The Spring bike show is great for actually seeing some of the new models of bikes that you’ve only seen online and for chatting with vendors and fellow cyclists in anticipation of the upcoming season. We’re still getting bombed with snow here in Toronto, but Spring is coming soon and this show should help to get us ready.

One vendor that will be at the show is Duke’s Cycles. As Adam posted previously, the guys at Duke’s lost their shop in the massive Queen Street fire a few weeks ago. They’ll be there selling inventory that they’ve received from suppliers post-fire, and I”m sure answering questions about the future of Duke’s. There are also donation boxes for the Queen Street Fire Fund at their booths. All donations are directed towards the displaced residents of the fire.

Duke’s will be at booth #175, and the Duke’s cycling club, LapDogs, will be at booth #482. Please come by and say hello!

Exhibition Place Toronto, Ontario
Direct Energy Centre, Hall A

Friday, March 7, 2008 Noon – 9:pm
Saturday, March 8, 2008 10 am -7 pm
Sunday, March 9, 2008 10 am – 6pm

See you there.

The major difference between the spring and fall show is that in the spring the focus is on new bikes and equipment for that year, while the fall show is all about getting rid of this year’s inventory. This means you can finally get that new set of wheels or possibly a new bike on the cheap.

One thing that takes away from this show, for me, is that the Canadian dollar is so strong right now. You can possibly get a better deal buying gear online from US retailers, but at a measly $5 admission fee, it’s worth checking out.

If you are thinking about getting a bike at the show, make sure that you know your fit before you go. Go test ride various frame sizes at your local bike shop.

Oh, and don’t forget to get there early!