This year marked my second time attending the Bespoked Handmade Bicycle Show in Dresden, and once again, it did not disappoint. From Thursday, October 17th, to Sunday, October 20th, the event offered an unforgettable experience filled with craftsmanship, innovation, and camaraderie. Hosted at the airy and spacious Dresden International Airport, this year’s show was even bigger and better, with the addition of a second floor and a 30% increase in exhibitors—making it a celebration of the bespoke cycling community like no other.
A Thursday Kick-Off: Industry Connections and Fresh Insights
The show kicked off with an industry dinner on Thursday evening, where I had the opportunity to connect with an inspiring group of people from various corners of the handmade bicycle industry. The intimate setting allowed us to talk about future projects and share insights into upcoming trends. One of the most exciting aspects of these gatherings is the opportunity to hear firsthand from brands about what they’re working on. The energy was palpable, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how these conversations translate into new innovations over the coming months.
Friday: Exploring the Expanded Show and Standout Exhibitors
Friday was my first full day of the show, and with two floors to cover this year, there was plenty to see. The lower level was my focus for the day, and the diversity of exhibitors was truly remarkable. What stood out most was the quality of conversations I had with makers from all over the world. Handmade bicycles, components, and accessories filled the room, each with its own unique story and vision.
One of the most memorable encounters was with the team from Festka, a brand known for its custom carbon frames. What intrigued me about their display this year was their focus on integrating technology into their craft. They showcased a bike equipped with sensors to measure impact and torque in the frame. This kind of data is invaluable, as it allows Festka to refine their designs, optimizing stiffness, comfort, and performance according to customer preferences. Whether someone wants a super stiff race bike or a more comfortable touring setup, Festka is now able to tailor the ride feel more precisely than ever.
Another standout was Parsec, a small company specializing in dry bags and cargo cages. What made Parsec’s booth particularly memorable wasn’t just the quality of their products, but the colorful and artistic approach they took in showcasing them. The founder, who also works with Old Man Mountain, collaborates with various artists to create visually striking designs. His booth was a burst of color and creativity, reflecting his unique take on bikepacking gear.
I also spent a considerable amount of time at the Tailfin booth, where I had a chance to talk to their founder, Nick Broadbent. Tailfin has been making waves with their innovative rack systems, and our conversation delved into the philosophy behind their products. Tailfin’s approach to design and functionality really sets them apart, and I’ll be featuring them in an upcoming Ask a Pro article on GravGrav to explore their creative process in more depth.
Beyond these highlights, I also reconnected with Jaeger Cycles, a brand I’ve been following for some time. They’ve made a name for themselves with their sleek, functional designs and are good friends with Manu Cattrysse, a prominent bikepacking athlete. Their booth was a place I returned to multiple times, and their enthusiasm for creating high-quality, adventure-ready bikes was contagious.
The Awards: A Playful Twist with Serious Talent
One of the most anticipated moments of the show was the Bespoked Awards, and this year, the ceremony didn’t disappoint. The awards have always been about celebrating creativity and craftsmanship, but there’s a playful side to the event as well. After last year’s Star Wars-themed trophies, we were all curious to see what kind of twist they would come up with for 2024—and they certainly didn’t disappoint!
This year, the trophies were handmade and consisted of… vegetables! Yes, you heard that right. Each award was presented with a vegetable hand-picked for its geometry, weight, and freshness, adding a lighthearted and humorous touch to the ceremony. The vegetables were a clever reflection of Bespoked’s grassroots ethos, and they added an element of surprise that kept the atmosphere fun and light.
However, the craftsmanship being celebrated was no joke. This year’s award winners truly showcased the diversity and talent within the handmade bicycle community. The Best in Show award went to Good Grief, a brand supported by the SRAM Inclusivity Scholarship. It was inspiring to see such a young company win this prestigious prize, and it’s a testament to the value of supporting new voices in the industry. The SRAM scholarship aims to foster inclusivity and bring more diverse builders into the spotlight, and Good Grief’s win felt like a positive step in the right direction.
Here’s a full list of the 2024 Bespoked Award winners:
Bespoked’s Best 2024
🥕Best Road: (Twotone and CRANK! Communication) Avalanche instagram.com/avalanchecycles
🥬Best Cargo: (Radelbande) Sayle Cycle instagram.com/saylecycle
🍅Best Touring: (Radavist) FERN instagram.com/fern_bicycles
🌽Best In Show: (BESPOKED) Good Grief instagram.com/goodgrief.bike/
🫑Best Singlespeed: (Bike Rumor) Significant Other Bikes instagram.com/significant.other.bikes/
🍠Best Bag: (Path Less Pedalled) Wit Slingers instagram.com/witslingers/
🫛Best City / Utility: (Fahrstil) ARKO instagram.com/arko_bici/
🥒Best Gravel: (Bikepacking) Meerglas instagram.com/meerglas_frameworks/
Best Off Road: (GCN auf deutsch) - Avalanche instagram.com/avalanchecycles/
Best New Builder: (Other Means Magazine) Don Sebastiano instagram.com/bastel_mann/
Mike Burrows Award for Innovation: (The European Bike Project) Vapour Cycles instagram.com/vapourcycles
🥦 Best MTB: (MTB-News) Huhn Cycles instagram.com/huhncycles/
Best Finish: (Biciclette D'Epoca) Finnbar Trout instagram.com/finnbartrout/
Hunt Wheels Build Off: Rheintritt instagram.com/rheintritt_fahrradmanufaktur/
🍄Absolute Legend: (Sour Bicycles) Christoph Süße instagram.com/sour.bicycles/
🌱Community Builder: Roman, QVIST instagram.com/qvist.cc/
Saturday: Sharing My Own Work and More Show Highlights
Saturday was a particularly special day for me, as I had the opportunity to present on our new Wossa Bikepacking Route. I was thrilled to see such a full audience for my talk, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The Wossa route is set to launch in April 2025, and many attendees expressed interest in riding it. There’s something truly rewarding about sharing your passion with an engaged crowd, and it reinforced just how much the bikepacking community is growing. It was also exciting to see the questions and enthusiasm surrounding the route, which is designed to educate riders on water circulation in the alps.
The rest of the day was spent catching up with more exhibitors and friends. I stopped by Lightwolf, who had an incredible gravel bike on display by Cicli Bonanno. It featured a custom paint job and was equipped with the new 12-speed Shimano GRX groupset. Lightwolf had also built up a few other frames from Open Cycles, Sturdy Cycles, and Stinner Cycles, demonstrating once again why they’re the go-to bespoke bike shop in Dresden.
I also made time to visit the Miss Grapes booth. This small Italian company is present at many of the same events I attend, and their bike bags are consistently top-notch. Their collaboration with Cento Canesio on custom-painted frames added another layer of artistry to the show.
Sunday: Closing Out with a Ride and Final Impressions
Sunday began with the Hunt Sour Hangover Ride, a 45-kilometer gravel ride that was the perfect way to start the final day. It was a casual and fun ride, with a group of around 40 to 50 cyclists. The relaxed pace allowed everyone to enjoy the scenic countryside around Dresden, and it was a great way to bond with fellow attendees before heading back to the show for one last look around.
Back at the exhibition, I finally made my way up to the upper deck. I spent time talking to the team at Posedla, admiring some freehand tattoos being done live (though I didn’t get one myself, it was tempting!). The vibe on the second floor was just as lively and creative as the first, with exhibitors pushing the boundaries of bike design and gear innovation.
Avalanche Bicycles, which had already been awarded both Best Road and Best Off-Road, caught my eye with their beautifully built-up bikes. Their craftsmanship really set them apart, and it was easy to see why they had received so much recognition this year.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the weekend came to a close, I reflected on just how special the Bespoke Bike Show has become. The atmosphere was friendly, the exhibits were inspiring, and the overall sense of community was stronger than ever. With such momentum, I can’t wait to see how the show evolves in 2025. Dresden has truly cemented itself as a hub for handmade cycling craftsmanship, and I’ll definitely be back next year to see what new creations and collaborations come to life.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to sharing more stories from this year’s show and continuing the conversations that began in Dresden. The future of bespoke bikes is bright, and Bespoked is playing a huge part in that growth.