When the MADE Show happened in August we learned that the original custom bicycle show, the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, was returning after a hiatus of several years. NAHBS was last scheduled to happen in 2022 but was cancelled by the organizer, Don Walker, due to a stated "lack of interest" from frame builders at the time. MADE debuted in 2023 and has occurred every year since that time.
NAHBS had announced a return for 2027 at the same time MADE was to occur in 2027,. The conflict in dates was obviously not ideal, but it has been announced by NAHBS that it will now change the plans. The show likely will happen in early 2028, avoiding the conflicting date set earlier.
See the NAHBS site HERE for further updates in the future.
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| Salsa Cycles posted this collage of images on its social media |
A Full-Suspension Salsa Cycles 32"er?
Early this week a collage of images was posted to Salsa Cycles Facebook page with the following caption:
"It's not quite a Bigfoot sighting, but we do have photographic evidence of Salsa product managers Joe and Ethan at Marji Gesick this weekend testing a new bike with a pretty big footprint. #BigWheelsBigAdventure #32intheYoop "
Comments: Now there was no indication given that this would ever become a production bike, but Salsa is promoting this on their socials. One has to think this is a gauging of interest type of marketing move.
My suspicion is this is going to be offered at some point. This also points to Salsa trying to maneuver itself into a position where the brand is seen as a leader in this category. What the other big brands will do has yet to be seen, but it would appear that Salsa Cycles is buying into 32" wheels wholeheartedly.
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| From Singular Cycles social media |
Also in 32" news, Singular Cycles shared a special build of one of their 32" Albatross hard tails sporting an X Fusion 32" fork. The rumor mill earlier this season had pointed to some second tier suspension brands having interest in making 32" suspension forks. This would seem to prove the rumor true in one case.
X Fusion makes a wide range of suspension products. While they do have top performing forks and rear shocks, they are not as well spec'ed on the upper end of most brands products. A range where Rock Shox and Fox have everything pretty much tied up in terms of spec.
Rumors were that forks for mid-level hard tails were coming with 32 inch wheels. This would indicate that big brands were buying into making 32" hard tails which would be not quite so expensive. Singular is a niche brand and while they may be using the X Fusion fork, my bet is some big brand put in an order for OE spec which made this fork become a reality.
Time will tell soon enough, but I suspect 2027 will be the year 32" wheels make a big splash in the retail sector of cycling. Will consumers buy in or simply turn up their noses and leave 32" wheels to sit on showroom floors?
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| Image courtesy of Efficient Velo Tools |
Efficient Velo Tools Shows New Consumer Portable Repair Stand:
As the seasons turn and the days get shorter, many cyclists start to focus on other sports, indoor cycling, or the gym. Meanwhile those nagging issues with your bicycle sit in the garage, basement, or wherever you keep you bicycles. Spring will come, and you'll be in some mad rush to get things squared away, as will thousands of other folks waiting until the last minute.
You could avoid all of this and do your own basic maintenance with a quality repair stand like this EVT unit. Called the "Field Unit Comp", the stand weighs a little over 13lbs, can hold bicycles up weighing up to 44lbs, and utilizes EVT's stellar clamp design.
Working on a bicycle is infinitely easier and more fun when you have a proper repair stand. This one goes for a very reasonable $299.95. You'll save that much money doing three tune-ups on your own bike. Plus, the stand is portable, so you can take it with you to events, vacations, or visits to friends.
EVT is a respected name in mechanic circles and this clamp is often times lauded as the best in the business. I highly recommend this stand. I have no affiliation with EVT at all, by the way.
There you go! Another FN&V for 2026 in the books. Now go ride those bicycles!
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