MADE 2026: The Final Zidell Yards Showcase Highlights 32-Inch Wheels and New Cargo Concepts

Key points

• MADE 2026 was the last edition at the Zidell Yards venue, with the show moving to the Oregon Convention Center in 2027.
• Velo Orange launched the Escargot, its first purpose-built cargo bike, featuring a headtube-mounted rack and 26-inch rear/20-inch front wheels.
• Tumbleweed Bikes showcased a 32-inch wheel touring bike built by Curtis Inglis, optimized for off-road travel with specific rack mounts.
• Rodriguez Bikes unveiled a new bikepacking gravel bike using externally rifled tubing and S&S couplers for travel.
• San Util Design introduced the Fault Line top tube bag and Whirlpool V2 hip pack, utilizing production partners to lower costs.

Background

The MADE bike show has been a key venue for custom and handbuilt bicycles in North America. Previous coverage noted the industry’s focus on rugged gravel bikes and ultralight gear at events like Outdoor Retailer 2026. The move from Zidell Yards to an indoor venue in 2027 signals a shift in the event’s logistics, though the focus on custom craftsmanship remains consistent.

How outlets are covering it

Bikepacking.com emphasized the personal stories and creative details of builders like Slow Southern Steel and Significant Other, highlighting the artistic aspect of the show. Pinkbike noted the prevalence of 32-inch wheels as a major trend, suggesting it reflects consumer interest and builder capability. Escape Collective focused on the technical innovations in 32-inch wheel builds, such as Rare Earth’s truss structures, while Bicycling.com highlighted specific standout models like the Scarab Serena. The outlets generally agreed on the significance of the venue change and the rise of larger wheel sizes, but differed in their emphasis on artistic versus technical aspects.

Why it matters

The 2026 MADE show serves as a barometer for the custom bike industry, indicating a shift toward larger wheel sizes and new cargo concepts. The move to an indoor venue in 2027 may affect accessibility and the atmosphere of the event, potentially influencing future participation and trends in handbuilt bicycles.

What to watch

Velo Orange expects the Neutrino Gen 2 and new components to be available later in 2026. Tumbleweed plans to test its 32-inch touring bike on a trip later this year. The MADE show will move to the Oregon Convention Center in 2027, marking a new era for the event.