Ask someone to list off the world's most innovative bicycles, and chances are that they'll mention some mass-produced bikes made by big-name manufacturers. The fact is, though, it's more often the smaller, independent builders that are doing the real innovating. For the past 10 years, many of them have been showing off their latest builds at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS). We attended this year's event, which took place last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here's a look at some of the things that really caught our eye.
NAHBS 2014 featured over 150 exhibitors from around the world – although most of them were from North America.
Given our mandate here at Gizmag, we were particularly interested in finding examples of out-of-the-box thinking – bikes that might be a little too "alternative" to sell in huge numbers, but that demonstrate a willingness to experiment with things like new frame materials, geometries, or drive trains.
There were plenty.
We've already covered some of the standout cycling innovations over the past week, but you can take a peek at the rest in this article's photo gallery. Just be warned that doing so may cause extreme bicycle lust.
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
4 comments
mgb
Lots of interesting bikes but ...not a single recumbent? Or were they banned?
overbyte
The recumbent manufacturers have their own trade show called Recumbent Cycle-Con. http://recumbentcyclecon.blogspot.com/.
Walt Stawicki
thanks for the recumbent link. I am shocked at the overabundance of design, but I guess conspicuous consumption is not foreign to cycling circles. As for engineering, a few highlights kept me plodding thru the pictures. I have more smiles looking thru low rider coverage of the bikes in so cal! still a diamond flat frame...except those excludable "recumbenteers!
Jeff Potter
Bikes are one. (NAHBS includes dozens of bike (and trike) types. Zero reason to exclude one.)
still a diamond flat frame...except those excludable "recumbenteers!