BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Product Suppliers Association members shipped 1.8 million bikes to dealers through August this year, less than half a percent more than they shipped in the same period last year.
The flat shipment total does not mean the market is static, however. Three types of bikes — which BPSA calls "Miscellaneous," "Road-Other" and "Unsuspended 27.5 and 29er" — each grew substantially.
E-bikes fall under the Miscellaneous category, which saw a 34 percent jump in unit shipments and an 80 percent jump in dollar sales.
The Road-Other category saw a 45 percent growth in unit shipments and a 43 percent growth in dollar sales. Some suppliers report their gravel, touring and adventure bikes under this category, which may help explain some of the jump. Some suppliers may have recorded their cyclocross bike shipments into the Road-Other category, as the Cyclocross category saw a 15 percent drop. Gravel and adventure touring bikes are also in the Road-Other category, and those types of bikes likely contributed the most to the growth there.
Rigid 29er and 27.5 bikes shipments almost doubled over last year, up 91 percent. However, the average selling price for these rigid bikes fell by 42 percent, so dollar growth was only 10 percent.
Youth bikes, 20- and 24-inch, continue to do well, up 9 and 10 percent respectively in dollar sales over last year. BMX and sidewalk bike sales were down.
Shipments of non-performance pavement bikes like comfort, commuter, cruiser and hybrid bikes were flat with 2014. Road shipments of all classes were down 4 percent. Mountain bikes shipments of all classes were up 4 percent, driven by increased 27.5-inch business.
