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Interbike 2002
Las Vegas, USA, October 5 - 8, 2002
Interbike part 1 - Outdoors and in
By Paul Mirtschin
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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.
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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.
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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.
Photos
Images by Robert Gilbreath/www.TexasBikeTrails.com
- The Santa Cruz Blurr, lightweight VPP action
- The first big climb on the testing trail. Not fun for those on downhill bikes.
- New Ellsworth - 4.5 inches of rear travel and only 21.5 pounds.
- Outdoor Expo from atop the Specialized trailer.
- Gary Fisher is all smiles as he waits to go ride with George Hincappie.
- George Hincapie gets ready to take a Gary Fisher 29" out on the trails.
- George and Gary just before they hit the trails.
- Two times world champion Roland Green meets his fans.
- Johan Bruyneel was all business in the Trek booth.
- The crowd lines up to get into Interbike 2002.
- The view of the show from atop the Elsworth booth.
Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com
- Robbie and his Litespeed, rider not included
- One of the nicer lugged frames on show
- Ron Keifel, legend of 80s US racing, Greg LeMond, Tour winner & world champ, Richard Bryne, Mr Speedplay
- Tara Llanes was very popular with the punters
- George Hincapie signing for the fans
