The cycling industry is a worldwide operation and even homegrown brands rely on materials from elsewhere. With borders in lockdown and offices closed as workforces set up hotdesks at home, how will the bike trade be affected by coronavirus?
The traditional spring calendar of bike launches has been replaced by a scrap to get hold of each new bike in time for its launch date.
The major new models for 2020 release are already on their way to us, which means we’ll still be able to bring you up to speed with the latest bikes. And we’ve been reassured by some manufacturers that they foresee no shortage of bikes in the short-term.
Jack Noy, UK marketing manager at Canyon Bikes, said: “As of today we have more complete bikes in stock at Canyon headquarters than ever before. However, it’s a little too early to comment on supply chain issues.”
With regard to stock for next year, he added that again, “It’s too early to say.”
With factories in Taiwan and China respectively, one of the greatest concerns may have been over the effect on supply from the groupset juggernauts SRAM and Shimano.
Commercial impact
However, both have confirmed in statements that their production lines are back up to speed. Shimano told Cycling Weekly: “Operations in China resumed in mid-February following government protocols and production of products originating from Shimano’s other Asian production centres remains unaffected.”
SRAM stated: “All SRAM Factories are in operation. We are following the same guidelines as in our corporate position, protecting our team members through appropriate hygiene, social distancing and several other measures to ensure safety.” Smaller operations don’t require a huge scale backlog of stock, but they do need customers with open wallets to stay afloat.
This story is from the March 26, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 26, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
What prep does my bike need for summer?
Pro bike mechanic Glen Whittington shares his tips for the successful de-hibernation of your bike
6 WAYS TO THINK YOURSELF FASTER
However flawless your physical preparation, the mind has a tendency to throw a spanner in the works come the big day. James Witts offers six ways to keep the brain onside with the body
MAURICE BURTON'S - SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
9 life lessons from Britain's first Black cycling champion
Brown and Niewiadoma beat Vollering
SD Worx-Protime are far from unbeatable in 2024, as team misses out in Ardennes Classics
Pogačar lays down marker for Giro d'Italia
Liège win signals Slovenian's readiness for clash with Geraint Thomas, reports Adam Becket
GSI Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup - £51.50
Starting off with the coffee makers that require a heat source, we have the GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup.
A love affair
Coffee connoisseur Adam Becket delves into the storied yet mysterious relationship between cycling and the original energy drink
AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM!
Older cyclists don't only extend their healthy years, they keep alive the passion to strive. Rob Kemp meets eight indomitable over-50s
THE HUB
All the news you might have missed from the last seven days
Paris Galibier
Eccentric but iconic English bike that’s still in production today