Alexandra Palace

Bod · Traffic Copper Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Karma :

Hi all, took a trip to Ally Pally this year, thinking that it would be better than the NEC. However, we all noticed that there were more stands selling goods, than bikes being on display. I.e. there is loadsa manufacturers at the NEC show and just as much stalls. Don't get me wrong it was good just not as good as NEC. Any thoughts?

Bod

LustyLew · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Karma :

As it was my first bike show, I guess I can't be too critical. I did notice that there was a lot of stands selling 'Oxford' accessories. It was nice to see there plenty of stalls offering different brands of leathers, not everyone just selling Dianese and Alpine*'s.

As for the manufacturers, I guess they were really trying to push the new 2006 ranges, hence no more common bikes such as the Bandit and Hornet etc... Speaking of Hornet, did anyone see a Honda stand? I seem to recall not being able to find it. I was quite surprised.
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SonofABiker · Nova Slayer Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Karma :

myself, my father and my brother all went to the NEC show before the Ally Pally, and then went to it on the first day it opened. To be perfectly honest, i totally agree with you. nowhere near as many bike stands as at the NEC...

a bit dissapointing, and my dad said the sales stands weren't even that much of a bargain anyway...meh.

would've preferred to have gone to the ally pally first, then the NEC to be honest, the AP was a let-down.

just my two pence.

cheers.
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Bod · Traffic Copper Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Karma :

I agree with you totally. With what it cost to get there 50 quid in diesel and entry fee. I'll be sticking to the NEC one everytime.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

The Ally Pally show is tiny compared to the NEC, and the total area of the bike manufacturers stands is probably less than the Honda stand alone at the NEC.

The Ally Pally show used to be the road race show, aimed at those racing, although it has become more mainstream. Suspect this was partly triggered when the NEC show was snowed off at the end (the launch show for the new Triumphs). Triumph put a stand on at the Ally Pally show as a consolation prize.

Price wise it is different. Free parking and the shows are included in the price which makes it far cheaper. Down side for me is that it is well over 200 miles longer round trip (and it means going to London Sick

).

All the best

Keith
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Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

I thought it was crap.

I went when it used to be the Road Racing and Superbike Show, there were lots of race bikes there on display, teams etc...

Now, as you point out, its mostly trade stands. I was really dissapionted to be honest. Certainly wont be going back next year if this year's was anything to go by!

I got a pair of gloves, a new ratchet and some cable ties. Took 6 pics as I couldn't see anything worth looking at.

A big Thumbs Down

to MCN for a rubbish show! Sad

LustyLew · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Karma :

There's nothing wrong with London. If you can overlook the congestion, over crowing, dire public transport and the scum that it tends to attract.

For my first bike show, I did enjoy myself. I was amazed that I didn't spend as much as I thought I would. I had lust been paid. Came home with a torque wrench and a lock for the bike.
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Velocifero · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Karma :

I am going to save myself £15 next year!

Inspire · Nova Slayer Joined: 06 Nov 2004 Karma :

I was surprised Honda didn't seem to have a stand

Bod · Traffic Copper Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Karma :

Thing is though, from all the promotional blurb it was the 3 times as big as NEC, but was thoroughly dissapointed. It was worth going the once though.

Sadie · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Been there for the past 4~5 years. The journey varies. That Monday we had an easy journey both there and back which was a surprise with virtually no traffic (although we used the A5 as the M6 looked like it might be busy around Birmingham).

Picked the Monday so we could meet you!

All the best

Keith
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