IRVINE, Calif.- August 17, 2026- The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) today announced the release of the 2026 Cost of Doing Business (CODB) Study, the bicycle industry's most comprehensive financial benchmarking report for Specialty Bicycle Retailers.
Compiled from confidential financial data submitted by retailers across North America, the 2026 study reflects business performance for the 2025 calendar year and provides bicycle retailers with an unparalleled opportunity to compare their financial and operational performance with that of similar businesses across the industry.
The NBDA Cost of Doing Business Study remains the definitive financial resource for Specialty Bicycle Retailers seeking to improve profitability, strengthen operations, and make better-informed business decisions. The report allows retailers to benchmark their business against stores by revenue size, geographic region, number of locations, store type, and the industry's highest-performing retailers.
"This report is one of the most valuable business tools we provide our members," said Heather Mason, Executive Director of the National Bicycle Dealers Association. "Too many retailers make important business decisions based on instinct alone. The Cost of Doing Business Study replaces guesswork with real industry data. It gives retailers the ability to see where they are outperforming their peers, where opportunities exist, and where they should focus their time and resources. If you're serious about building a stronger, more profitable bicycle business, this report should be on your desk and used for setting KPI standards."
The study helps retailers evaluate critical financial metrics including:
● Gross margin performance
● Payroll and operating expenses
● Net profitability
● Inventory management
● Service department performance
● Occupancy costs
● Expense ratios
● Key financial benchmarks across comparable businesses
Rather than comparing against generic retail standards, the CODB Study enables bicycle retailers to evaluate their business against organizations that closely resemble their own operations. This allows owners and managers to identify strengths, uncover weaknesses, and prioritize meaningful improvements based on industry-specific performance data.
The 2026 Cost of Doing Business Study was independently compiled, tabulated, and analyzed by Industry Insights, Inc., a nationally recognized research and consulting firm specializing in financial benchmarking and operating performance studies. All submitted retailer information was collected under strict confidentiality, validated by financial analysts, and statistically processed to ensure accurate and meaningful comparisons.
Retailers who participated in the survey will receive their complimentary report directly from Industry Insights. The report is available immediately as a downloadable PDF.
Pricing
● NBDA Members: $99
● Non-Members: $399
● Survey Participants: Complimentary copy delivered by Industry Insights
The significant member discount is one of many benefits available through NBDA membership and reflects the association's ongoing commitment to providing Specialty Bicycle Retailers with affordable, data-driven business resources.
To help retailers get the greatest value from the report, the NBDA will host a special educational webinar on September 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET titled "How to Use the 2026 Cost of Doing Business Study." Industry experts Michael Forte, Bike Shop List, and Jay Townley, Human Powered Solutions, will walk attendees through the report, explain the key financial benchmarks, and demonstrate how retailers can use the data to identify opportunities for improved profitability and stronger business performance. This webinar is recommended for Specialty Bicycle Retailers, suppliers, and industry service providers who want a deeper understanding of the industry's most important financial benchmarking resource. Registration will be available on the NBDA website's Events Calendar.
As part of the NBDA's 80th Anniversary Celebration, new members can join the association throughout the month of August and receive 80% off any new NBDA membership.
By becoming an NBDA member, Specialty Bicycle Retailers gain immediate access to valuable business resources like the 2026 Cost of Doing Business Study at member pricing, along with industry research, advocacy, educational programs, peer networking, webinars, member savings, and business tools designed to help retailers become stronger and more profitable.
Use promo code NBDA80 when joining to receive 80% off your first year of membership.
To purchase the 2026 Cost of Doing Business Study, become an NBDA member, or learn more about the association's resources, visit NBDA.com.
About the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)
The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is the bicycle industry's longest-standing retail association, serving Specialty Bicycle Retailers since 1946. As a non-profit organization, the NBDA is dedicated to strengthening Specialty Bicycle Retailers through education, research, communication, advocacy, and community support. Representing retailers across North America, the NBDA works to enhance retailer profitability, promote excellence in bicycle retail, and support the growth of cycling communities. Through industry partnerships, professional development programs, and retailer-focused resources, the NBDA helps build a stronger, more sustainable bicycle industry for the future. Learn more at nbda.com.
