Dirt

The Core Bike Show 2014, held at Whittlebury Hall Hotel, Northamptonshire, adjacent to the Silverstone race circuit, was the tenth edition of this annual show. It is one of the best and longest-running of the UK’s bike shows, providing an opportunity for suppliers and dealers to do business. One day of the four-day event is a designated press day.

Among the leading names exhibiting at the event, which took place from 26th to 29th January, included Felt Bicycles and component company Hope. However, the biggest stand probably belonged to Silverfish UK, the Cornwall-based distributor celebrating its 15th anniversary – many of the company’s brands were on display, and visitors also had the chance to meet guests from Race Face, SDG, DVO, e*thirteen and Yeti Cycles.

There were many new products on display – highlights included a facelift of the DMR V12 pedal with slimmer platform and redesigned internals, the sensibly-priced Manitou Mattoc Pro forks, Marzocchi’s 27.5” wheel 350 CR forks, a new 2.3” tyre from WTB called the Warden, and a new version of SDG’s Bel-Air seat.

There was also a whole series of new products from Hope, including the British company’s very first in-house rims, which are offered in XC and enduro versions. There were also new stems, a narrow/wide chainring, a cassette adapter, and a revamped series of bottom brackets. However, many visitors to the Hope stand were most excited by a glimpse of the race bike of Hope Factory Racing Team’s downhill star Rachael Walker.