The current bike market: better to be a buyer than seller?

[XXtwindad]

I’m curious if there’s any hard empirical evidence on this. I’ve seen a couple of comments in the various “FS” threads that prompted my question. (I’ve also reached out to a few Forum members with a similar question)

On a similar note, is the bike market an accurate gauge of the economic climate as a whole? Or can one not make any extrapolations or correlations based on the bike industry.

[raisinberry777]

I can only speak for my corner of the earth (Australia), but definitely a buyer's market here.

Depends on the age of the bike too - a modern, integrated disc brake bike will still move pretty easily, but older rim brake bikes have had a significant drop in value.

I wouldn't look at it as a reflection of the economy as a whole. The bike industry is very tech driven, and demand is more driven by relative changes in tech (i.e. very few people in our market want something that can only fit 25mm max these days).

[RacerJRP]

Definitely preferable to be in a buying position right now from what I have seen and experienced.

Bikes, cars, and other non-essentials all seem to be in the same boat.

[Hilltopperny]

I think we are in a market correction. There is an excessive amount of bicycles floating around and prices on both new and used are starting to normalize from the huge increases over the past couple of years.

As far as bicycle markets indicating the current economy goes I don't believe high end bike markets have much to do with the economic woes of the common person. I believe most of us here have been somewhat insulated from the rising costs of food, power, housing and all necessary things if we are of a certain age and such.

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[christian]

I just picked up a 2020 Trek Boone with Red AXS and carbon wheels for $2100 shipped. It’s definitely a buyer’s market.

[HenryA]

Its better to ride them than to trade them.

[Baron Blubba]

Better to be a rider.

But to answer your main question: Yes.
To answer your secondary question about bikes as economic indicators: No.

[Big Dan]

Buyers market.

[lorenbike]

Yes, but this is how the bike market was before Covid so it’s not unusual.