Product Party
Interbike is one of the largest bike industry expos in the world, a Las Vegas event second in size only to Eurobike.
The Portland Product Party wasn’t nearly as huge, by a long stretch, but it was still a very cool event we hope to see grow.
Held at Velo Cult Bike Shop and Tavern, the Product Party was a casual (beer drinking) environment for retailers to check out 2015 products from a variety of bike businesses. Company reps were on hand to talk about new product features.
The event was put together as a last-minute idea, but the consensus all around seemed to be that it’s worth hosting again next year. Bike shop employees are often too busy to spend their time researching the finer points of new products, but this event was a cool environment to parlay that information. The focus on bike industry retailers is important. It’s no secret that online shopping is taking away from local businesses. If shop employees are more knowledgeable, they can offer an attractive service that has the potential to draw shoppers away from the sterile, self-driven online shopping environment.
If nothing else, it was an awesome opportunity for industry people to interact, something Portland needs a lot more of.
In attendance were Black Star Bags, North Street Bags, Walnut Studiolo, Bern, Showers Pass and Portland Design Works.
Photo Gallery
Click for a larger view
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- The scene
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- Lindsey from North Portland Bikeworks checks out the Showers Pass Double Century – a hooded, soft shell that’s nicely waterproof.
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- Kool Stop in action. These two guys have worked there since the 80s and say that the newest employee has been there 15 years. The Lake Oswego brake pad manufacturer clearly knows how to treat their employees well!
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- Showers Pass displays their wears
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- Another example of PDW’s simple gear.
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- A subtle pocket in Showers Pass’s jacket.
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- Bern has a million helmet designs and styles these days, and even uses a special mold for women’s styles.
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- Showers Pas uses a special texture on the inside of their jackets that keeps the material slightly elevated off the skin, which helps with breathability.
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- More cool helmets from Bern
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- PDW feels their lights are dialed in – they introduced a higher end bright light for 2015, and they’re pleased with their collection. They say they’ll now move on to other product innovations.
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- Portland Design Works makes beautiful, simple gear for every day riding.
