Interbike 2012

[Scott Parsley]

Any of you Cruiserheads going to Interbike (N. American bicycle trade show) this year? Any 2013 products that you're dying to check out? I skipped the last couple years and I'm pretty fired up. That, and I love Vegas like that wild cousin you only get to party with a couple times a year.

 

[mcewan13]

yep. I go every year for work. I've run into a few cruiserheads in the bike industry. Who do you work for?

 

[Scott Parsley]

yep. I go every year for work. I've run into a few cruiserheads in the bike industry. Who do you work for?

I worked at an LBS (Summit Bicycles, San Rafael, Ca) as a mechanic for 8 years until 2009 when we had my daughter. Now I'm a stay at home dad. The owner of the shop is a dear friend and we ride together every week. I maintain a close relationship with the shop and still enjoy all the perks.

 

[SeaDevil]

I used to go every year, but now that most companies show their new stuff months ahead of the show and the big names host dealer events, it's becoming less relevant to my bike shop.
I used to make appointments with vendors to do pre-season orders, but most of that is now done months in advance. Plus with consumers attendance up in recent years, there are too many interruptions with vendors answering their stupid questions when the should be talking to the dealers. I am all for consumer enthusiasm, but sometimes it can be a bit much.
A lot of us dealers are also burnt out on Vegas, I don't drink and I work really hard for my money to piss it away gambling.
But it is awesome seeing old friends and riding at bootleg canyon. I hope that everyone going has a n amazing time.

 

[Scott Parsley]

I used to go every year, but now that most companies show their new stuff months ahead of the show and the big names host dealer events, it's becoming less relevant to my bike shop.
I used to make appointments with vendors to do pre-season orders, but most of that is now done months in advance. Plus with consumers attendance up in recent years, there are too many interruptions with vendors answering their stupid questions when the should be talking to the dealers. I am all for consumer enthusiasm, but sometimes it can be a bit much.
A lot of us dealers are also burnt out on Vegas, I don't drink and I work really hard for my money to piss it away gambling.
But it is awesome seeing old friends and riding at bootleg canyon. I hope that everyone going has a n amazing time.

Yeah you make some good points. It sure has changed over the years. We have never gone for the business aspect though. No meetings or ordering for us. We just go to have fun. A few of the guys do like the Outdoor Demo and discovering new products and that's the main reason they go. The owner and I just love Vegas deep in our hearts. Add two days of rad bike stuff to that and it's a golden opportunity. Although, as a mechanic I do enjoy the tech seminars. It's moving to Mandalay Bay next year so maybe that'll breathe some new life into it for you.

 

[SeaDevil]

Yeah Scott perhaps a change of venue will make it better