The lowdown on Subaru VeloSwap

Sep 29, 2014
ByBicycle Colorado

The lowdown on Subaru VeloSwap

Are you a scavenger, deal seeker or collector? Perhaps a bicycle enthusiast, racer or commuter? Maybe you are an outdoors-lover, Colorado experience-hound or a gotta-check-out-everything type of person?

If you are some, all or even none of these things, VeloSwap has something for you.

What is VeloSwap?

EarlyMorning_ReeseBrown_Credit — Many people arrive early, before sunrise!

VeloSwap is the world’s largest consumer bicycling and sports expo. Now in its 24th year, VeloSwap is a gathering of individuals, retailers, manufacturers and others looking to buy, sell, swap or recycle bicycling gear, clothing and equipment.

VeloSwap has been held at the National Western Complex in Denver for some time now and hosts a warehouse of all things cycling-related.

I’ve attended VeloSwap for nearly 15 years. Some years I have had something specific in mind that I’m looking for. Other years, I have just browsed and walked away with a few interesting items.

LotsofBikes_ReeseBrown_Credit — Bikes, parts, clothing and more bikes!

Some of the things I’ve found include: socks (lots of socks!), shorts, jerseys, saddles, handlebars, tires, SRAM Grip Shift shifters, vintage pro-team clothing, winter riding gloves and cycling caps.

The crazy thing is that these items are really a tiny subsection of what you can find at VeloSwap. Those of you who have attended can second that. I’ve even seen ski equipment, car roof racks, electronic equipment and more. But really, it is all about the bikes.

What to bring?

There are a few things I always bring to VeloSwap. These include:

Coffee It may be an early morning.
Cash Many people accept credit cards now, but cash is still the safest bet and the line to the ATM is usually lengthy.
A backpack Make sure it’s an adequate size for all that gear you’ll pick up.
Comfortable shoes The National Western Complex has concrete floors.

Scavenging_ReeseBrown_Credit — There will be rummaging.

Who will be there?

The tremendous variety of vendors is always an attraction for me. You get to see a great cross-section of the Colorado bicycling scene. But the the thing I look forward to every year is reconnecting with friends. VeloSwap is a community gathering, and you never know who you may run into.

Another tip: Bring a friend! You may want a buddy for second opinions. And it is just more fun with a friend.

Bicycle Colorado will be there too. We are proud to be a longtime partner of VeloSwap, and if you join or renew as a member outside of the expo, you receive a free ticket to VeloSwap as a thank you. Do your part to help improve bicycling in our state and get a ticket to VeloSwap: it’s a win-win!

Look for our blue tent outside the expo. Then come visit us inside to purchase a jersey or make a donation for a Share the Road plate.

BicycleColoradoTent_ReeseBrown_Credit — Look for the blue Bicycle Colorado tent outside. We’ll be inside as well.

How to get to VeloSwap

My preferred method? You guessed it, ride your bike! Our friends at BikeDenver will be hosting bike parking. For information on getting there by other methods, visit the VeloSwap website.

If you have any VeloSwap related stories you would like to share, let us know in the comments below. Or reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook.

*Photo credit RDB Events.

About the Author: Bicycle Colorado

Bicycle Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Denver. We use advocacy, education and passion to make Colorado one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. We encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions and provide a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado. With the support of our members and numerous partnerships across the public and private sector, we’ve made significant strides in improving bicycling since 1992.