BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — U.S. bike wholesaler sales grew 6 percent through March compared with the first three months of last year, according to the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association wholesale business report released this week. Sales were up more than 7 percent in March.
Front-suspension 650b bikes posted a 211 percent jump in sales, from $4.4 million over the first quarter in 2014 to $13.8 million this year as many suppliers phased out 26-inch sales. Unsuspended fat bikes were up a strong 29 percent in sales to $6.6 million and sales of bikes with 24-inch wheels grew to $4.8 million from $4 million last year.
Sales of road bikes were mixed. 'Cross bike sales were surprisingly soft, falling 21 percent during the quarter. The BPSA includes suppliers' gravel bike sales under the 'cross category, and gravel bikes are claimed to be a quickly growing category. Sales of men's road bikes priced under $1,500 saw a 25 percent gain to $19.7 million.
Under the broad categories, comfort and cruiser bike sales were up 17 percent, but fitness and hybrid bikes, which have been posting sales gains for many quarters, fell 1 percent. Road and mountain bikes were up 7 percent, and youth bike sales were up 10 percent.
The BPSA numbers show sales into retailers — both IBDs and other retail channels that BPSA members sell into. They do not represent retail sales.
