BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Canadian cycle consumers are turning to the commuter, hybrid and road sectors at the cost of the territory’s traditionally strong mountain bike market, according to leading voices from the Canadian cycle industry.
Canny manufacturers in the MTB sector have adapted their business model to keep up with the trend, including Rocky Mountain. The brand’s general manager Charles J Russell told BikeBiz: “The area that is growing most rapidly is the urban or commuting sector. We are predominantly a mountain bike brand, but we have responded and continue to respond with our own approach to this sector.”
A flat MTB market hasn’t hurt the trade in general either, according to BTAC executive director Janet O’Connell: “Hybrid and road are showing the most growth. The mountain bike sector continues to be static and is seeing a decline in lower priced models. Our data collection programme shows a trend by consumers toward higher quality bikes, which is very positive for the IBD sector.”
Micasport president Lutz Brode is also optimistic about the future of the sector. He told BikeBiz: “I would say that road, higher end road and hybrid are popular currently in Canada. Consumers appear environmentally sensitive and therefore look to alternatives to motor power. The economy is on fairly solid ground.”
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