Bike Swap 2023 Photo Album: Happy Shoppers, Amazing Deals, E-Bike Rides

Riding my electric cargo bike is my favorite thing

Paul Tolmé

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  • Seattle Bike Swap 2023 was a blast, with lots of customers testing electric bikes and scoring deals on parts, clothing, and every type of bike gear imaginable. 
  • If you couldn't make it, check out the photos below--and make sure to join the excitement next year.

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Cascade super-Volunteer Patty Doherty (pictured below) was among the many people who seized the opportunity to test-ride multiple electric bikes on Saturday (Feb. 11) during the Seattle Bike Swap and E-Bike Demo at the Seattle Center.

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The E-Bike Demo was a new addition to Bike Swap this year, and thanks to its popularity we plan to make it even bigger in 2024. Vvolt, Propella, and Seattle Electric Bike all had fleets of e-bikes available for testing. 

The Seattle Center's car-free grounds offered a safe--and fun--location to take some e-bikes for a spin. The smiles on the couple below say it all. 

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The Propella Mini, below, was a big hit.

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"This was a great event for us as we got to meet a bunch of current Vvolt riders who were there shopping, and we set up demo rides for numerous folks who came down to try out e-bikes," said Nick Wood of Vvolt, whose step-through models were popular. 

Cascade staff member Maxwell Burton, below, was among the many folks eager to test the Tern Quick Haul, an electric cargo bike. Burton is the leader of Cascade's Pedaling Relief Project, which delivers groceries by bike to neighbors in need.

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"We had a great time," said Jim Finkle of Seattle Electric Bike, a worker-owned business with shops in Greenlake and Bothell. "Tons of folks came by our booth and we had at least one bike out on a test ride at all points of the day." 

Vintage Bikes

Seattle Bike Swap is an amazing place to buy or sell vintage bicycles. Below are some of our favorite vintage head badges (the little metal crests on the downtube of old bikes) and historic bikes.

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This Washington Bicycle dates to 1897 and was made by the Fobes Brothers, who were Alaska Gold Rush outfitters working in Seattle at the turn of the century. Check out the wooden fenders and chain guard.

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Below are a few more of our favorite vintage head badges. 

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Bike Swap Supports the Major Taylor Project

Proceeds raised at Bike Swap are used to support MTP, the youth bike skills and leadership program that Cascade offers in South Seattle and Tacoma. Many of the bicycles donated to Cascade during the year are sold at Bike Swap. Cascade donates unsold bikes to Bike Works so they may be refurbished and distributed to community members in need.

Below are some of the happy customers who bought used bikes at bargain prices--and supported Cascade in the process.

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The couple above bought a pair of Bike Fridays with 20-inch wheels for bringing on trips, while the guy below scored a vintage Guerciotti.

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Bike Swap was possible thanks to the help of many volunteers who donated their Saturday morning to work at the event. Some volunteers (above) even bought bikes.

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She went home with a Propella e-bike!

Jerseys, Test Rides, and Lots of Stoke

The clothing racks were a great place to browse for inexpensive rain gear.

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Customers also had the opportunity to buy an MTP jersey and donate one to a Major Taylor Project student.

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Located beside Exhibition Hall on the Seattle Center grounds, the Pacific Northwest Ballet made for a festive backdrop for test rides.

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Even the dogs had fun. 

See you next year at Seattle Bike Swap and E-Bike Demo 2024!

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