Scottish Bike Show - rubbish!
- Thread starter rualexander
- Start date
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So....... Was it any better on the Sunday??
Nope :-( It wasn't as big as I thought it was going to be, and a bit of a wasted journey from Perth and back. Totally forgot about the £6 parking as well and though I was doing well getting my ticket for £6.50. All that plus the boredom of crawling from and back to Stirling in all those road works, hacked me off even more :-((
Does anyone else think that this would have been better held at somewhere like Ingliston in Edinburgh? At least you could have had some of it outside then.
Reminded me of the Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival held in Aberfeldy the day before the Etape. Went to this last year as it sounded quite good, but consisted of a few tents selling burgers and tea, with a few guys doing stunts on BMX style bikes. A complete waste of time, but at least it was free!!!!
snorri
Legendary Member
- Location
- East coast, up a bit.
Mad Doug Biker
Just a damaged guy.
- Location
- Craggy Island
Not so much rubbish, more just poorly thought out.
The choice of trade stands was a bit odd in the sense that there wasn't much variation, yes, and half the bikes had price tags well into 4 figures (did anyone see that gorgeous green Ibis for 3 Grand? I was in love, but my Wallet wasn't), but I did get the likes of some maps from the Sustrans Stand and a copy of Cycle Craft instead.
Also, I had a great time taking bikes for 'test runs', including the wooden bike, and the Electra Tichino (which was immensely comfortable!).
I think the main problem was that the BMX and riding areas took up too much space, so there wasn't space for much else - if they had a bigger hall, or even were to spread it over two halls, and also get better trade stands, then it could be quite good.
The real test will be (if it is still running) whether it is the same in about 5 years time. You have to let these things grow!
The choice of trade stands was a bit odd in the sense that there wasn't much variation, yes, and half the bikes had price tags well into 4 figures (did anyone see that gorgeous green Ibis for 3 Grand? I was in love, but my Wallet wasn't), but I did get the likes of some maps from the Sustrans Stand and a copy of Cycle Craft instead.
Also, I had a great time taking bikes for 'test runs', including the wooden bike, and the Electra Tichino (which was immensely comfortable!).
I think the main problem was that the BMX and riding areas took up too much space, so there wasn't space for much else - if they had a bigger hall, or even were to spread it over two halls, and also get better trade stands, then it could be quite good.
The real test will be (if it is still running) whether it is the same in about 5 years time. You have to let these things grow!
Brandane
Legendary Member
- Location
- Costa Clyde
According to a sales person I spoke to at Dales, the reason why they didn't have any involvement at the show was because of the extortionate fees wanted by the organisers for the privilege of a few square feet of floor space. If that scares off the likes of Dales, then it's unlikely that smaller organisations are going to be well represented, and doesn't bode well for the future.
They blew it on their first attempt, and now the bad name will stick. If they do try and run it again next year, they will surely struggle to get people through the doors. Especially if they charge £9.50 a ticket!
GlasgowGaryH
Veteran
- Location
- Where ever I lay my hat
I know the show was not that big,but then again I did not go there with the expectations of seeing a London style bike show. I certainly came away with more free samples,drinks bottles,energy bars ect,that will cover the entrance price 4 or 5 times over. I also enjoyed the test rides I had on the bikes that I have no chance of owning unless my numbers come up in the lottery.
Moby Jones
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Inverclyde
I agree, it will have left a bad impression on many people including myself, and i would have to think hard about going again.
Having said all that i do wish they continue with it but get it right next time because it is a very good idea and they could make quite a bit of money from the show
phaedrus
New Member
I went on Saturday and, while I was pleased to see it so busy, I was disappointed by the lack of content which would appeal to me. I thought there was an over-emphasis on BMX/stunt/MTB cycling, with almost nothing for someone like me who is a road and commuting cyclist.
I hope there's a next time so that they can improve.
I hope there's a next time so that they can improve.
MacB
Lover of things that come in 3's
- Location
- Farnborough, Hampshire
Tis all marketing and if you don't fall in the target demographic then your chances are nil. This sounds like the target was leisure over utility and that makes sense, they don't need to pamper to the utility market as they will buy anyway.
I always think the most impressive bit is getting people to pay, door and carpark, for the privilege of being marketed to.
All the comments above make me glad I stayed in the garden and enjoyed starting off the tan!
My gripe with cycle shows that I've been to is that they rarely offer much for sale - it's an expo rather than having expo with trade area as you generally get with motorcycle shows such as the big bike show at the NEC. They'd have done well to organise it in conjunction with the Cycle Promotions sale which would have the potential to drum up more business for both. The issue there is that the Cycle Promotions (as someone pointed out previously) was held in a less salubrious location, meaning cheaper to run.
My gripe with cycle shows that I've been to is that they rarely offer much for sale - it's an expo rather than having expo with trade area as you generally get with motorcycle shows such as the big bike show at the NEC. They'd have done well to organise it in conjunction with the Cycle Promotions sale which would have the potential to drum up more business for both. The issue there is that the Cycle Promotions (as someone pointed out previously) was held in a less salubrious location, meaning cheaper to run.
Hilldodger
Guru
- Location
- sunny Leicester
Mad Doug Biker
Just a damaged guy.
- Location
- Craggy Island
If that was the reason then shame on them, but if they do it again, and get it RIGHT, then I don't see why it should have a bad name.
It was their first time, and they zarked up, but it was their first time, give it a chance to improve if it runs again (and the organisers take heed of the complaints).
As I said earlier, the real test will be if it is still the same in the future.
P.S. I payed £6.50
....As I said earlier. As for thinking hard about going again? I wouldn't be so harsh at this stage, let it develop, and, as I have said already, if it is still the same in future years, THEN you know not to go!
Exactly!
The Gorbals are not as bad these days as they used to be, but yes, you are probably right.
Thing is, having attended and helped at several shows at the SECC, such as Model Rail Scotland, if it was as expensive for exhibitors as it allegedly was at the bike show, then why is the place always packed??
Ok you go first next year and let us know what its like
A nice swim in the morning and a browse through some cycling stuff - what more could you ask for?
Beardie
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Disneyland's twin town
That's odd, it got a positive response in the VeloVision forum:
www.velovision.com/forum-new/read.php?3,8765
www.velovision.com/forum-new/read.php?3,8765
