Chantal Lachance, godmother of the international mtb scene
We learned of Chantal's passing on October 18, 2026. Her role in shaping mountain bike events, as an official, an organizer, a motivator, keeping things fun for everybody, was enormous.
Paul Skilbeck
The founder and publisher of the Handbuilt Bicycle Guide, Paul has long experience worldwide as a cycling journalist and communications consultant at bicycle showcase events such as Sea Otter Classic, North American Handmade Bicycle Show, and more recently the Philly Bike Expo. He has owned and ridden handbuilt custom bicycles since the 1970s. Paul lives in California's northernmost reaches, with five bicycles.
Shows & Events
October 2026Philly Bike Expo Returns May 8-9 '27
The Philly Bike Expo returns for its 16th edition on a spring weekend, which should prove popular among the multitudes of cyclists that combine a ride with show-hall and seminar time for a weekend's deep delving into the world of bikes.
Marketplace
September 2026Date Clash: An Unfortunate Coincidence
While still problematic for the industry the date clash of Aug. 6-8, 2027 for both NAHBS in Austin, Texas, and Made in Portland, Oregon appears to be the result of nothing more than coincidence.
Opinion
March 2026Why we stopped covering show awards
Hierarchical show awards have long been regarded as spotlighting some builders while leaving others in the shadows. With a little imagination, shows and expos can point the cycling media to coverage of the custom framebuilding industry with different, but still engaging, content that is more floodlight than spotlight.
Calendar
September 2025Calendar of Shows & Expos
A list of custom handbuilt bike expos and shows around the world , from the large international events, to the small regional shows and festivals. The common feature of these show is they deliberately promote the small manufacturers in the cycling industry, with the intention they get equal space and attention should the larger companies exhibit also.
Shows & Events
August 2025Made Show Venue in Doubt
A new Major League Baseball park complex is under consideration for the Zidell Yards site in Portland, Oregon, which has been home to the Made show since 2023, putting the future of this venue into question.
Bicycles
April 2025Killerdrop System Features at Sea Otter
The Killerdrop is a one-click seat height/angle adjustment system that is the best answer we've seen yet to a question mountain bikers the world over have been asking for decades. It will be available for test rides near the finish of the dual slalom course during the 2025 Sea Otter Classic.
Shows & Events
March 20252025 Handmade Bicycle Exhibition is coming
Tokyo's Handmade Bicycle Exhibition, January 25-26, is the longest-running handbuilt custom bicycle show we know of. The event is held in one of the most prestigious locations imaginable.