With a parking area for those who ride to the event, others can take SEPTA’s Regional Rail to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and never step foot outside for the day. The real experience is viewing the quality items in the cycling world and the people who made them.
Step into the Convention Center and it is immediately clear the event is unique. There are no gigantic cycling names and for good reason. The Philadelphia Bike Expo celebrates the grassroots cycling wares such as Bilenky Cycle Works, Walz Caps, White Industries, and many more. From someone who has owned OEM bikes across his career, it is an honest observation to say that nearly everything featured at the Philadelphia Bike Expo is a lust object. Be prepared to mentally build up fifty bikes in your visit. From kits to indoor trainers, handmade bikes to tandems, the Expo has every angle covered for the cycling enthusiast.
Last year we spent some time talking to several purveyors to find out more about their gear. We talked to Josh, owner of NixFrixShun quality bike lubricants. We swung by Walz Caps’ booth to discuss custom caps for our site. We touched Bilenky Bikes and saw Van Dessel guys joking around. This is where the event takes on a different persona: the people of the cycling industry are ready to shoot the breeze with you. They are genuinely excited about their products and proud to talk about the exceeding quality. Stand over any of the steeds on the floor, don any of the kits hanging, and use any of the accessories featured at the Philadelphia Bike Expo and you will be questioned thoroughly at each group ride. People will want to know how you are capable of oozing so much swagger.
Make a day of the Philadelphia Bike Expo. Their offerings extend beyond the cycling industry. Should you get thirsty, Heineken owned Lagunitas has bailed out Expo goers in years past. With food offerings it is a great way to spend the day. Last year there was a kids’ painting wall and bike obstacle course. There was a cargo bike demo course as well. And if there are more desires to go out, there are many restaurants featured at the Convention Center train stop.
So to recap: One can take Regional Rail to the Convention Center (never go outside), demo bikes, have the kids demo bikes, talk bikes and accessories, find food and drink, secure the next account for the upcoming cycling season, decide to extend the day a bit by going to one of the bar/ restaurants at the Convention Center (still haven’t gone outside), then hop on the return trip via Regional Rail and go home. Of course, we did advertise the Expo has a bike parking lot for anyone who wants to ride there. That part takes place all outside. This is our kind of party.
