Coronavirus pandemic leads to increased cycling use, shortages

Due to variables such as unsafe public transportation and a lack of access to gyms, (which are not yet operating at full capacity) coupled with a nationwide desire to “get out” and “escape quarantine,” the demand for bicycles has skyrocketed in recent months.
According to N.P.D., a market research company, March cycling sales saw an increase of 56% in children’s/BMX bikes and 121% in adult leisure bikes. Stationary bikes saw a 170% increase in demand as well. Other at-home fitness components such as free weights and weight benches saw exponential increases (181% and 259% respectively) which further suggests that part of the recent increase in cycling sales is associated with a willingness to stay active during this pandemic in spite of most convenient fitness options being now out of hand. These massive increases in demand have resulted in widespread shortages nationwide with many affordable bikes completely sold out and professional bikes (those costing $1,000 or more) also being bought out at a rapid rate. Due to manufacturing and supply-chain disruptions, producers are having difficulty restocking inventories despite the current rise in demand.

Read more...