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Interbike 2002Las Vegas, USA, October 5 - 8, 2002Interbike part 1 - Outdoors and inBy Paul Mirtschin Seen by most companies as the biggest trade show of the year, InterBike has always been busy. But with InterBike 2002 running a day less than in previous years, it is just a little busier than normal. But unlike last years show, with the September 11 and Schwinn/GT fallout both having a negative impact on the feel of the show, this year feels more upbeat. In fact, some people are claiming that this year feels more positive that any show in the last few years. InterBike traditionally starts with Demo Day, a chance for the great unwashed to sample the 2003 line-up from participating companies. Almost all of the major companies were present, as were a few of the boutique builders, and all had bikes available for those present to take out on any of the five designated off-road loops and one road loop for a spin. One company that was a few bikes down however was Orange, who sent five bike boxes full of the latest bikes from the UK, and had five bike boxes full of bricks arrive in the US. The bikes stolen included unreleased adjustable-travel Patriots and a Sub-3 equipped with the 2003 XTR group set. But with a touch of English humour, the bricks were put onto display instead of the bikes. If supermarkets can sell bricks disguised as bikes, I guess Orange can display bikes that look like bricks. Indoors, the trouble continued for a few companies, with their display stands being held up on the docks by industrial action. But for the rest of the brands present, it's full speed ahead. The Sands Convention Centre is filled to the brim with a who's who of the bike industry, and almost every bike, component and widget you can dream of is present. And a few bricks as well. PhotosImages by Robert Gilbreath/www.TexasBikeTrails.com
Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com
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