Would-be cyclists keen to exercise during the lockdown have cleared stores of their stock
Harriet Sherwood 10.05.20
Isabel had not ridden a bike since university 10 years ago when lockdown motivated her to seek out two wheels. But half a dozen cycle shops in south London gave her the same answer: no chance. We’re out of stock.
One or two said they could sell her a high-spec racing bike for a price in the region of £1,000. The others advised her to place an order, wait a couple of weeks for the bicycle to be delivered from the manufacturer, then another week or so for it to be built by the store. And there was no option to try before buying.
Since the lockdown began, bicycle manufacturers and shops across the UK have reported a boom in demand, and many expect a further increase in sales as people consider resuming journeys to work when restrictions ease.
Brompton, the UK’s largest bike manufacturer, producing almost 50,000 folding cycles a year, has seen a fivefold increase in online sales since the start of April, and Halfords has reported a “strong performance” and a 23% increase in share price.
Up to 20,000 bicycles which have already been sold are awaiting delivery and building, according to the Association of Cycle Traders. “Sudden demand from essential workers and the significant adoption of cycling for exercise, travel and family leisure during the pandemic, further fuelled by good weather, is putting an extreme demand upon the industry,” it said.
Cycle repair shops have also seen a surge in business as people have brought unused bikes stored in garages and sheds back on the roads.
Bike retailers are permitted to remain open during the lockdown, but are operating “one in, one out” policies and banning customers from trying out cycles before they buy.

Coronavirus cycling boom makes a good bike hard to find | The Guardian
Would-be cyclists keen to exercise during the lockdown have cleared stores of their stock Harriet Sherwood 10.05.20 Isabel had not ridden a bike since university 10 years ago when lockdown motivated her to seek out two wheels. But half a dozen cycle shops in south London gave her the same answer: no chance. We’re out… [Read More]