Bicycle enthusiasts wanting a new ride will have to wait a lot longer in some cases, thanks to the lingering effects of the pandemic economy.
Empty bicycle racks dominate the spaces at Bicycle One. Last year, as more people worked from home, business doubled, and the company sold all of its 500 bicycles.
“2020 and now the start of 2021 has been the craziest two years in the industry,” said Bicycle One General Manager Caroline Frazier. “All the rules that we’ve gone by have flown out the window. So, we’re now dealing with a lot of shortages and double the demand.”
Frazier said bike production is still not back to normal around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic. Almost all of the bicycles are made overseas in China, Taiwan and Europe. She adds some brands like Cannondale will not have a supply ready until 2024.
“We’re super thankful for all the excitement around bikes and everyone wanting to get out and ride,” Frazier said. “How the bike paths are literally filled with cyclists. That’s a great thing and a great outcome from it, but we’re still barely getting up from how it’s hit us.”
