Interbike 2007: I’m still worn out!

Interbike ended last Friday, today is Monday night and I’m still feeling the effects of walking the miles and miles of biking heaven that is known as the greatest bicycle trade show in North America.

My heels hurt, my knees, surprisingly feels good oh I can’t forget how my shoulders were burning the whole 3 days.

Well enough complaining and let’s get down to the nitty gritty. For those of you that haven’t been to Interbike, let me tell you a few things that may or may not convince you that there are other events out there that are better or worse.

For one thing, Intberbike exhibitors are for retailers. This is the time when companies are pimping out their goods like a butcher does with his choice meats. Also this is the time when dealers can get the best breaks in prices when they preorder for the season. Some of the deals they can get is rather than a 60 day term, they may get a 90 day or some may even offer terms where they don’t pay until July!

Anyhow, for the rest of us, Interbike is actually pretty fun. You get to walk around and see what’s new, get a few free stuff and eat a bunch of nutrition bars and drink up some free beer.

As cool as freebies are, there are a few guys and a gal that experienced some anti-social reps when visiting a booth. Tim G of the Crooked Cog talked about it too on his blog. I couldn’t figure out one booth where Priscilla and Randy were taking photos of some product, then a rep tells them that they can’t take any pics. But then he notices that they both had “Working Media” badges, he quickly appologizes and encourages them to take as many photos as they want. But by that time, damage was already done, Priscilla and Randy said “no thanks” and simply walked away.

I got that too from countless booths. More so from clothing and high end/custom bike companies. One booth I went to catered to the DH rider, and they had really nice stuff. I walk up, start checking out their stuff, making sure that my badge was clearly visible, and the douche bag, looks at me, dismisses the fact that I may have had a question, then he walks a way to get a hot dog at a near by vendor….

Another experience Priscilla had was with a catty group of women that were there exhibiting their clothing line. Priscilla walks up, she starts to take pictures, then she realized that no one was acknowledging her. So she left.

So here’s some advice to all you pompous companies at Interbike….get some people that are friendly! You can get a dime a dozen just by running a simple ad on Craigslist.org!

For Pete’s sake, if they’re that snobby with us, think how snobby they are with other people…your potential customer. Yah so if your company doesn’t get as many orders as you may have expected from Interbike, just look at the people at Interbike that represented you…

Now for the folks that did show nothing but love to us…you are the same companies that are doing REALLY well. One of our favorite companies is Loeka Clothing. Great folks from Canada, eh. Priscilla went to go visit them and they took some time out to show off their 2008 goods…piece by piece…that visit right there must have taken at least 10 minutes. Now that’s what I call good PR. You’ll see more Loeka stuff as soon as Priscilla posts the photos.

Ok so is Interbike better than some events out there. Yes and no. Sea Otter Classic is what I compare it to the most. I know they are two different types of events, one is dealer and one is consumer based. But I think Sea Otter is way more fun for everyone. Sure companies have their new stuff they are pimpin’ out, and they also have product releases during Sea Otter. But its just more fun!

Here’s why, its like combining the Interbike show and dirt demo all in one place. Sea Otter has a demo area where you can test out bikes. Plus its outdoors, fresh air and a great vibe over all. Ah but wait! There is this one problem…if it rains…it pours! So bring some rain gear and some dry clothes.

One more thing why Sea Otter is better….this fella makes it all worth it!

So as cool as Interbike is, I’d recommend going to the Sea Otter Classic.Leave Interbike for us to cover, besides we’re willing to put our bodies through the ringer just to make sure you see all the goods Interbike has to offer. Oh and another thing we have over 500 photos and videos are coming your way.

You may ask why would the MtnBikeRiders Crew do all that for you, our loyal readers. It’s cuz we love you. Yup we do, if you see us in public, give us a high 5…but Jeremy likes hugs, Moe…well, just give him some beer and a slap on the butt, however, Moe likes it if you stay for a bit and grab some @$$ while you’re at it!