FEATURE
Trendspotting 2022: Gravel, a transport revolution, and the Olympic legacy
BikeBiz editor Alex Ballinger gets insight from industry leaders on the hot trends for the coming year
C
yclists are a fashionable bunch. Whether it’s the latest downcountry innovations in mountain bikes, an additional gear on road bike
groupsets, or the ever-blossoming e-bike category, there is always a new trend for the cycling industry to watch closely, but how can you tell which fashions will truly capture the imagination of cycle consumers? To help you cut through the noise, BikeBiz has grilled industry leaders, from bike brands, to kit manufacturers and retailers, to see which trends are most likely to define the industry in 2022.
E-bikes and transport As the bike industry hopes to see the continued benefits of a surge in cycling during the pandemic, there is a wave of new bike riders who have discovered all the joy of two wheels. These emerging consumers may only just be testing the
waters when it comes to bikes and accessories, but we are likely to see a clear trend as more people opt for the bike as their means of transportation and enjoyment. Matthew Atkinson, head of cycling strategy at Frasers Group, parent company of high street chain Evans Cycles,
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said: “Lockdown is over and people are continuing to return to the office. We’re seeing more people choose pedal power as their preferred mode of transport, giving them the freedom to move about easily and also avoid any congested crowds on public transport.”
This surge in popularity will also boost the number of people riding bikes who would not consider themselves ‘cyclists’ – everyday riders using their machines to meet friends, enjoy the landscape, and reduce their carbon footprint, but without commitment to buying all the gear. New technology is also likely to be a significant factor in the buying habits of these more casual consumers, particularly in the e-bike market, as power assisted bikes get lighter, with longer battery life, and as the price points continue to become more accessible. Symon Lewis, head of UK PR at Specialized, said: “We
are very excited to be talking to new riders in the leisure and transport space. It is very important to help provide those seeking to replace their short car or public transport journeys not only with a bike but with such an amazing riding experience that it becomes a life-changing moment where they can’t think about using anything else for shorter journeys.
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