Well, it’s a long way to go, Aberdeen to London, but we just about felt we got enough from the London Bike Show 2013 at Excel. Here are our favourite picks – in no particular order.
We still have a hankering after a couple of folding bikes to increase flexibility when travelling and especially, going and coming on tours. So we were keen to visit the Airnimal stand – and we were not disappointed. Of the various models, the Joey took our fancy as a ‘do it all’ bike combing speed, versatility and a go anywhere capability. Best of all was to speak with the bike’s enthusiastic and knowledgable promoters. They made such a positive change from the half-hearted and frankly feeble bloke we met on the Brompton stand. Chalk and cheese I am afraid to say. Airnimal were the clear winners in our mind.
Creditability was also the keynote we took away from Jo McRae and her ‘Training for Cyclists’ company. Jo’s presentation centred on the need to fit the bike correctly and to correct the negative effects of turning only to cycling for exercise. She told a pretty convincing tale of the need to do other activities to build up core strength and correct weaknesses and problems likely to follow too much cycling. We found her talk and demonstrations totally convincing. Google her and her company for more details.
The award for the most innovative new start we gave to “Water off a Duck’s Back” and their range of attractive and stylist all weather gear for commuting cyclists. Their stuff was really stylish and the designs were original and we felt they deserved a good look.
Next to catch our eye was the Topeak Tourguide Bar Bag. This is their mid size bag and we were attracted to it for its good size and multiple compartments and long list of features. Nominally priced at £54, we were pleased to pick up an example from Halfords, no less, for a 20% reduction and so paid £43. It will be with us soon and we will review it as soon as we can, but it is an eye-catching and fully featured bag. Hopefully, it will make a good keepsake from what was an interesting visit to the show.
Pedalling on Regardless 