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.
The US handbuilt industry historically has overlooked the country's south-east. NAHBS made an effort in 2014 with a show in Charlotte, North Carolina, and more recently The Master Frame Builder Show ran in Bentonville, Arkansas, for a couple of years. Now Cane Creek, based near Asheville, North Carolina, has put the spotlight on the custom builders and small manufacturers operating in the region. Matt Butterman covered the event for Handbuilt Bicycle News.
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.
The North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) is back, promoting next generation builders along with the OG. Its founder, Don Walker, has persevered through a near-fatal health crisis and financial ruin from a cancelled 2022 show, and has reassembled a large part of the team that helped him build NAHBS into the world's premier handbuilt bicycle show. HBN spoke with Walker about moving off the Aug. 6-8, 2027 date in favor of a relaunch in 2028.
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.
The weekend of Aug. 6-8, 2027 has become a problematic date for the frame builder industry. We hope the date clash between two of the three largest shows causes no lasting damage.
Bob Roll called it his favorite bike of all time. It was a Huffy-stickered frame, painted in 7-Eleven team colors, produced in the Serotta shop. And the lug set, designed and made by Kelly Bedford, would be in hot demand for decades to come.
HBG reporter Curtis Whatley has been one of the most enduring and consistent insiders at custom bike shows in the US over the past 15-plus years. He gives his take on what we should pay attention to at Portland's Made show, which took place at the Zidell Yards, August 22-24.