Where the biker’s heart beats faster

The annual event, organised by AR Ventures, has become the heartbeat of Nepal’s cycling culture, promising a full day of community, innovation and adventure.

Building on four years of success, the Nepal Adventure Expo is poised to host its largest event yet. This year's edition will be held at Aranya Boutique Hotel in Nagpokhari from 10am till 6pm on Saturday, September 28.

What began as a modest bicycle fair in 2021 has transformed into a full-scale adventure showcase, yet it remains a haven for cyclists.

In 2023, the event attracted over 50 exhibitors and more than 2,500 visitors, marking a record turnout. The growing foot traffic each year has motivated exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services, capturing the attention of industry influencers as well as a broad audience of outdoor enthusiasts.

The expanding popularity of the expo highlights its significance as a vital platform for boosting cycling culture in the country, says Rupesh Shrestha, the founder of Epic Mountain Bike, a major cycling store in the capital.

“The Expo provided a unique platform to showcase a range of cycling products, services, and tours to a passionate adventure sports audience,” says Shrestha, who was initially drawn to participate because of his strong interest in promoting Nepal's rich mountain biking potential.

“I've noticed a growing interest in cycling, not just among enthusiasts but also casual riders. It's playing a key role in shaping Nepal's cycling culture.”

Epic, which deals in Commencal and Revel bikes, along with a range of premium cycling gear and accessories, is showcasing a new collection of kids’ bikes at this expo.

As the excitement builds, the expo is poised to transform into a dynamic playground for anyone with a passion for two wheels, while fostering crucial connections within the broader adventure sports ecosystem.

Also lining up are Giant Bikes Nepal, Kathmandu Bike Station, Gravity Nepal, Switchback, and Bike Farm, who will be showcasing cutting-edge gear and a drool-worthy lineup of bikes and accessories. Joining them is Shredders, a local bike-focused apparel manufacturer.

Dealers, manufacturers and enthusiasts view the Expo as a must-attend, not only to exhibit their offerings but to keep pace with trends shaping the future of outdoor sports in Nepal.

Walking through aisles, on display will be conventional mountain bikes to e-bikes, each a showcase of the latest technological advancements. From the vibrant colours of trendy cycling apparel to the latest high-performance footwear designed to maximize comfort and power transfer.

Imagine the thrill of discovering the latest dropper seatposts, wireless shifting systems and ultra-lightweight carbon frames that promise to take your riding experience to the next level.

While an online presence is important, Gravity Nepal, a leading bike store in the capital, believes live interactions at events like the Nepal Adventure Expo offer a valuable complement to online shopping.

They allow attendees to experience the quality and performance of products firsthand, which can greatly influence their buying decisions. “It helps build trust,” says Gravity Nepal Manager Tsering Tenzin, highlighting how events like these influence buying decisions far more than online shopping.

He notes that the excitement generated by these events continues to influence the adventure and mountain biking communities long after the expo, amplified by social media and word of mouth. "This not only boosts our visibility but also strengthens our brand within the adventure and mountain biking communities."

Gravity Nepal, which represents top brands like POC, Crankbrothers, and Loose Riders, is promoting its latest products. With Dashain just around the corner, Tenzin announces: “We’re offering discounts up to 50% on select items during our post-expo sale.”

Amid the buzz of lively conversation and the familiar clatter of gears, industry experts, enthusiasts, and professionals come together to share their expertise. Seasoned riders will lead talks, offering tips on bike maintenance, highlighting Nepal’s top trails, and exploring the future of sustainable cycling.

The demand for bicycles in Nepal surged during the 2015 border blockade as fuel shortages pushed people to cycle for daily commutes. More people turned to cycling once again at the peak of COVID pandemic in 2020 when thousands of Nepalis rediscovered bicycles in the face of gym and public transportation closures.

According to Statista, a leading German data analyst company providing insights on global trends and industry metrics, 34,510 bicycles worth $2.5 million were sold in Nepal. By 2021, this number had surged to 78,780 units, valued at $8.57 million.

Although the trend of commuting by bicycle has waned after the lifting of COVID restrictions, leisure biking remains popular.

Industry insiders believe that introducing bike-friendly policies and improving road safety could encourage more people to take up cycling. Through this expo, they intend to amplify biking culture and increase its usage across the country.

Prayash Tamang of Kathmandu Bike Station underscores the expo’s significance in raising awareness for cyclist safety in Kathmandu’s chaotic traffic. He estimates there are around 20,000 active cyclists in the Valley and believes this number could grow significantly with the smart policy changes.

He emphasises: “The city’s roads need to be safer. Improved infrastructure for cyclists would encourage a cleaner and healthier lifestyle. The benefits extend far beyond the cycling community.”

E-bikes, rapidly gaining popularity, are a major highlight of the expo, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of urban mobility. Alongside traditional mountain bikes, Kathmandu Bike Station will be showcasing Trek e-bikes. Tamang adds, "They make cycling more fun and accessible—it feels like having legs of steel."

The expo's appeal extends beyond professional and avid cyclists to families and newcomers alike. With its focus on cycling tourism and related services, the diverse range of exhibitors captures the vibrant spirit of Nepal's cycling culture, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

As the event continues to grow, it is solidifying its role as a hub for adventure, innovation and the collective spirit of the country's cycling community.