ARE WE HEADING FOR A COST OF CYCLING CRISIS?

If you are one of those lucky people with some disposable income as the cost of living crisis bites, a cursory look at any bike retailer will tell you that shopping for bikes and related accessories is no longer a headache, unlike during the dark days of lockdown.

Back then, as interest in cycling boomed and supply contracted, getting hold of even the most basic parts like tyres could require a Frodo-like quest.

Now, although it might take a while to purchase something specific, such as a Shimano 105 cassette – I’m speaking from experience here – most things, from the customer’s point of view anyway, are readily available again.

The pandemic may not be entirely over, with Covid still a serious issue for many around the world, but for most in the west, life has returned to some kind of normality. There are no legal restrictions, mask wearing is optional, and some have even returned to the