The Cycle Show (Business Design Centre, London, 24-26 September) has become a popular fixture on the calendar. It’s at a fairly sensible time of year for a bike show, what with most manufacturers starting to unveil next year’s ranges – it’s no coincidence that the major trade shows are around now too.

The venue’s pretty handy as well, which helps. Well, it’s handy if you’re in London, but that’s a fair number of people. It’s also a sensible size – not so small that you feel short-changed, not so big that it’s full of gaps.

The organisers say that around 200 brands will be represented at the show. Most of the big guys – Trek, Specialized, Scott, GT – will be there, and some new-to-the-UK brands too, like Fuji and Koga Miyata. Plus the likes of Cove, Race Face, RockShox, Avid, DDG, Magura, Manitou, Hope, DMR, On-One, Seven, Yet, 24seven and so on.

As well as bikes and bits, there’s the several-times-a-day Fashion Show and a bunch of interactive attractions – the Tacx I-Magic Interactive Challenge, the Tri UK Duathlon Challenge and a Try Out area to take the latest iron for a spin.

If your interests lean more to activism than interactivity then head for the Bike Hub, where you’ll find leading cycle campaign groups and relevant government agencies. Alternatively, you might find your attention engaged by the onZa International Trials Competition, taking place on a purpose-built course extending right up to the gallery level in the main hall.

If your bike’s sounding a bit creaky, then it could be worth your while to ride it to the show – there’s free secure bike parking and the chaps at Motorex Oils will give it a check-up and lube job while you’re in the show..

There’s a full exhibitor listing and further details at www.cycleshow.co.uk. Tickets are £12 on the door or a tenner in advance, but BM readers can get tickets in advance plus a complimentary show guide for just £9 – book online at www.cycleshow.co.uk, quoting code ‘BTA’, or call 01905 743 722.