The greatest bike show ever?

Back in the first epoch of Singular I used to do quite a few bike shows, none of them were even close to the Made bike show in Portland, Oregon a couple of weeks ago. Some were maybe bigger overall, but nowhere near the number of incredible bikes, builders and brands as this. As a pure spectacle it was next level - I kept saying during the show that there has never been an assemblage of so many cool bikes in one place at one time. For hand-made custom bicycles across all materials and bike styles it was just breathtaking. As I have had the chance to peruse the amazing galleries from The Radavist and see all the cool stuff I missed at the show that stance has only strengthened. 

But what really made it special were the people I got to meet.

I've barely been to the US before, a short trip also to Portland a couple of years ago and SSWC 08 in Napa, so the number of folks who came by the stand to tell me how much they love their Singular was truly humbling and gratifying. Unsurprisingly, being a handmade bike show in bike mad Portland, the bike geek level of the average attendee was off the charts - and I don't think anyone went away disappointed.

Then there were the industry people. Like the bikes, there's probably never been such a gathering of such inventive, skillful, driven and generally awesome group of bike industry folks in one place at one time. This means lots of interesting and fertile conversations, maybe leading to collaborations (watch this space...), or just sharing some thoughts and cross-pollinating ideas. As many of these as I had I regret not talking to more people - next year! 

The whole event renewed my faith that there is a continuing passion, certainly on the part of the makers but also from the bike buying public, for human powered bikes made from metal. This seems under threat when confronted with the electrified plastic dross which passes for bikes in the mainstream. But the incredible levels of stoke for real bikes was truly an affirmation of everything I do and stand for.

So thanks especially to Billy Sinkford and the whole organising team for conceiving and delivering such a special event. If you have a love for handbuilt bicycles and have any chance to be there next year, do it. 

Photos thanks to @theradavist @girandolafunesta and my wonder stand-mate and US distribution partner Stefano @biciclistaus