The Covid Bike Boom?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,707
Bikes: Stevenson Custom, Stevenson Custom Tandem, Nishiki Professional
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 196 Times
in
128 Posts
The Covid Bike Boom?
I noticed it on a local trail, bikes, lots more bikes than all the Augusts of before. And, shiny, new bikes, all ages, but a lot in later years. A bike boom?
So I visited a couple LBS and found near empty show rooms, then Target and even there the cupboard was near bare. Asking shop employees, they confirmed my grandson's wait of three months to get a beginners Schwinn.
You wonder, so many new normals from Covid-19, will this change hold when choice is returned?
Will we have discovered wind and sky and the passing journey of life again?
So I visited a couple LBS and found near empty show rooms, then Target and even there the cupboard was near bare. Asking shop employees, they confirmed my grandson's wait of three months to get a beginners Schwinn.
You wonder, so many new normals from Covid-19, will this change hold when choice is returned?
Will we have discovered wind and sky and the passing journey of life again?
Likes For since6:
#2
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Arizona
Posts: 364
Bikes: Many!
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 206 Times
in
124 Posts
All the bikes are being bought however I have yet to see any more bikes being rode on the streets...
Give it a year and they’ll all be back on Craigslist!
Give it a year and they’ll all be back on Craigslist!
Likes For SoccerBallXan:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,143
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3803 Post(s)
Liked 6,634 Times
in
2,599 Posts
Likes For nlerner:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,149
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2361 Post(s)
Liked 1,745 Times
in
1,189 Posts
Likes For madpogue:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Greenwood SC USA
Posts: 2,252
Bikes: 2002 Mercian Vincitore, 1982 Mercian Colorado, 1976 Puch Royal X, 1973 Raleigh Competition, 1971 Gitane Tour de France and others
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 823 Post(s)
Liked 1,393 Times
in
694 Posts
My LBS is picked bare. The owner said he had ordered bikes back in January and has been told to expect to receive bikes next year. There are very few used bikes in his shop, and the inventory is the lowest I've ever seen.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Medford MA
Posts: 2,089
Bikes: Ron Cooper touring, 1959 Jack Taylor 650b ladyback touring tandem, Vitus 979, Joe Bell painted Claud Butler Dalesman, Colin Laing curved tube tandem, heavily-Dilberted 1982 Trek 6xx, René Herse tandem
Mentioned: 80 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 964 Post(s)
Liked 1,451 Times
in
723 Posts
Wait you just figured this out now?
One of the things another thread pointed out is that while a bike may be a ticket to socially-distanced freedom in spring and fall, the hot summer is a killer with or without a mask, and the average cramped urban renter or family with kids/toys would get pretty sick of storing a bike in short order as winter under a stay-at-home order keeps the less-hardy off the road.
I have only noticed an increase in riders during the "usual" times: nice days on the MUP, cool mornings full of roadies, weekends with families. I can still go for a ride when the conditions are even slightly adverse (windy, heat, evening after day's work, hint of drizzle in the forecast), and not see a soul on a bike. To me that says they haven't really caught the bug and it's a passing craze - like people say, this leads me to believe a bike bust is right around the corner. But maybe I'm being pessimistic.
One of the things another thread pointed out is that while a bike may be a ticket to socially-distanced freedom in spring and fall, the hot summer is a killer with or without a mask, and the average cramped urban renter or family with kids/toys would get pretty sick of storing a bike in short order as winter under a stay-at-home order keeps the less-hardy off the road.
I have only noticed an increase in riders during the "usual" times: nice days on the MUP, cool mornings full of roadies, weekends with families. I can still go for a ride when the conditions are even slightly adverse (windy, heat, evening after day's work, hint of drizzle in the forecast), and not see a soul on a bike. To me that says they haven't really caught the bug and it's a passing craze - like people say, this leads me to believe a bike bust is right around the corner. But maybe I'm being pessimistic.
__________________
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 796 Post(s)
Liked 522 Times
in
367 Posts
I was helping my nephew find a bike and paid $120 for a early 90s Trek 820 that 10 months ago I could have probably picked up for half that, then again I scored a 93 Univega Hybrid for $40 on Sunday but that was probably because I just happen to look when the ad was up for less than an hour. Hope the boom is still going when I finish a few projects I would like to sell.
Univega Via Montenga
Trek 820
Univega Via Montenga
Trek 820
Likes For ryansu:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Pico Rivera, CA
Posts: 4,182
Bikes: 1983 Basso Gap...2013 Colnago CX-1...2015 Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1199 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times
in
716 Posts
it's not a bike boom. Millions aren't riding their bike to work or school. The bikes you see are the one that have been sitting for 5+ years and causing shops to have a 3-4 week wait on service.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2,249
Bikes: 1964 Legnano Roma Olympiade, 1973 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Peugeot PR10, 2002 Specialized Allez, 2007 Specialized Roubaix, 2013 Culprit Croz Blade
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 741 Post(s)
Liked 818 Times
in
421 Posts
I don't know where you guys are, but here in LA, on a morning ride where I might see 2 or 3 riders in past times, I'm seeing 15 or 20 recreational riders, and lots of families, commuter and even "homeless" types too, near their encampments. Lots of walkers too. Also, people seem more friendly with a wave or "hello" as you pass by. At first there was much lighter car traffic, but now its pretty normal, except for the lack of early morning and afternoon school rush. Will new riders continue, who knows ? We all had to start somewhere.
Likes For Slightspeed:
#10
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
Yeah, I don't think there was a huge sustained rush to buy new and used bikes. But the pandemic did interrupt the manufacturing and supply chain, so replacements aren't coming in to fill the gaps caused by the slight increase in purchasing during the spring.
That initial rush of enthusiasm faded as soon as the summer heat came along. I used to occasionally use part of the MUP to get from my side of town to other parts of town, and in March-April, maybe early May, the MUP was crowded. So I quit using that route. But recently I've used the MUP several times and there's hardly anyone out there. Not many real diehards who'll ride or jog in 90+F heat.
By winter most of those impulse purchase bikes will be on craigslist and other for-sale sites.
That initial rush of enthusiasm faded as soon as the summer heat came along. I used to occasionally use part of the MUP to get from my side of town to other parts of town, and in March-April, maybe early May, the MUP was crowded. So I quit using that route. But recently I've used the MUP several times and there's hardly anyone out there. Not many real diehards who'll ride or jog in 90+F heat.
By winter most of those impulse purchase bikes will be on craigslist and other for-sale sites.
#11
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,181
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1562 Post(s)
Liked 1,285 Times
in
856 Posts
I've sold five bikes since Saturday, no problem getting the asking price.
A couple of Italian bikes with too-big frames brought $$ I never would have expected, and the hybrid and a 1980's Cannondale brought prices not seen since 2007 or so.
All this in a very weird economic environment where the price of Silver and Gold has gone through the roof in just this past week, and where the stock market continues to rally even as bigs like Starbucks are suddenly reporting huge losses.
I'd like to sell enough bikes this month to buy a new Tesla, with enough left over to take a European vacation.
A couple of Italian bikes with too-big frames brought $$ I never would have expected, and the hybrid and a 1980's Cannondale brought prices not seen since 2007 or so.
All this in a very weird economic environment where the price of Silver and Gold has gone through the roof in just this past week, and where the stock market continues to rally even as bigs like Starbucks are suddenly reporting huge losses.
I'd like to sell enough bikes this month to buy a new Tesla, with enough left over to take a European vacation.
Likes For dddd:
#12
seńor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,597
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3861 Post(s)
Liked 6,450 Times
in
3,190 Posts
B17 saddles are $126 now on ebay (new, buy-it-now). For years, they used to be around $90.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Berea, KY
Posts: 1,135
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 360 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
186 Posts
I was helping my nephew find a bike and paid $120 for a early 90s Trek 820 that 10 months ago I could have probably picked up for half that, then again I scored a 93 Univega Hybrid for $40 on Sunday but that was probably because I just happen to look when the ad was up for less than an hour. Hope the boom is still going when I finish a few projects I would like to sell.
__________________
Andy
Andy
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,226
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1971 Gitane Apache Standard, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 548 Post(s)
Liked 473 Times
in
302 Posts
I'll chime in because I've posted similar posts in other groups about this. Great time to sell your collection but not to build it up, that's for sure. I have been trying to pick up another vintage steele ride and even though I've set notifications for any updates to the market place sites someone always beats me. They are sending an eTransfer to the seller before they even set eyes on the thing. I won't go that far unless everything is perfect in the ad. but I guess that's why I don't have another bike to show off
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 796 Post(s)
Liked 522 Times
in
367 Posts
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hotel CA / DFW
Posts: 1,729
Bikes: 83 Colnago Super, 87 50th Daccordi, 79 & 87 Guerciotti's, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master and Titanio, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 DbyLS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 600 Post(s)
Liked 777 Times
in
495 Posts
Just like gym memberships after New Years, new pandemic bike riders will not make it a routine.
As for the bikes, supply will then go up as demand decreases.
Bottom line, bike prices will be going down for us N+1'ers
As for the bikes, supply will then go up as demand decreases.
Bottom line, bike prices will be going down for us N+1'ers
Likes For joesch:
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,707
Bikes: Stevenson Custom, Stevenson Custom Tandem, Nishiki Professional
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 196 Times
in
128 Posts
Yes, just noticed, we are deep in our bubble due to risks of age and desire to live to enjoy our hard won retirement. Our tandem on its trainer and working through the collection of classic rock n roll.
Will it fade?
Perhaps, but I think there will be a change, a meeting in the middle for many. I have grandsons that want to ride their bikes, but yes you must pry them away from their gaming. But then they have a virtual grandfather who they want to have watch them play Mine Craft for a couple hours each week, and yes they're the ones asking. As to Grandpa he fumbles to keep up, ask relevant questions, and hear cryptic explanations...but it's all good...bridges of electrons or bike paths are bridges. They cross the middle.
Will it fade?
Perhaps, but I think there will be a change, a meeting in the middle for many. I have grandsons that want to ride their bikes, but yes you must pry them away from their gaming. But then they have a virtual grandfather who they want to have watch them play Mine Craft for a couple hours each week, and yes they're the ones asking. As to Grandpa he fumbles to keep up, ask relevant questions, and hear cryptic explanations...but it's all good...bridges of electrons or bike paths are bridges. They cross the middle.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 14,491
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 254 Times
in
141 Posts
In reference to nlerner's post above.
Not ours.
I have never sold so many bikes in such a short period of time.
It feels great to free up so many hooks and "redistribute" the funds after the sale.
I've treated the family to a new Weber grill and I have a new Hardy fly rod to show for my efforts.
In fact, I still have $$$$ set aside.
My advice is to sell if you are on the fence about having a huge herd to maintain.
Keep your favorite bikes and get rid of the others.
You may never have such an easy time to sell again. imho
Not ours.
I have never sold so many bikes in such a short period of time.
It feels great to free up so many hooks and "redistribute" the funds after the sale.
I've treated the family to a new Weber grill and I have a new Hardy fly rod to show for my efforts.
In fact, I still have $$$$ set aside.
My advice is to sell if you are on the fence about having a huge herd to maintain.
Keep your favorite bikes and get rid of the others.
You may never have such an easy time to sell again. imho