Cycling Plus ran an article a year ago investigating the root causes of rocketing bike prices and availability, focusing specifically on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit. The effect on production and supply, combined with the end of tariff-free EU trade, created a perfect fiscal storm.
But where are we today in spring 2023? The winds of seemingly ever-increasing price rises appear to be sweeping over our shores, but recent price drops by Canyon and Specialized may point towards calmer seas. Are these isolated instances, or does it hint at an imminent sell-off of excess stock, as has been predicted by some in the industry? Here, we assess how much bike prices have increased in general since our last report and the reasons behind those rises. We also outline whether there’s likely to be a more widespread reduction in prices, and why.
Taiwan concerns
According to the Bicycle Association (BA) – the national trade body for the UK cycling industry –
