New York Times: Long Wait for Buying a Bike in the U.S
05-18-20, 04:23 PM
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New York Times: Long Wait for Buying a Bike in the U.S
05-18-20, 05:28 PM
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Bikes are okay, I guess.
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Yup, it's the Arab Oil Embargo effect all over again.
05-18-20, 05:42 PM
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05-19-20, 02:29 PM
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05-19-20, 02:44 PM
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I just picked up 8 hours a week building bikes, LBS is a week out on repairs and a week out on bikes they have that are already sold and aren't built and is growing a waiting list for bikes that aren't shipping till mid June. They had to close a location for a few days just to catch up.
05-19-20, 03:23 PM
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05-19-20, 09:53 PM
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05-20-20, 07:23 AM
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It's an interesting phenomenon, not just limited to low-end and commuter style bikes. Two weeks ago I bought one of the last kids 16" bikes at my LBS. Their inventory is super low, even among higher end race bikes, and they told me they don't expect to get any new bikes (in any category) until August. This is a store that carries major brands like Giant, Raliegh, Cannondale, etc.
I've also been casually shopping online for a new CX race bike and noticed that Canyon has almost nothing available on their website for immediate shipping.
I've also been casually shopping online for a new CX race bike and noticed that Canyon has almost nothing available on their website for immediate shipping.
05-20-20, 09:04 AM
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It's an interesting phenomenon, not just limited to low-end and commuter style bikes. Two weeks ago I bought one of the last kids 16" bikes at my LBS. Their inventory is super low, even among higher end race bikes, and they told me they don't expect to get any new bikes (in any category) until August. This is a store that carries major brands like Giant, Raliegh, Cannondale, etc.
I've also been casually shopping online for a new CX race bike and noticed that Canyon has almost nothing available on their website for immediate shipping.
I've also been casually shopping online for a new CX race bike and noticed that Canyon has almost nothing available on their website for immediate shipping.
05-20-20, 12:22 PM
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I went to my LBS for some handlebar tape over the weekend. This is primarily a Trek shop. Normally there is wall to wall bikes. The shop probably only had 15 bikes. It was empty. And another new one going out the door while I was there. Crazy.
05-20-20, 12:47 PM
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Not surprised, supply chain disruptions from China, jump in demand both from the pandemic and seasonality, people with a lot more time on their hands, fewer exercise options and chances to get outside. Cycling is one of the few things you can legally do while properly socially distanced and safe.
Add the fact that repair shops and bike builders are slammed and backlogged for weeks and there’s a serious supply squeeze on working new and used bikes. I talked to a mechanic a couple weeks ago and he basically told me if you can fix it yourself then you’re better off, he just had too much to do and couldn’t promise he could get to my bike for at least a couple of weeks.
Add the fact that repair shops and bike builders are slammed and backlogged for weeks and there’s a serious supply squeeze on working new and used bikes. I talked to a mechanic a couple weeks ago and he basically told me if you can fix it yourself then you’re better off, he just had too much to do and couldn’t promise he could get to my bike for at least a couple of weeks.
05-20-20, 01:21 PM
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most will likely end up as garage clutter or dumpster finds.
05-20-20, 02:17 PM
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Or there could be some great deals on used bikes when the restrictions are lifted. People going back to their cars again. And not wanting the bikes anymore.
05-20-20, 02:32 PM
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If these machines were bought by people re-entering the sport because of the shutdowns, wouldn't you expect most of the excess bikes that get sold off at the end of all this to be "entry level"? To me that's the sad part, it's much ado ... about a bunch of junk bikes.
05-20-20, 03:42 PM
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QR-disc must die!!!
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