Bespoked Bristol 2017
The Oldvelos once again had the opportunity to visit the Handmade bike show (aka Bespoked) this year. We are still recovering from the overload, this is not a bike show, it could easily be described as the ‘Art Basel‘ for cyclists. What is astounding about this show is that the craftsmen, for the most part, implement their own designs. They not only visualise things of incredible beauty (and in most cases functionality) but they also, using different materials and techniques , create the end product.
On display were frames built using leading edge 3D titanium printing along side lugged steel masterpieces.
If you want to get some idea of what was display take some time to look at the gallery below:-
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One manufacturer who particularly caught our eye was Cyfac from France, one of their bikes incorporated integrated carbon fibre mudguards!
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There were also some very nice creations on display in the ‘New Builders’ area, definitely worthwhile getting your order in early with these builders before their careers really take off! Have a look at these:-
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We were amazed by the innovative way builders found solutions to problems that we didn’t realise existed or adapted their creations to deal with different environments or challenges.
One builder who has to be mentioned is Dr Steve McGuire of the University of Iowa. On show he had is wonderful Fat Tire bike which he has used on some Arctic events. One of the interesting features of this bike is the unique way Steve dealt with changing gear. Nothing as simple as a ‘flip flop’ hub, to change gear you just swop front and back wheels!
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