Nahbs

[p nut]

NAHBS is coming to my city in March. Never been to one before, so thought I'd head up for a day. I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of ogling. But the ticket prices.... $22/day?? Bit steep, no? Then $8 per kid? Guess I'll be going solo, if at all.

For those that have gone, was the experience worth it? I know it's all subjective, but just curious.

[PeregrineA1]

When I go again, I will go Saturday and Sunday. Too much to take in in a day.

It is fantastic.

[Louis]

I'd say that it's definitely worth going, especially if it's local. In addition to all the hardware, you get to meet and chat with a bunch of different builders.

[wtex]

Yep, it's worth it. Candyland. Chance to talk to the builders, Shimano and many other reps. I got to talk to Ben and Serotta Pete. Priceless.

[Louis]

There's also a traditional forum dinner one of the days (can't remember which one). PM Dave Kirk for details, he often organizes it.

[vqdriver]

Hrm. Might seem steep at first blush, but 22/day/person is not a lot to charge for hosting any tradeshow.
A straight bargain if youre in the market for a frame and you can meet the builders in one sweep.

[Rudy]

Go. I attended Denver. Great folks, mindblowing products, wonderful vibe. As for admission price, I don't remember what I paid though I feel it was a few dollars less. At any rate, you can't go bowling for a day for twenty-two bucks. And if the kiddos have any interest in cycling take them along. You will not regret it; post pics after.

[jinbok]

I'm going to be there for Friday and Saturday - driving from LA.
This year, they are missing (or been missing) few good builders
but I heard it's always an amazing experience. and Dave is returning!

[cornice6]

It's a must attend if it's in your city! You get to chat with the builders, look at new and upcoming parts and a chance to talk to new and upcoming frame builders. Lots of bike porn for sure! I didn't pay the last time it was held in Sacramento since I had a pass from Triton Bikes. Dmitry had my 29er on display there. Have fun and take plenty pics!

[exapkib]

I'll be up on Saturday--really excited!

[weaponsgrade]

I've been twice. It can be a sugar bomb overload, but definitely worth it if you're spending time on a forum like this. Don't go with someone who has just a casual interest in bikes b/c they're gonna want to leave by the 30 minute mark. Pace yourself. Bring a bag to collect stickers, money for show special t-shirts and other schwag, and your checkbook of course for a deposit.

[FlashUNC]

That's cheap for a trade show with what you'll see there.

[pdmtong]

Originally Posted by p nut

NAHBS is coming to my city in March. Never been to one before, so thought I'd head up for a day. I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of ogling. But the ticket prices.... $22/day?? Bit steep, no? Then $8 per kid? Guess I'll be going solo, if at all.
For those that have gone, was the experience worth it? I know it's all subjective, but just curious.

I recommend you skip the show.

Then, the next time you decide you really want to go, take a day off of work so you can fly in Friday to wherever the show is. Arrive Friday and see the show for a half day. Get a hotel for Friday and Saturday night so you can go all day Saturday with the huge crowd. Now fly home Sunday and don't forget you now owe your wife for taking care of the kids for 3 days and spending $750-1000+.

Or, stick a crowbar in your wallet and pry out $22.

I've been to three NAHBS (san jose #3 and the two Sacramento). It never gets old. Out here we have Sea Otter every year. It never gets old. You like bikes? It's in your home town? Don't miss out.

Hot tips:
- if you can take off work, go on Friday.
- bring a backpack with some food and water (convention food is $$ and terrible)
- bring cash for schwag. $200 is enough. $40 in king cages for you and your friends. $40 for a tee, socks, pint glass. Now you have $120 left to bring home and feel good about not spending it all. that is unless you go by abbey tools and buy a crombie SL etc.
- buy your ticket in advance so you don't stand in a frustrating line
- bring a camera but dont try to take a picture of everything. there are people with better cameras a flickr sites for that.
- make a list of who you really want to see so you can keep track. NAHBS creates ADD even for people who are not ADD
- once you have done five laps leave. you are done.

[CMiller]

It is totally worth it! I was fine with a day, but 2 days would be best if you wanted to talk to a handful of builders.

[cadence90]

$22 is a complete bargain, in my book, for someone who really loves bicycles.
Seeing the stuff irl; talking with people face to face; seeing a lot other excited and happy, passionate cyclists; etc.

It's uplifting, and eye-opening. I mean, a 2-hour movie costs, what, $15 these days? Do it, you will not regret it.

weaponsgrade and pdmtong have posted excellent advice.