Test a new bike and get to know the people who develop the products and deal with them on a daily basis? Cheer on world-class athletes on fast cross-country laps in the ski jump trench or let your jaw drop at the dirt jump show? Or party hard at the parties on Friday and Saturday evening? Bike Days 2017 will deliver, that much is already certain, as the organizer has carefully curated and developed the event's mix of ingredients over the past few years.

The heart of the Bike Days is Switzerland's largest bike expo. Visitors can obtain information and advice from experts at the stands. They can test and compare the various bike models free of charge on the signposted test tracks.With its three-day full-time program, the Bike Days can inspire thousands of cycling enthusiasts of every generation. The baroque town of Solothurn in the heart of Switzerland offers the perfect setting for Switzerland's largest bike festival: the Springride cruises through the car-free town center, downhill, enduro and fat bikers test the latest models on the trails of the Weissenstein, dirt jumpers jump in the Schanzengraben and BMX flatlanders dance in the Rythalle. The Chantierwiese and the gravel area around the Rythalle offer enough space for the Active Zone and the large Bike Expo with 120 exhibitors and 250 brands. The Bike Days bike expo is known for its comprehensive range of bike models and products, which visitors can test and compare on site.

There are plenty of new products for mountain bikers in Solothurn, here are a few examples:

Ibis presents the third generation of the Ripley, a 29er trail bike and all-rounder

Turner Bikes are also rolling into Solothurn: the new Turner Flux Carbon is an aggressive trail bike at its best. Since it was founded in 1994, the small American mountain bike manufacturer has pursued the goal of building bikes that its employees want to ride every day.

Box Components is the new gear manufacturer on the market and can be seen at the Trail Supply AG stand. The PushPush gearshift is unique: all gear changes are triggered with just one lever

The New Zealand specialists for merino sportswear Mons Royale are further expanding their range for 2017 and will be exhibiting at the Bike Days

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Schwalbe Tires presents the new Addix Compound, which is expected to be available from June 2017. Thanks to the new rubber compound, grip and rolling resistance as well as durability and damping are to be improved.

RidersMate is flying the flag at the Swiss Bike Festival and presenting its GPS safety and tracking system, which automatically sends a message to family and friends in the event of an emergency.

Bold Cycles, the bike manufacturer from the Swiss Plateau, celebrated its premiere at the Bike Days in 2015. The Linkin trail bikes will of course also be at the start in 2017 and are available for testing.

The Airshot tubeless pump can be tested in Solothurn and is a great tool for fitting tubeless tires. The principle is simple, but well thought out: the pump replaces a compressor with a mobile compressed air tank that allows tubeless tires to be fitted anywhere in no time at all.

The new Uvex jakkyl hde mountain bike helmet from uvex shows its two faces at the Bike Days: it can be transformed from a half-shell to a full-face helmet in no time at all. A removable chin guard made from laminated fiberglass makes it possible.

For the first time, the clothing specialist Vaude will be presenting a backpack with a back protector on May 5-7. The Moab Pro is the perfect companion for every tour. The protector is integrated into the backpack and fits snugly around the back to protect the spine and can be optimally adjusted to the body size using a height-adjustable hip belt.

The Cane Creek engineers launched their first suspension fork on the market in spring 2017. Cane Creek is thus transferring the expertise it has acquired in the field of shocks to a suspension fork - and the helmet fork is of course also on show in Solothurn.

DT Swiss is bringing a completely new product line to Solothurn that is perfectly tailored to the needs and requirements of e-mountain bikers. From complete wheels to rims, hubs and spokes, DT Swiss is bringing a hybrid component line that is set to give e-mountain biking a new lease of life.

Electric market leader Bosch eBike Systems will be presenting the e-mountainbike test track at the Bike Days with guided tours by qualified Swiss Cycling E-MTB guides as well as the new compact Purion display from the current product portfolio, for example.

Scott will be on site with its Scott Spark RC - the bike is practically a two-time Olympic champion and therefore currently one of the hottest cross-country bikes on the market.

From women for women: Liv will be showcasing its sophisticated product range in Solothurn, which is specifically tailored to the needs of strong and fast women.

Just like the Bahnenentour, the Herbert stand, right next to the now traditional Heidbar, will take you high up in a gondola. Together with the destinations of Flims, Davos Klosters and Engadin St. Moritz, visitors are offered an unforgettable "Graubünden Experience". Visitors can experience Switzerland's bike canton up close in a playful way and take on various challenges. Here you can also find all the information about Herbert's Bahnentour Davos Klosters, which has a new route for the 2017 season with 100 kilometers of singletrail descent - doable in one day.

www.bikedays.ch