Top 10 Reasons to Visit The First Vienna Bike Show
After 7 years in Berlin, the Fahrradschau has decided to head south for its first bike show beyond Berlin. Now only a day away from heading to Vienna for the first time since 2003, I’m stoked to see what this Austrian iteration of the show (21-23 October) holds. If you’re nearby or even far, these are the top ten reasons to hop on a plane, train, bus, bike or (gasp) even car!
1. The Art
Often overlooked at almost every other bike show, art’s part in cycling is hugely important. The variety this year in Vienna is impressive! From Georg Wagenhuber’s portraits to the Freewheelin’ – Bike Street Art Showcase to the The Hardbrakers showcase of their tour back in 2015 of 1960km, 15 days, 10 riders, 6 countries and 1 gear to Strava art to Stefan Draschan’s car and bike culture colliding images to the (pictured above) exhibition of local Austrian photographer Bengt Stiller’s series: Legends of Steel, make sure to take the time to soak these in!
2. The Food
Let’s face it bonking at a bike show is a real issue. I’ve done it almost every time. But at the Wiener Fahrradschau you have no excuse to go hungry. The Food Festival Vienna will be present at the show all weekend:
– Friday from 18.00 till 23.00
– Saturday from 10.00am till Sunday 05.00am (All Night Long during Lange Nacht des Fahrrades)
– Sunday from 10.00 till 18.00
Here’s a breakdown of all the vendors serving delicious food & drinks.
3. The Films
The next best thing to riding bikes is watching films about riding bikes. On the heels of the Bicycle Film Festival Amsterdam, I’m amped to catch screenings like Rad Race’s “Tour D’Iceland” on October 23rd 11:30 in the Marx Halle – Kinosaal. Check out the full program of the 5th Radkult Wien Film Festival happening during the show here.
4. The Flea Market
It’s not all about innovation and the latest technology when it comes to bikes. Old school events like l’Eroica and In Velo Veritas are more popular than ever and spoke sniffing is not just for old randos any more. Come out and snag that missing period correct Campy seatpost you need for your retro rebuild!
5. The Brand Launches
The new cycling fashion brand bbuc is launching their debut collection, SS17 #outdoordisco. Brillibrilliant/unicorn reflects a new view on cycling by merging two worlds with its creative background and strong affinity for cycling. See you at the launch (6pm at Hotel am Brillantengrund) and on the dance floor at the afterparty!
6. The Rides
Do you even collabo bro? The Wiener Fahrradschau does. This ride, hosted by Rapha, has an all star organizing group with members of fasther, Le Rouleur Lent, VICC and BUCC. Leave your heart rate monitor at home, this ride will be more about tagging friends in Instagrams than bragging about KOMs. See Sunday the 23rd at 13:00 in front of the Rapha MCC @ Marx-Halle: http://bit.ly/2eOyzZQ
Spandex not your thing? Bust out your vintage steed for the Vienna Tweed Ride also at 13:00 on Sunday.
7. The Races
There are quite a few competitive cycling events you can either try to win or simply watch and grin during the Vienna Bike Show. From the Brompton World Championship to the City Bike Uphill Challenge and The Cult Race against Racism: for the First Time in Vienna and in cyclocross flavor. Get stoked for the Vienna Rad Cross!
8. The Coffee
Coffee and bikes go together like Instagram and likes. Be sure to visit these cycling friendly third wave cafés while you’re in town between visits to the show.
9. The Record Breaking
Michael Strasser recently rode broke the world record riding from Cairo to Capetown. He’ll present his new book at the WFS and talk about his adventures. Be there when Michael arrives from Berlin on Oct. 21st at 18:00.
10. The Bikes
In the end, it all comes back to the bikes doesn’t it? The impressive exhibitors list is a big part of why it makes sense to come out to the show. The spirit of the Fahrradschau transcends the commercial blandness of other shows and really connects visitors with the brands they love and don’t know they love yet.
For a full breakdown of all the amazing events happening this weekend in Austria’s capital check out the calendar.
For up to date highlights throughout the weekend follow @Fahrradschau on Instagram and like the Wiener Fahrradschau page on FB! See you there! #cyclingunites
