Where Can You Find A Bike This Season?!
Hurray, biking season is here! In normal years, this would be a great time to upgrade some components on your existing bike or head into your local bike shop to spring for a brand new bike. But, nothing is normal and, in case you haven’t heard, there is a bike shortage. Whether you’re looking for a new or used mountain bike or road bike, upgraded components or replacement parts, you’re likely to encounter delays … or just total lack of availability. The dearth of available bikes and components is worldwide and there’s very little visibility into when the bike industry will be back on track.
The reasons for the shortages are twofold—a spike in demand due to COVID and a manufacturing delay on bikes and components due to COVID-related shutdowns, which, as of recently, are being compounded by shipping delays (we’re looking at you Ever Given container ship…). According to Bicycle Retailer, there’s no relief in sight. The bike draught looks to continue through the summer and well into 2022.
You might be thinking, this issue won’t affect you because you’re sticking with the same bike, maybe just springing for a couple upgrades. Bad news. The same issue with lack of inventory for new bikes is being felt in the back of the shop on repairs and upgrades. If your needs are urgent, we suggest you get thee to a bike shop sooner than later for any crucial needs.
Maybe, you’re thinking that in lieu of buying a new bike, you’ll just demo bikes this season! Great call, but you may or may not be able to demo new bikes this year. Most trailhead demos were cancelled due to COVID last season, this season those same demos will likely be limited due to bike availability. The competition will be high for shop demos, so the best advice we have for you is to plan ahead and reserve your demo well in advance!
What To Do?!
Sell, Sell, Sell:
If you have an UnNew bike or UnNew bike gear haunting your house, now is the time to sell! For the love of god if you have any bike gear now is the time to unload it and find it a happy new home! There’s a demand for everything bike related from complete bikes, to frames, drivetrains, brakes, tires—you name it. Through Geartrade, you’re able to easily post your for sale bikes, accessories and components. We even break down the logistics of how to ship your bike once it sells.
Buy UnNew:
If you’re on the other side of the aisle and are bike-less, we encourage you to look into the hot UnNew Geartrade bike marketplace. First thing you need to identify is the type of bike you’re looking for—road bike or mountain bike. Next you need to know your size. We’ve found that the GURU Fit System is a great way to find your sizing, the system also suggests specific bike models and sizes—crucial information needed for a purchase. When you see a bike that matches your criteria, you can either make an offer, or ask the seller any questions you might have about the bike.
The Geartrade bike marketplace is also stocked with bike clothing, bike footwear, bike tires, bike wheels, bike posts and shocks to upgrade your existing bike or kit. If your local bike shop is unable to source the new component you need, be sure to check out our inventory of new and UnNew bike parts as well.
Mountain Bikes
Road Bikes
Bike Clothing
Bike Accessories
With luck, things will be back to normal next season, we just need to get creative this year. Happy biking!
Annie Fast writes about winter sports and outdoor adventures from her home in Bend, Oregon.You can read more about her and her work at anniefast.com