Popular bicycle expo back to normal post-pandemic
For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, Pa. Oct. 25—The USA's most popular indoor bicycle consumer show returns at full pre-pandemic strength this coming weekend, October 29-30, in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Once again, it provides an extraordinarily wide range of bicycling exhibitors and activities.
The Philly Bike Expo rose to the top by recognizing the wide range of interests and people in the bicycling world, and offering an array of exhibits and activities to match. A look at the Expo News page in the event website reveals an astonishingly wide and deep selection.
Show director Bina Bilenky gives credit for the event's unique energy and ongoing success to participation by groups across the cycling community. These groups bring their own communities who mix and mingle, looking at what others are doing, often finding things they didn't know about before. Bilenky says 2022 feels not only back to normal, but is shaping up as a bumper year with a rich assortment of cycling cultures and goodies on offer.
"There's a lot to be excited about this year," says Bilenky. "All areas of the expo have grown together, and it's hard to say one is stronger than another, they're all really solid. For a lot of groups and companies, the expo is an opportunity to reach cyclists directly and say 'hey, what we're doing works really well/is really neat/really fun, come check us out.' I think it's fair to say this will be a pretty great weekend in Philly for anybody interested in cycling, at any level from absolute beginner to master."
Some 40 custom frame builders have registered, there are more bicycle manufacturers than before, a stunning list of the world's top cycling component brands will be there, the seminar schedule—which is open to all attendees— is expanded to four rooms, and features a bunch of really interesting topics. In the Kids Arena there is exciting news, too, and the menu of rides to and around the expo, and the many skills and advice clinics, is hard to resist.
The exhibitor count is approaching all-time pre-pandemic highs, despite much re-balancing among bicycling manufacturers following the pandemic upheavals. The value of in-person expos is evident in an exhibitor list of 160 brands, up 40 percent over last year's tentative post-pandemic expo. Pre-event ticket sales have been very healthy too.
The popular PBE Food Court is back in the exhibition hall with the same range of offerings as pre-pandemic.
Philly Bike Expo retains the theme of Artisans, Activists, and Alternatives—a reminder to the world that it promotes companies and businesses that are part of the general movement toward sustainable futures and more livable cities with healthier, more active lifestyles. Within this theme of societal advancement, the PBE x SRAM Inclusivity Scholarships for Framebuilders is back for the third year, and recipients will showcase their bikes in the SRAM booth. These scholarships are intended to assist entry into framebuilding for sectors of the population that are under-represented.
Location, Hours, Tickets
Philadelphia Convention Center
1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hall E, Broad & Cherry St entrance
Public hours
Saturday 10AM - 5PM
Sunday 10AM - 4PM
Media-only hours
Saturday & Sunday, 9AM - 10AM
Tickets
These are all-access, including expo and seminars
Two-Day pass: $25 online; $30 onsite
One-Day pass: $15 online; $20 onsite
Children 12 and under enter free
EXPO BULLETS
* 160 Exhibitors, up 40 percent from 2021
* 40 Frame Builders
* Up 40 percent exhibitors from 2021 - Rebound to pre-pandemic
* Expanded Kids Arena activities
* 40+ seminars. Most will be recorded and posted on the PBE YouTube channel.
* 7 different rides on the schedule varying in length, terrain, speed.
* Pre-event ticket sales are strong
EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS
* Bike shops: from Pennsylvania and out-of-state
* Components: feature many world leading brands
* Frame tubes: almost every tubing company is represented
* Bicycle manufacturers: More than in previous years
* Custom framebuilders: 40 of the world's leading bicycle designers and builders
* Accessories and apparel: The whole spectrum, from worldwide brands to local artisans
* Advocacy: Everything you need to know about cycling policy, charities, and other ways to get involved
* Travel & tourism: Find out the best places around the USA to ride or race
SEMINARS
Topics cover history, advocacy, lifestyle, bicycle design and engineering, fitting and maintenance demos, tech clinics and bicycle policy.
About Philly Bike Expo
The Philly Bike Expo was founded by Bilenky Cycle Works in 2010 as a way to promote cycling culture. It began in the 23rd St. Armory with 68 exhibitors, and moved into the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where it has grown to 160+ exhibitors and 5,000 attendees. It is an annual show that includes exhibiting companies from across the spectrum of cycling, as well as a rich array of side events including demonstration rides, riding skills exhibitions, artisan demonstrations, art and culture, food trucks, and group rides. The expo also seeks to bring together the individuals and organizations who further bicycle infrastructure, legislation, and rider-driver communication, and pro
