CABDA Midwest 2024: Nearly Doubled!
by Craig Lepkowski, PCI #1180-B/EMSCI #272-B
Lake Forest (IL) Police Department (Retired)
In February 7, 2024, I attended the CABDA Midwest Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois. Along with CABDA West and CABDA East, the Chicagoland Area Bicycle Dealers Association (CABDA) currently holds three industry-only expositions across the nation. While past events were negatively affected by COVID, CABDA has been experiencing increased involvement and attendance in the past few years.
The CABDA event in 2021 had only 74 vendors, while this event had 132. Once again, IPMBA was granted access through the generosity of the organizers. Although IPMBA is a training organization, having access to those who manufacture and design for cyclists is a great opportunity to view new products, learn about new services, uncover new businesses, and build relationships that will help the Association serve its membership. Those present ran the gamut from large distributors and companies to small emerging businesses and LLCs.
This year I was able to arrive in time for the kick-off ceremonies and was not disappointed. The breakfast buffet offered a multitude of choices from a healthy yogurt bar to unlimited coffee to sweets. The highlight was the “Wall of Donuts”, which was descended upon by hordes of attendees in search of their favorites. When the doors were about to open and allow the crowd inside, a live marching band got everyone’s attention and entertained the masses for a few minutes.
As usual, the show featured seminars, clinics, and product displays from manufacturers, service companies, distributors, and sales groups. I was on a mission to strengthen connections with current vendors, visit with those I had met at past CABDA events, and establish relationships with businesses of potential interest to public safety cyclists.
With past successes in mind, I tried to entice those I met with to support our next conference, participate in the Product Purchase Program, and/or provide an item for evaluation and subsequent review in the IPMBA News and on our website.
I had the pleasure of visiting with the following vendors (listed in reverse alphabetical order).
*Current Product Purchase Program participant
**Current Product Purchase Program participant and Corporate Member
Xnito: I spoke with Benjamin Dai about his specifically-designed e-Bike helmets and encouraged him to connect with IPMBA due to the increased demand for e-Bike training as more public safety departments add e-Bikes to their fleets. He was very interested in learning more about the product showcase and has already reached out to Maureen for information. http://www.xnito.com.
Xact Nutrition: I approached the booth to discuss IPMBA’s goals and was told they were only interested in store placement and ambassadors to market their products. While their hydration tablets and energy bars and gummies appeared to be exactly what public safety cyclists could use on- and off-duty, they said they do not focus on individual sales at this time. They had no interest in discussing a relationship with IPMBA and a quick search on their website showed no stores within a 100-mile radius of Bentonville for the upcoming conference. http://www.xactnutrition.com.
Untapped: One of the more innovative vendors I encountered in 2020 was still going strong and had a larger offering of flavored products. Tim Putnam said they use organic maple syrup as an all-natural source of sports nutrition. They had various flavored syrups and waffles to sample, and the visitors at the booth all seemed to have a favorable impression of the offerings. An interesting twist on energy gels and bars, Untapped might be an option for cyclists looking for more natural options. http://www.untapped.cc.
Thule: With the increased interest in e-Bikes, there is an increasing demand for bike racks that can handle the weight. Thule offers numerous choices and quality racks that hinge out of the way to allow SUV rear hatches to open. http://www.thule.com.
Stromer e-Bikes: I spoke with Ryan Hiscoe and was told they have made custom e-Bikes for police departments in Belgium and Dubai. While on the pricey side, we did discuss the growing demand for public safety bike units and cost restraints. Look for more to come from their design team! http://www.stromerbike.com.
Squirt: They offer a wax-based lubricant with regular, below-freezing, and e-Bike formulas, cleaners, and chafing balm. Thomas Prehn was pleasant with me; however, he did express disappointment at not hearing back about a review on product he provided. If the guilty party is reading this article, it is not too late to make amends by submitting the review. I recommended he provide small bottles for the Maintenance Officer Course at the conference and he said he would consider it. http://www.squirtcycling.us.
Skratch Labs*: Another nutrition vendor with various gels, gummies, and hydration products, Skratch Labs appears to have a good following of faithful customers. I thanked them for continuing on the Product Purchase Program and supporting IPMBA over the years. http://www.skratchlabs.com.
Quality Bicycle Products: While QBP does not sell directly to consumers, I noticed they were displaying protective mountain biking gear. The arm and leg protectors from MET/Bluegrass seemed like good options for any BRT members looking for flexible, movable, and sturdy protective wear. http://www.met-helmets.com.
Peak Design: I met with Peak Design and discussed their earth magnetic products for phone and camera mounts. While they currently only have handlebar mounts, I suggested they talk with their design team about body-worn camera mounts for cyclists since public safety cyclists experience issues with current BWCs positioned on the center of the torso. http://www.peakdesign.com.
Muc-Off: This company offers everything from a pressure washer to liquid washes and from concentrates to biodegradable drivetrain cleaners and brushes. Erik Box seemed very interested in providing samples at the conference and getting more involved with IPMBA. http://www.muc-off.com.
MODL: Pronounced “model” this up-and-coming newcomer has some interested bungie-cord products that are customizable and very flexible for the job at hand. Justin Guld expressed interest in getting into the public safety cycling market with his innovative straps that could be used in a variety of ways. Hopefully they will join the Product Purchase Program or build a relationship with IPMBA in some way. http://www.modloutdoors.com.
Lezyne: This company offers a multitude of products geared to cyclists. They had everything from bottle cages to floor pumps, LED lights to GPS units, hard cases to phone/GPS mounts, and bike tools to valves and valve caps. http://www.lezyne.com.
Leland Maximum Inflation*: I had a very pleasant conversation with Annette Maxemow about her company’s CO2 cartridges and their practicality for public safety cyclists. She has already reached out to Maureen and enrolled in the Product Purchase Program. http://www.maximuminflation.com.
Leatt: I met with Derek Rollins from Leatt and learned they provide a number of helmet designs, eye protection, and bike shoes that may be appropriate for public safety cyclists. http://www.leatt.com.
Kenda Tires*: I met with the reps from Kenda and thanked them for their continued support of IPMBA and the Product Purchase Program. They’ve been one of our staunch supporters for decades! http://shop.kendatire.com.
Kali Protectives**: Speaking with Jason Aven was refreshing and pleasant as he had positive comments about IPMBA and the relationship between our two organizations. I thanked him for being a Corporate Member and participating in the Product Purchase Program. He reminded me that departments ordering for a bike unit would receive a 45% discount via the PPP. http://www.kaliprotectives.com.
HandleStash*: A newcomer to the arena is Adam Saplin of HandleStash. He has some innovative handlebar bags and drink holders. Cyclists can carry any number of items in the bags or drinks in a lightweight shock-absorbing holder. Adam has already contacted Maureen and joined the Product Purchase Program. http://www.handlestash.com.
Endurelite: Another hydration and endurance fuel company, Endurelite has a variety of powders designed for pre-work outs, endurance, recovery, sleep and other uses. Sheila Barden was open to the idea of the Product Purchase Program and will hopefully follow through. http://www.endurelite.com.
Cat Eye*: Cat Eye – another long-time IPMBA supporter – had one of the most innovative lighting ideas I’ve seen in a while. Using Bluetooth technology on your phone, their headlights and taillights sync and can be turned on or off from the headlight power switch while on the move. There is no need for extra wiring or any awkward gyrations to access the taillight on your bike; simply power it on through your headlight once the devices are synced. Numerous devices can be connected this way. Check this and other products out through the Product Purchase Program! http://www.cateye.com.
Button Hole Chamois Cream: I met with Robert Curtis of Enzo’s Cycling Products, who was sampling two different chamois balms. One had a tingling sensation and the other did not. Both offer the same amount of protection from chafing caused by cycling, running, and other athletic activities. http://www.enzoscyclingproducts.com.
Boeshield T-9: The company focuses on its one product and has perfected it for use on bicycles, automobiles, and any other equipment that requires cleaning, corrosion prevention, waterproofing, and long-lasting lubrication. I met with Joe Harbottle again this year and thanked him for the lubrication samples they provided at the last IPMBA conference. He indicated he’d be interested in helping out again this year, and arrangements are being made with Katie Jewel to get sample-sized bottle of lube to Bentonville. http://www.boeshield.com.
CABDA Midwest event was an outstanding opportunity to peruse the new wares on the market, check out innovative products, meet with established contacts, and make new connections. With three companies joining the Product Purchase Program, this was ostensibly the most successful attendance I have had. I encourage all IPMBA members to actively contact these companies, purchase their wares, and request they join the Product Purchase Program. Be sure to tell them that IPMBA sent you!
Craig retired in 2021 after 29 years at the Lake Forest (IL) Police Department and is currently influencing students of all ages through part-time teaching at a pre-school, North-East Multi-Regional Training, College of DuPage, On-Target Solutions, and 1six3 Consulting. After completing the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course in 2009, he attended the Instructor Course in 2010 and has enjoyed teaching IPMBA courses ever since. Craig served on the IPMBA Board from 2013 to 2021. He can be reached at CraigLepkowski@comcast.net or Craig@1six3Consulting.com.
Photos by Craig Lepkowski.
(c) 2024 IPMBA. This article appeared in the 2024 Product Guide issue of IPMBA News.