SPIN London 2016 another success

SPIN London 2016 another success as the cycling festival welcomes over 10,000 to its 4th London edition.

Spin – The Cycling Festival took place at The Old Truman Brewery, from 20 – 22 May 2016. The show welcomed over 10,000 visitors to celebrate all things cycling in a laid-back atmosphere that showcased top of the range urban and road bikes alongside cycle fashion, accessories, art and technology.

Under the stewardship of new owners Mercury Events, the show drew headline support from leading cycling media BikeRadar, Cycling Plus, Urban Cyclist, ProCycling, MBUK and Eurosport. Spin reported a 35% year on year increase in visitor numbers and a 42% increase in the number of participating exhibitors, cementing its place as a must-attend event for cyclists across London and the South East.

The show’s editorial programme was hailed a huge success, with many visitors taking part in frame-building workshops, upcycling leather saddles, creating their own bike art or relaxing with a craft beer and live footage of the Giro d’Italia. Keynote speakers Chris Boardman MBE, Martyn Ashton, Juliet Elliott and Patrick Seabase took to the stage; plus Spin hosted live theatre performances from Kieron Hodgson with ‘Lance’ and the Wishbone Theatre. BMX battles were staged to large crowds, whilst visitors enjoyed competing in virtual races like the Plume Puddle Dash and RollaPaluza.

Headline speaker Chris Boardman filled ‘The Summit’ talk arena to standing room only as the former Olympian took questions from host Rob Spedding and the crowd about his career on two wheels. His personal endorsement of Spin confirms how the show caters to the cycling community as a whole.

Boardman comments: ‘Spin London is more than a cycle show, it’s a festival event with a festival atmosphere. From talks to inventions that haven’t even been commercialised yet, to amazing stands and products, to creating your own saddle… There’s so much here. It’s the kind of bike show that I like to attend.’ 

Brands taking part in Spin numbered more than 100, and included road cycling heavyweights Bianchi, Fondriest, Cinelli, Brother, Reid and Boardman, as well as leading urban names like Pure Fix, Creme Cycles and Moulton. Much international innovation was on display with light-up designer clothing, ergonomic folding bikes, Bluetooth-controlled helmets and GPS systems among the showcased new kit.

Event Director Alex Daw said: ‘It’s exciting to see the development of cycling in London reflected in the quality of the brands wanting to take part at Spin, and in the growing number of visitors who attend. The show is now a proven platform for brands to reach London’s commuter market.’ 

On the back of the success of Spin London 2016, organisers Mercury Events have announced the launch of a city-wide initiative to make cycling more accessible and inspiring for all, London Bike Week. A key objective of the initiative will be to boost sales of new bikes and bike technology. An official statement on the launch of London Bike Week will be available to press shortly.

The next Spin London is on 12-14 May 2017 at London Olympia.