My good friend Ari Andonopoulous attended the Chicago Area Bicycles Dealer Association dealer only trade show/expo on Wednesday and sent me a short report and a bunch of images. I will share the best of the crop and provide some captions to them. Ari took all the images.
This is a great look at an event that many people don't realize happens in the industry. Trade shows used to be quite prevalent 20 years ago but they are few and far between in the cycling industry in North America anymore.
Enjoy!
Schaumberg Convention Center, Schaumberg IL, February 12th, 2025 : I had been looking forward to attending CABDA for a few months now. It’s a good way to break up the winter and have a chance to socialize with like minded people. We had a snow “event” roll thru Chicago so schools were called off and I was able to drive to the show as my wife was working from home. 
Welcome to the show!
I woke up a bit late and scurried out of the house. I was excited to take photos with my Canon but I left in such a hurry that I forgot the battery on the charger at home. Luckily I packed a Sony camera and it worked out. I took it easy driving there and arrived a few minutes before opening, completely missing the meet and greet breakfast. I lucked out on a last cup of coffee and fueled up with sugary gels and bars samples.
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| An old trade show attendee hack: Living off the free nutritional samples! |
The event was well attended with many companies represented. Surprised to see QBP and Giant there. Also Niner, Transition, Factor, Cervelo and other notables. I was impressed with a new Vittoria gravel tire, a Pedro’s Bottom Bracket tool, lots of new lubes and a Krypto lock with a mesh that kills the wheel on angle grinders.
I met a lot of friends from the Chicago area bike scene and chatted with a lot of friendly vendors.
The bike industry is ever changing and as much as people criticize it I believe it’s driven by passionate people that love bikes and cycling. I would not hesitate going to CABDA again and look forward to attending next year. - Ari
Photo Dump
A row of swank, sleek looking Factor bikes. 
Trudi is from the people behind BERD spokes. This wheel building machine costs $6,999.00 
PK Rippers as seen at CABDA. These types of bicycles are big in urban areas. 
Reminds me of Tioga Psycho tires! These Vittoria Terreno Pros are made from 92% recycled materials. 
Olympic Supply still offers printed dealer catalogs. Old school! 
This new Pedros bottom bracket tool uses inserts and one aluminum cup to cover several BB standards in one tool.
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| Trade shows are great for finding new products to use in a repair shop. |
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| It is kind of ironic that Quality Bicycle Products is showing at CABDA. At one time, its Frostbike trade show was the darling of the Mid-West trade show circuit. |
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| Trade shows also allow mechanics and dealers to get face-to-face explanations of new technologies. |
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| One of the hidden gems of Muc Off's range is this Eco Parts Washer. |
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| Clik Valve shows its wares. I'll have an update on my review of these products later this Summer. |
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| BIKE TUBES was there showing off these colorful TPU tubes. |
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| That's a wrap from the Schaumberg Convention Center, Schaumberg, Illinois! Thanks Ari! |
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