Cautious Start for Bike Expo

MUNICH, Germany – All eyes in the bike industry were aimed at the first Bike Expo in Münich last week. Although a lot of people in the industry were negative about this new show, many of them still came to Münich to see the first Bike Expo with their own eyes. What did they see? A IFMA copy in a new setting.

Two business days attracted some 5,000 trade visitors from 42 countries while more than 20,000 cycling enthusiasts attended the show on the public days attracted by free entrance.

Under the motto “Cycling Trends for City and Nature” 211 exhibitors from 25 countries presented their innovations for the 2010 season from July 23rd to 26th. Bike Expo covered a total of 22,000 square meters of exhibition space in the halls, as well as 25,000 square meters of outdoor exhibits and event areas.

The project team of the Messe München International had done everything to make the Bike Expo a full swing show, including the outdoor exhibits and event area with beer gardens. In addition to Germany, the countries with most exhibitors were Austria, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and Italy.

A special spotlight at Bike Expo was on e-Bikes including an Extra Energy test track. Next to the e-Bikes, Messe München paid a lot of attention to urban mobility, both identified as the driving forces within the German industry.

The 2009 edition of the Bike Expo was not just a try out as proven by the five year commitment made by the ZEG to connect its annual dealer meeting to this show. Next year Bike Expo will again take place end of July.