Connecticut-based framebuilder Matt Klucha of MSH1 Bicycle Works will announce a unique 'American Delivery Program' for European customers at this years' European Handmade Bicycle Expo, which takes place this weekend in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany.

The program, inspired by the European delivery schemes offered by performance auto makers such as Porsche and Ferrari, offers European clients the opportunity to experience the 'final mile' of becoming a custom frame (or bike) owner in the workshop where their frame was built and in the company of the builder.

Customers get their final bike fitting from the builder and have the opportunity to take full advantage of the beautiful New England scenery and its network of local roads as the 'test track' for their new MSH1-built bike.

According to MSH1,

'...with the MSH1 Bicycle Works American Delivery Program, you will experience first-hand what actually goes into making a truly handbuilt bicycle - the process of meticulous craftsmanship of an MSH1 bicycle, made entirely by hand in America – and enjoy a lovely vacation in New England along the way'.

The Program offers customers the chance to experience at close-range the many hours of work that goes into building an MSH1 frame, with all of the finer details of framebuilding explained and demonstrated. As guests of MSH1, they can take full advantage of the picturesque location and spend some time getting to know the the local roads and nearby picture-postcard locations. Program customers are offered competitive prices on the cost of a full bike, with generous discounts offsetting the cost of collecting their new bike from the builder.

Prospective customers can discuss the Program with Klucha during EHBE, where they can be measured up with Klucha's in-house 'Fingerprint Fit' frame-fitting process, and at the same time, discuss the myriad of frame and bike options a custom bike offers.

Customers not able to make it to EHBE in person can nevertheless take advantage of MSH1's fitting process via the comprehensive telephone and e-mail consultation method developed by Klucha to ensure the best size and position for the customer is determined.

Mangels ausreind vieler Teilnehemr kann das EHBE-Fachseminar Zwischen Leichtbau und Leichtsinn leider nicht stattfinden. Es wird so oder ähnlich aber für EHBE11 wieder aufgenommen.

Am Sonntagmorgen wirds dann etwas anspruchsvoller. Wiederum machbar für alle Radarten gehts diesmal an der Nordseite des Remstals entlang und dann in ein Seitental, eigentlich fast eben bis Haselbach. Ein knackiger Anstieg - und dann die schöne Abfahrt genießen bis zurück zum Ausgangspunkt. Treffpunkt: SO, 23.05, 6.30h (Abfahrt ca. 7.00h) Haupteingang CCS.

The Museum of Arts and Design, New York, features an exhibition on handmade bicycles: Bespoke : The Handmade Bicycle.

The exhibition shows the works of 6 established framebuilders (among them Pegoretti Cicli) and is part of the ... MADProjects exhibition series, which explores emerging trends and innovations in the design world.

To get an impression of the route of the Saturday morning ride, check this map of the region. The tour is suitable for all kinds of bikes and riders, and leads through a beautyful scenery of rolling hills. Meet SA, 22.05, 6.30h mainentrance CCStadtgarten. Everybody interested is welcome to join!

Neben unseren EARLY BIRD Ausfahrten lädt das Leichtbauforum während des Wochenendes zu folgenden Ausfahrten ein

--> Samstag, 22.05. um 14 Uhr Rennradausfahrt: Treffpunkt CCStadtgarten Haupteingang

--> Sonntag, 23.05. um 14 Uhr MTB Ausfahrt : Treffpunkt CCStadtgarten Haupteingang

zum EHBE - Fachseminar Zwischen Leichtbau und Leichtsinn.

Die acht anspruchsvollen Vorträge dieses Seminars, ausgewählt und zusammengestellt von Herrn Ernst Brust, werden von Spezialisten etablierter Prüfinstitute und erfahrenen Wissenschaftlern gehalten. Sie richten sich hauptsächlich an Hersteller und Händler, aber auch interessiertes Fachpublikum ist willkommen.

In Gruppen von maximal 25 Teilnehmern (insgesamt max. Telnehmerzahl 50) und mit reichlich Raum zur Diskussion nach jedem Vortrag ist ein intensiver Austausch mit den Referenten möglich. Die Vortragseinheiten inklusive gemeinsamer Abschlussrunde sind in drei Blöcken über Samstagnachmittag und Sonntag verteilt.

Das Seminarhaus liegt in der Parkanlage des Congress Centrum Stadtgartens, in direkter Nähe zu den Ausstellungsflächen der European Handmade Bicycle Expo, zu der die Teilnehmer des Seminars an beiden Tagen freien Zutritt haben. Seminarteilnehmer haben auch die Möglichkeit, für die „Exhibitors´ Party“ am Samstagabend Pässe zu erwerben.

Die Anmeldeunterlagen als pdf.

Some of you may already have heard: This year there will be an EHBE yearbook. The guys at velonauten are handling its production. The 2010 yearbook is going to be a best print and paper quality, hand numbered, magazine style publication - 144 pages of finest documentation of the status quo 2010. It's simply called “handmade”. Besides the EHBE part (hall plan, program and exhibitors introduction) they are thus working on a set of fine articles complementing the topic “handmade”.

The editorial deadline of this project is 31.03.2010. Please make sure to send in the required files and info to David as soon as possible! This entry is free for exhibitors!

Companies who register as exhibitors for EHBE after 31.03.2010 can not be included in this book! Don`t miss to be part of this exciting publication!

During the Expo weekend a workshop will be organized in cooperation with Ernst Brust, authorised Bicycle expert and founder of the established german consulting and certifying Institute Velotech.

Under the theme of "Zwischen Leichtbau und Leichtsinn" (~ Between lightweight and levity), Ernst Brust and other experts such as Dr. Eric Groß and Dr. Peter Mikitisin will hold lectures and discuss about many important aspects of bicycle production. A main focus will be on the emerging group of 'pedelac'/e-powered bicycles.

Check back soon for further information and registration material!