SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike is partnering with Extra Energy Services North America to create a purpose-built indoor test track at this fall's show. Shimano is the presenting sponsor of the track, which is being designed to test a variety of motor systems and bicycle designs, including e-bikes, fat bikes, and urban/lifestyle bikes.
"The Circuit, presented by Shimano" will be designed and produced by EESNA and will feature a 15-foot wide loop that travels more than 1,000 feet through a dog-leg left turn, s-curves, and a hairpin turn. In addition to the standard loop, the track will include an 8-foot wide E-bike Power Ramp that provides a 34-foot incline rising up 4 feet to an 8-foot long platform and a matching 34 foot down ramp. This ramp is specifically designed to allow riders to test the power assist provided by e-bike drives.
A dedicated Terrain Lane featuring a number of ramps and obstacles will be provided for riders wanting to test fat bikes. A non-woven floor covering will eliminate the challenge of the polished concrete exhibition floor.
"The addition of the new hall and space at Mandalay Bay is allowing us to create a legitimate, professional test track facility on the show floor in a cool, comfortable environment," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "We're investing a lot here and we're confident that the track is going to be a game changer and a new feature of the show that will be very important for years to come."
Shimano has introduced its STEPS e-bike system to North America and is looking to this test track as a way to support the growing market.
"This track will provide the perfect setting for Shimano to showcase its STEPS E-bike groupset," said Dustin Brady, Shimano American's marketing manager. "We're looking forward to engaging with retailers through this new and innovative feature of Interbike."
The partnership between Interbike and EESNA came about as part of the launch of a planned promotional tour for e-bikes to be produced by EESNA, called The Electric Bike Expo. Following the launch at Interbike, the six-city tour will kick-off in January 2016 at The IBD Summit in Tempe, Ariz., and will focus on introducing consumers to e-bike technology. Additional tour stops are still being finalized and sponsorship opportunities are now available.
"There's no better place to launch our six-city tour across North America than the ultimate gathering for the bicycle industry – Interbike," said Ray Verhelst, CEO of EESNA. "Interbike attendees have never seen such an elaborate track and we're confident that retail attendees who want to test the latest and greatest electric bikes, urban bikes or fat bikes will not be disappointed with their experience."
For more information on Extra Energy Services North America or The Electric Bike Expo, go to www.electricbike-expo.com. Brands interested in demo'ing at The Circuit can contact their Interbike sales executive or Andria Klinger at andria.klinger@emeraldexpo.com or 949-226-5745.
