IO_Summer20

M ake no mistake. Bicycle sales skyrocketed this spring, fueled by widespread concern about using public transportation — which is down 50 percent across the U.S. by some estimates — as well as the need for both exercise and socially distant recreation. According to The NPD Group, April sales for traditional bikes, indoor bikes, helmets, parts and other accessories swelled by 75 percent, reaching $1 billion. This was the highest monthly sales total on record and about double the monthly average. NPD found that lifestyle and leisure bikes grew by 203 percent in April, while front suspension moun- tain bikes increased by more than 150 percent, and children’s bikes increased by 107 percent. Accessory sales were also up across the board, for helmets (+49 percent), water bottle cages (+60 percent) and bike baskets (+85 percent). The spring bicycle boom, however, was a double-edged sword for bicycle store owners and specialty shops. On one hand, record bicycle sales provided an influx of capital at a time when many other outdoor products came to a complete stand- still. Yet, most store owners and manufacturers were completely unprepared for the sudden sales rush, and an unprecedented shortage ensued. At this point, there is no firm timetable as to when the shortage will end. However, all signs indicate that the shortage could last for several months. For example, Trek has sold out of its 2020 models and the company recently told the BBC that new orders for 2021 models likely will not ship until around January. By Gerald Baldino Faced with bicycle shortages, a growing number of consumers are reaching for recumbent trikes Shifting Gears Buyer’s Side Inside Outdoor | SUMMER 2020 18