The Toronto Bike Show 2016 recap

by Jun Nogami

The Toronto Bike Show is this weekend at the Better Living Centre in Toronto. I was particularly interested in checking out a new Canadian-made innovation in cargo bikes: the Salamander bike by Wike.

Here are Bob and Matt behind a prototype frame that was mounted high to show off the unique folding action of the frame.

They are justifiably proud of the folding all weather canopy.

Photo of Jun and Bob by S. Kinnear

Company owner Bob Bell explained some of the features of the bike to me. You can see the third wheel in its raised position.

Here it is in stroller mode.

From the back, you can see the black pedal that you step on to start the unfolding process. The width of the stroller mode is the same as that of the Wike trailers, and so it should fit through a standard doorway.

Here it is partially unfolded.

The third wheel can be switched between the upper and lower position with a push of a bottom on the hub, similar to their trailer wheels.

Wike has been disappointed with the response to their Kickstarter campaign for the Salamander. This was possibly due to the high price point. Bob said that they are considering outsourcing manufacture of the frame to their partners in Taiwan, in which case the price will come down to below $4,000. He emphasized that even if their choose to do this, most other major parts such as the fiberglass tub and the canopy will still be made locally.

Here are some of their older cargobike models. These are made in Taiwan.

Aside from the Wike stand, there was still plenty to see.

These fine folk are from Bike Law Canada, which is an organization that is raising awareness of the need for vulnerable road user legislation.

Colleen  McHugh, Kaitlyn (Katie) Rowe, Melissa Dowrie of Bike Law Canada.

There were e-bikes everywhere.

Allo Vélo from Montreal was in town to show off  a nice selection of Van Moof bikes: Dutch bikes styled for the 21^st century. This model had an integral lock.

Frog is a new line of kids bikes coming into Canada for the first time from the UK.  They all have aluminum frames and rims, and kid friendly detailing such as small brake levers, and smaller cranks with double sided chainguards.

Beautiful titanium (and carbon) bikes from No. 22 bikes.

..

Danielle Schon is a fabricator who is now making custom steel frames in the west end of Toronto. She is standing in front of her personal ride. Frame building is the perfect outlet for her artistic and welding expertise.

These reflective stickers from Mehoi strike a balance between “Kawaii” and edgy when it comes to bike 'safety' gear.

This helmet with integral lights, has a handlebar mounted remote control that turns on turn signals and a brake light feature -- I've never seen that before, and I am always looking for new bike gadgets and innovations.

In addition to the static displays and dealer areas, the show features bike polo, BMX competitions and a trials demonstration. There was also a booth advertising the documentary about Marinoni screening in Toronto at Cinecycle on Tuesday, March 8. Lots to see for the cycling inclined. The show runs through Sunday and is billed as being the largest bicycle trade show in North America.

Related on the dandyBLOG:

Some Toronto Bike Show's past on the dandyBLOG here, here, and here.

Kickstands and Kickstarter: bike innovations raise funds online

Hand in Glove: Jun Nogami on the beauty of handlebar booties

The fatty lifestyle: Fat bike winter ride review

Elsewhere:

The Pram Car retro video [Salamder-esque baby carriage mod]