The Bike Market

Just got back from the Toronto Fall Bike Sell off. Down at the CNE grounds. Interesting show with a constant stream of new bike owners rolling their new purchases out the doors. When you realize that most of those new bikes are worth between $800 and $1200 (sale price) there was a whole lot of cash walking out those doors! The bikes were upscale performance sport bikes, either mountain bikes or road bikes, few commuters and no cruisers or vintage, which seems strange to me. Looking around the streets of Toronto it seems to me that one of the most desired bikes is the commuter. Comfortable, upright position, fenders, racks, you know, sensible adult bikes to get us from A to B with our stuff. So, are the bike dealers missing the market? Obviously not seeing the number of bikes sold today. My bet is there is another market to be served. Us, commuters, the non or less competitive rider. And we are served by a few great shops - Curbside at 412 Bloor West in Toronto and The Bike Hounds in Hamilton at James North and Cannon. Two great shops with folks who really know bikes and are selling wonderful bicycles.