The COVID-induced bicycle shortage is widely known. In the beginning of the pandemic throngs of people discovered or re-engaged with the sport thanks to it being an outdoor alternative to day drinking or Zoom meetings. That demand was met by a parts supply chain disruption and worldwide shipping dysfunction. Stories circulated about frenzied buyers who couldn’t rattle off their credit card number fast enough over the phone to grab the last remaining model. New bike inventory sold through quickly so folks turned to the used market. Used bikes sell at top dollar and are snapped up as soon as they’re advertised. My husband sold 3 bikes in 2 days at asking price – it’s a terrific time to clean out the garage. Buyer beware, though. Older models may require component replacement, and parts such as chains and cassettes may be harder to find than the bike itself.
Love the one you’re with.
Justin, owner of Boulder Cycle Sport, informs me that some components and bikes are backordered until 2023 (that’s not a typo, I didn’t mean to write 2022). So what’s a cyclist to do? Love the one you’re with. Nurture your existing bikes with love and care, because they may be your only option for another full season.
Here are tips to extend the life of your ride:
I hope you own the bike of your dreams right now. If not, love the one you’re with. It may be a while before you have another.