We’ve just got a sizable dump of information about the (or possibly The) forthcoming Bike Show (Birmingham NEC, 25-27 April). And it looks like there’ll be a fairly impressive range of stuff going on…

For many years The Bike Show has been more about seeing riding than seeing shiny bits, although this year there’ll be a new “Components and Accessories” area with manufacturers and distributors showing off their wares – look out for Windwave (Marzocchi, FSA, Mountain Cycle), Continental, Hope, Yeti, Mojo Suspension, Edge Bikes, Silverfish (Race Face) and loads more.

We expect there’ll be the usual smattering of manufacturers – for some reason a lot of the big guys don’t bother, but then again that leaves more scope for the more niche brands that you might not be able to see so readily at the bike shop. In all, there’s 139 exhibitors (not counting the mysterious duplicates) listed on The Bike Show’s website.

And yes, you’ll still be able to buy stuff – most of the big retail players look like being there so you can stock up on tyres and things…

Oh yes, riding. The breadth of riding displays is pretty remarkable. There’ll be BSX racing and we expect to see all the big names – Peat, Longden, Murray, Beaumont, Page et al – duking it out for top spot. If previous years are anything to go by, the racing’ll be better later in the show – on the first day the course can be a bit soft and slow.

Then there’s trials, which always goes down a storm. Anyone who’s view of trials is based on seeing a few lads riding off kerbs in town should take a look – top-level trials is amazingly impressive.

Small-wheel fans are in for a treat too. For a start, there’ll be BMX racing for the first time with an all-star line-up including Jamie Staff, Robbie Miranda, Dale Holmes… Plus dirt jumping featuring TJ Lavin. And flatland. And street, which historically has been the most jaw-droppingly amazing riding display of the show. Oh, and how could we forget the vert comp? This year on an extra-big ramp and featuring Dave Mirra, in the UK for the first time in a decade.

If the road’s more your bag, look out for The Bike Show Circuit Cup on the Saturday. The course runs around the NEC and through the exhibition halls, in through one door and out through another… It’s apparently Britain’s richest circuit race in prize money terms, so it should attract some pretty handy riders. The show’ll feature a Road and Touring section too.

And if all that sounds a bit energetic, you can relax and be educated and entertained in the Spokes Room seminar area – the programme includes William Fotheringham talking about the life of Tommy Simpson; Daffyd Davis on cycling in Wales; British Cycling (we assume a representative thereof, rather than the entire organisation) discussing the road to becoming a professional; talks on performance enhancing drugs in cycling (probably not including where to get them and what to take) and more.

Phew. That’s a lot of stuff. It’ll be interesting to see how cohesive a show that covers flatland BMX and road touring will be, but if you’re into bikes and have an open mind, it looks like it’ll be well worth a visit…

Oh, and on Sunday there’s The Bike Show Ride, with thousands of cyclists converging on the NEC from six start points around the country to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. All the details on the show and the ride at www.thebikeshow.com.