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Biking industry faces challenges with production and supply demands

People who sell bicycles and bike supplies said since the pandemic began, their industry has seen a 250 percent increase in sales.

 

  

Matt Coe is the manager of Cyclefit Sports in Fenton. 

 

“Naturally that’s put a strain on everybody all the way down to parts, the manufacturing of the bikes and everything and then from there shipping is kinda challenge because over in the west cost they actually got a man shortage to unload the boats and they just cant get anything unloaded fast enough.”   

 

He said the industry cannot keep up with production and supply due to the spike in sales during the pandemic. 

“The industry as whole has not yet caught up with the demand, its a worldwide demand. It’s not just a U.S demand. The factories most of the stuff is made over seas so they are not back full man power. The industry as whole is not prepared for I think a 250% increase.”

About 130 miles north in Osceola County, Pedaler’s bike shop in Osceola is feeling the drought of not having bikes. 

 

Wilford Miller is the owner of Pedalar’s.

 

He said since the spike last year, the industry hasn’t been able to meet the demand.

“Well the supply is still short… extremely short. Basically I cant get any bike right now and havent been able for a couple months”

Miller said he’s unsure on when they’ll have consistent supplies of bikes or parts because worldwide demand has not let up. 

 
This story was This story was produced as part of the Michigan News Group Internship. A collaboration between WCMU and eight local newspapers. You can read a print version of the story in the Big Rapids Pioneer. 

Gena is a rising junior at Central Michigan University, double majoring in broadcast and cinematic arts and political science.