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scarcity of new bikes?

kevin_stephenskevin_stephens Posts: 184
in MTB buying advice
I'm considering getting a new full sus trail bike to replace my 15 year old Specialize Epic. I would need a small size. There seems to be a scarcity of suitable bikes at the usual retailers. Is this general, a seasonal thing, Covid related? I'd prefer not to buy mail order (even if that were an option); I would be looking for a proper fit from a shop
I want to climb hills so badly;
and I climb hills so badly

Posts

  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,726
    Pretty much the same as reported on roady side. See below.
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/13113710/road-bike-availability-issues#latest
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • loltorideloltoride Posts: 460
    If you are prepared to travel you should be able to find something although will most probably have some wait time but bikes certainly available just taking longer to arrive.
    So Far!
  • steve_sordysteve_sordy Posts: 2,438
    This is not just a shortage of bikes. The unprecedented volume of sales of new bikes has forced up the price of second hand bikes too as thwarted buyers of new bikes lower their sights. So if you have a bike to sell, do it now!

    In addition, people have been trying to resurrect their bikes from the back of the shed, sometimes from behind the shed! This has led to a demand for servicing and spares. So not only do you have to wait weeks for a service (or any attention) from your LBS, but if you are a DIY person then there is no guarantee that you will be able to get the parts.

    On Thu last week I removed the shock from my bike to send it for a full service. I was intending to take advantage of all the rain forecast for this week. My expectation was that I would be riding the bike again before the middle of this week. To my dismay I could not find anyone that would even look at it for 3 weeks! The suspension service specialists have not increased their prices, but they are seeing the levels of business that they normally only see in early Spring. In the end I found a trade-only service centre and asked my LBS to check their turnaround. It was 8 days! I was there in a shot! A week ago I would have turned up my nose at the thought of an 8-day turnaround!, now I'm happy!
  • steve_sordysteve_sordy Posts: 2,438
    edited October 2020
    Eh! That looks like a puff piece clipped out of an industry mag.
    So what happened then with Trek? Did they cut back on orders, manufacturing and stocks and start laying off workers? Only for the sales surge to catch them out? What did happen? We need to know!
  • JBAJBA Posts: 2,852
    Looks like spam to me, Steve.
    Flag and ignore.
    “Life has been unfaithful
    And it all promised so so much”

    Giant Trance 2 27.5 2016 ¦ Sonder Broken Road 2021¦ Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019 ¦ Giant Toughtroad SLR 1 2019 ¦ Giant Anthem 3 2015 ¦ Specialized Myka Comp FSR 2009
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,726
    That guys been spamming a few today with cut and paste stuff just about inline with the post.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • bompingtonbompington Posts: 7,674
    oxoman said:

    That guys been spamming a few today with cut and paste stuff just about inline with the post.

    At least he's making an effort: nice to see that Polish spammers are as conscientious and hardworking as you'd expect
  • steve_sordysteve_sordy Posts: 2,438
    I was going to accuse him of spamming, but it was his 7th post, so I gave the benefit of the doubt. I see that he has been removed already. Not seen him before.
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