NAHBS 2018

Last weekend, we once again paid a visit to the world's largest custom-built bicycle event – the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. This year's show was held in Hartford, Connecticut, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Here's a look at some of the wonders and oddities that were on display.​

​If you've ever tried taking a bicycle on an airplane, then you'll know what a hassle it can be to pack the things. Having a folding bike helps, although cyclist Bert Vermeulen found that even on that front, there was room for improvement. That's why he developed the ultra-flat-packing Alpaca Bike.

​Back when we visited the North American Handmade Bicycle Show in 2015, Lance Rake showed us an e-bike he made from a blend of woven bamboo, carbon fiber and balsa wood. At this year's show, he was back with a bamboo bike that's designed to be easy for Indian entrepreneurs to build.

​Ryan Cargo used to live in Berlin, where he noticed that all the bicycles basically looked the same. This prompted him to design something different – not necessarily lighter or more aerodynamic – just different. As can be seen, the results will most definitely turn a few heads.

​Every year at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, there seems to be one bike that particularly attracts the photo-takers and question-askers. At this year's show, held in Hartford, Connecticut, that bike would probably be Helio Ascari's exquisite King Plus.