Why is the Bike Industry Experiencing a Sales Slump?

Question

Lately, I've been coming across reports concerning news on a downturn in bike sales. In your opinion, what is the reason for the bike sector's difficulties?

Answer 1

The bike industry is encountering a block in sales and engagement due to certain negatives. One of them is the issue of training, arrogant attitudes and poor customer relations and attention offered by bike brands and local bike shops. There are so many individuals that work in bike shops who do not fully understand the products on sale or have gone through any sales or customer service training which may taint a customer’s experience. Furthermore, weight a brand name more than building an active promotion of the shop and the community around the product, which is usually the case with bike stores. This tendency of use of dealer locators as an alternative to generating interest may lead to figures of potential clients not entering the stores.

Comments

The biggest issue is the cost. I bought an $800 mountain bike for my son, which broke easily. The store told me afterwards, it was really an entry level mountain bike, and not meant for mountain biking. You really need the $1,500 bike to mountain bike (Greens and Blues). What!?

First off, they marketed it as a mountain bike. Second, it was $800. I am sorry bike industry, but the engineering and materials don't justify $800. On top of that, it cannot stand up to the trails. Bicycles have been manufactured for hundreds of years, without much substantial technology breakthroughs. They are still steel, aluminum, rubber, gears, bearings. Compare that to the engineering in a computer or car. Bikes is shiny and neat, but building them is not rocket science.

Where is the company that builds a great, reliable bike for a reasonable price? You have my business. PS...I am 6/7", and would love an XXL mountain bike with a long wheel base and long Reach.

---

The bike industry is getting hit hard everywhere! Not just the US, here in Canada too and I’ve seen some really awesome bike shops close and go out of business because of it.