Eurobike started as a small mountain-bike only show in Friedrichshafen 17 years ago in the ramshackle Messe fairgrounds and today, Eurobike is considered the #1 bicycle trade show worldwide. In 2008, over 930 exhibitors will ply their wares at Eurobike this year, a new record, with visitors from 75 countries. Marc Sani, publisher of the US trade magazine Bicycle Retailer & Industry News said “EUROBIKE is, for American suppliers with international distribution, the most important trade show on the calendar." Although Trek no longer exhibits at Interbike and Specialized only has a small stand there, they both have huge stands at Eurobike in the beautiful new Messe fairgrounds near Lake Constance. 

SRAM's Stan Day echoes Sani's comments, saying "nowhere else in Europe can you meet so many retailers, manufacturers and enthusiastic consumers. (Eurobike) is enormously effective for us as a company because we can connect with a large number of people at once.” says Stan Day, CEO and founder of the component producer Sram, which is a leading supplier of shock absorbing front forks, brakes, gear shifting technology and other components. Day directly attributes much of his company’s success to the “growth and support received through the trade show.” In 2008, Eurobike will present it's second edition of Demo Day, a test day for trade visitors and journalists. 

Unfortunately, many industry observers are expecting bicycle prices to increase by 10-15% in 2009 because of increases in labor and raw material prices in China, where most bicycles and accessories are manufactured, while the European and American economies continue to be slow so this new pricing will hit the bicycle consumer in the pocketbook like never before. However new product innovations and an increasing demand for commuting bicyles due to the high price of gas are expected to excite the bicycle industry again.

Look for a report on the 4th annual Eurobike Awards for innovation as well as new products from many top bicycle, component & accessories brands. RoadBikeAction.Com will bring you Eurobike 2008 live to you directly from the Friedrichshafen Messegelande, with daily reports, new product news, inside scoops and everything else that makes Roadbikeaction.Com the hottest new cycling site on the internet.