The Interbike Trade Show occurred during the last week in September and the first week of October. Attendance was down, but not by much. The tone was muted compared to earlier years, but our bikes received an enthusiastic reception. IFs was well represented throughout the show. The raffle bike was displayed on the Mavic neutral support team car. A beautifully painted Special was placed in the Shimano Showcase which was judged, "the bike we would most like to take home with us." The Ultimate booth, maker of display stands, had 2 built up bikes and 4 frames. Mavic had 3 built up frames. Whippermann, maker of chain, and Kryptonite each had a complete IF.

More Shot Peening Controversy
One disappointment was that a competitor who makes excellent titanium frames elected to distribute some disinformation about shot peening of ti frames which was clearly directed at us since we are the only ti frame builder employing this technology. We enjoy congenial relationships with other high end ti builders such as Serotta, Moots, Merlin and Litespeed. They each make outstanding frames. All frame design is a compromise. The fact that this or that frame builder has made different choices than IF, does not mean that their frames are bad. It means they are different. They are all well reasoned choices which result in outstanding frames.

It is our policy to not make direct comparisons to other manufacturers but to accentuate the positive aspects of our own. We chose to not respond in kind to this attack form of self promotion and distributed the technical information upon which we based our decision to shot peen. We found most people understood that the same technology used in improving connecting rods and valve springs for racing car and motorcycle engines, turbine blades for jet engines, highly stressed landing gear parts for fighter planes and aerospace parts for NASA had merit worth considering in the fabrication of welded titanium bike frames.

With A Lot of Help From Our Friends
It is clear from our story that IF was born and nurtured with passion: passion for bicycling, passion for craftsmanship and passion for creating a company which reflects the values we share. Along the way, we have been helped by legions of people who believe in what we are doing. Thanks to all of you who have made IF possible: riders, dealers, family, friends, lenders, biking press and suppliers. Please know how much we appreciate your support.