COVID-19 and lockdowns began March 2020. So much was cancelled, off-limits and deleted from our lives that we all quickly grasped at outdoor freedom. We bought all the bikes, gym equipment, boats, skis, garden furniture, etc to improve our new restricted lives, but in doing so we broke the bicycle supply chain, which impacts you buying a bike in 2021.
GEARS and every bike shop in the country sold almost every bike and repair part we had in stock by July of last year. Our selling season is usually March-July. We normally place orders in the summer/fall to restock over the winter to be ready for spring. For the first time ever this did not happen, the supply chain is still broken. Bikes and parts are arriving at a slow trickle. The impact of factory closures, global demand, distancing and logistical issues have pushed back our restocking timeline up to 18 months. Our stores were emptied and remain empty! Only 20% of the overall demand is coming to Canada this season. If you aren’t 100% sure you want a bike, and just want to “look”, this may not be the year to buy a bike. Most of the bikes and repair parts coming in 2021 will not arrive until Q4 (late summer/fall), missing the 2021 Canadian selling season. We have never experienced a delay like this or the unending insatiable demand for bikes, as lockdowns continue, vaccines are delayed, and COVID variants loom.
HOW DO I GET A BIKE IN 2021? Sad to say, but it may be better not to come to the shop. There are too few bikes to see and with the continued lockdowns and measures needed for all our safety, until the vaccine roll-out is complete, there is no point in putting each other at risk. Most of our in stock bikes will also be readily available on our WEBSTORE for immediate purchase. If you choose a bike we will ask for your contact info to set up an account, and a 25% deposit that is refundable if you find something sooner or change your mind. We will then let you know when your bike arrives. We have been here for 33 years and want to continue doing our very best for you. Together with patience and kindness we can make this a great season!
WHAT DO WE HAVE TODAY? We have still been able to get most of the Essentials (helmets, gloves, locks, lights, …etc.) you need and you can find them in store and in our WEBSTORE.
Photo Credit: Belle Deessee