It feels like my account of our post-MADE visit to Minneapolis got a bit off track, but I’m writing this blog post to wrap up this year’s MADE BIKE SHOW (hereinafter referred to as MADE).
I’ve already written three entries—covering builder bikes, components, and the now-classic MADE parking lot bike check—so if you haven't read them yet, please be sure to take a look via the links below.
As for this final post, after covering "things" and "happenings," I naturally wanted to focus on the "people."
A Place for Socializing and Exchanging Information
Before the pandemic, I attended NAHBS many times, and I’ve been to every MADE since its inception.
At this handmade bike show, builders showcase the bicycles they’ve poured their hearts and technical skills into. Of course, it’s an incredibly important opportunity for frame builders' businesses, where they encounter future customers and sometimes even take on new orders.
However, I personally believe the significance of this event goes beyond that.
The show runs for three days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—and Saturday in particular is packed with crowds at every booth all day long. We were staffing the SimWorks booth, and it was so busy that time just flew by. Even so, I personally really love the scenes you can catch during the brief moments before the doors open in the morning, or toward the end of the final day when the crowds start to thin out.
That’s when you see builders checking out other booths, or exchanging opinions with fellow builders and brands. Of course, they’re just chatting and talking about nothing in particular, too, but by meeting and talking face-to-face on the floor like this, new ideas are born and it becomes a place for frame builders to exchange information. I truly believe the essence of a bike show like MADE lies in moments like these.
Do you know who built your bike?
In this day and age, with so many options available and an environment where it’s easier than ever to buy from anywhere compared to the past, maybe there’s no such thing as "something lacking." But I do feel there are still plenty of things that are missing.
"Who is the person behind this, what do they feel and believe in, and what kind of things are they making?"
Since it’s something you entrust your life to, and something you intend to enjoy for a lifetime, I think it’s crucial to decide who you want to build it for you, or at the very least, to know who it is that built it.
That’s exactly why we strive to understand their way of life and their philosophies as much as possible, so we can convey them to you.
We convey your clear intentions to them. Of course, that takes time and money, but we believe this time-consuming process cannot possibly result in something bad.
With rising prices, and in Japan, the current exchange rate situation, it’s a fact that the barrier to entry for handmade frames is higher than it used to be. It might not be something you can order on a whim, but if you have a specific vision of how you want things to be, and more importantly, if you want a bike that fits your body perfectly, there is a path that "only custom ordering can provide." So please, don't hesitate to consult with us at Circles.
The people who support this beloved community
While the frame builders are the main characters of MADE, the event is supported by parts brands, the staff running the show, the media sharing this experience with the world through photos and videos, and even the visitors. The passion of everyone wanting to nurture this community creates a chemical reaction, resulting in a great vibe flowing throughout.
That is exactly what MADE is all about.
From happy reunions after a long time to brand-new connections, meeting and connecting with so many people at this year’s MADE was our greatest takeaway.
In Conclusion
Lastly, one person who cannot be left out when talking about MADE. Yes, the director of this show, and a huge fan and supporter of this handmade bike community himself: Billy.
Of course, the show wouldn't be possible without the help of many others, but it was undoubtedly him who was always moving around the floor, never failing to communicate with visitors and exhibitors, and putting his heart and soul into making this an amazing event. You MADE it!!
With this being the third year, attendance reached an all-time high, and they are already planning to hold it in Portland around the same time next year. I can't wait.
Thank you again for another wonderful year at the MADE Bike Show, which has become such an important event for the handmade bike community and for us at Circles/SimWorks! We MADE it!!
And see you again next year!