North American Handmade Bicycle Show returns to Sacramento Feb. 26-28
This year, NAHBS returns to Sacramento on February 26-28 and hopes to break attendance records (click to enlarge).
The North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) is the biggest and longest running bicycle industry event designed to showcase the talent of handmade bicycle frame builders from across the globe. Started in Houston, TX in 2005 by organizer, builder and head honcho Don Walker the show has much to offer beyond the huge mix of hand crafted bicycles on display. This year, there are organized rides (both road and mountain), educational seminars, interviews as well as the highlight of the weekend, the Awards presentation.
I have personally had the privilege of attending half of the shows over the years including the popular Portland show in 2008 and the record setting Sacramento show of 2012. One of the most important things I have learned is that in order to truly appreciate the art and effort of each builder, you have to slow down and take in the details. Look closely or you’ll miss the intricate features that make each bike special.
To emphasis this point, Walker explains, “The artistry and craftsman of these builders transcends cycling – these are legitimate works of art. They’re more like functional sculptures. It’s really not just a show for bike enthusiasts. Anyone who appreciates artisanship and craftsmanship will enjoy it – even kids will love checking out the bikes.”
Groovy Cycleworks won Best of Show last year with his “Kauai” bike, designed with a surfboard carrier (click to enlarge).
The show also offers bicycles made out of a myriad of materials including: steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon, bamboo, hardwood and more. All types of bikes will be there too including mountain bikes, road bikes, cyclocross bikes, touring bikes, fat bikes, skinny bikes, tall bikes, small bikes and even some bikes that hardly even look like bikes.
This year, expectations are high since the 2012 Sacramento show saw the highest attendance numbers in the event’s 12-year history, attracting over 8,000 visitors. With the growing popularity of hand crafted products, Walker hopes to exceed 10,000 this year.
Walker continues, “We had an incredible show in Sacramento back in 2012, and the turnout was amazing. California is such a bike-crazy state, and that’s especially true up north. They really appreciate these beautiful machines, and the exhibitors love being around that passion. I’m hopeful we will set another attendance record, and maybe even hit our dream goal of 10,000!”
Event Details
Date: February 26-28, 2016
Location: Sacramento, CA
Venue: Sacramento Convention Center
1400 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Show hours: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm
Ticket prices: $22 adults (Fri, Sat), $18 adults (Sun); $8 children (6-13), children 5 and under are free.
Retrotec’s brilliant orange fat bike won Best Mountain Bike at NAHBS this year, beating out all other fat bikes as well as all types of mountain bikes (click to enlarge).
NAHBS locations over the years
2005 – Houston, TX
2006 – San Jose, CA
2007 – San Jose, CA
2008 – Portland, OR
2009 – Indianapolis, IN
2010 – Richmond, VA
2011 – Austin, TX
2012 – Sacramento, CA
2013 – Denver, CO
2014 – Charlotte, NC
2015 – Louisville, KY
2016 – Sacramento, CA
The NAHBS Mission
“NAHBS showcases the talents of individuals around the world whose art form is the bicycle. It aims to be a meeting point–both online and in person–for frame builders and cycling enthusiasts looking for custom- made bikes, for the sharing of ideas, and the promotion of a special industry with a rich history dating back to 1819.”
For more information visit www.2016.handmadebicycleshow.com.
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