As a new bicycle trickles into the stores across the country, you are going to be fascinated to purchase a new one. But path to cycling nirvana is cluttered with major mistakes. Here is what you should not do when purchasing a new bicycle.

Don’t purchase without a test ride

You don’t comprehend how a bicycle truly handles or fits until you ride and take it for a test spin. Trying to do something more than just the simple pedaling around a parking lot; some cycle dealers have demo bicycles you can borrow or rent and many best cycle companies in Punjab provide free days for demo at parks and shops too. So, one should talk to a dealer to know more about the options.

Don’t test a bicycle at a shop, then purchase online

Certainly, testing a bike ride at a local shop bombard the dealer with any question you have in your mind, but don’t make use of that knowledge for buying the same bicycle online for a meager discount. That’s surely a bad way and don’t you expect more free advice when you bring the bicycle you purchase online to the same dealer to fix the problem.

Don’t purchase a bike that doesn’t synchronize with your goals of riding

Be ingenuous about what type of riding you want to do and then aim on that while purchasing. Don’t purchase a pure race bicycle as you might end up complaining as it is not comfortable in the longer run. Be wary of the bicycles that require prodigious modification to work for you – swap components get costly and big fit adjustments can alter the bike entirely. Some tweaks are elegant, but if there is a long list then you should start looking out for another bicycle that suits your needs.

Don’t forget the accessories

Most of the new riders save a certain amount of money for a new bicycle but completely overlook the need of accessories. It is vital to walk out with a helmet, good quality shorts with padding, floor pump and bicycle lights. Tire levers, spare tubes and a small pump are also the must buy ones.

Don’t be hesitant to engage with the salesperson 

The internet is flooded with information about the different types of bicycles, so it is obvious to decide you don’t require any backing. But many best cycle companies in Punjab provide specialized training to their employees and offer them access to details you might have overlooked. A good dealer always makes his priority to benefit the customer more than just landing a sale.If you keep all the above mentioned suggestions in mind, it is a guarantee that you will get the most suitable cycle for yourself.       

India was the fourth largest producer of bicycles after China, USA, and Japan from 1978 to 1991. It outsmarted USA and Japan in 1992 to become the second largest producer of bicycles in the world.

India produces approximately 10% of the world’s annually produced bicycles, which is estimated at 125 million units. Major players in the domestic bicycle industry are Hero Cycles, Avon and Atlas. Most cycles manufactured and sold in India start with a price of Rs. 2,500 to 3000.

The market for the premium or the lifestyle bikes targeted towards the lifestyle consumer is just about emerging. The definition of high-end bikes itself is changing. Earlier the high-end bikes were considered as those selling between Rs. 5000 to 8000. However now with global brands moving into the country this definition is also changing with prices starting from Rs.15000 to as high as 1 lac and above!

Not only are the price points changing but even definition of the segment is. Earlier, cycles were simplistically segmented into gents, ladies, kids and high end. But now the lifestyle bikes are being segmented in line with the global trend that is based on their usage. There are Road bikes, Mountain bikes, Tourers, Hybrids, BMX' to name a few.

The demand for these cycles at this stage is very limited but is set to grow at a frenetic pace in future. While the mass-market segment is experiencing a sluggish growth of between 4-6% annually the premium & lifestyle segment is growing at a CAGR of over 30%. The market size for the lifestyle cycles is estimated at not more than 0.25 million units annually but its only time that this segment will form an important part of the industry.

A silent revolution is pedalling its way into city dwellers' lives. As more Indians living in cities take to cycling for reasons ranging from keeping fitand leisure, cycling clubs have mushroomed on social networking sites. Seeing demand, bicycle companies are focusing on this niche but growing segment of recreation bicycles.

The Indian bicycle market, which till a year ago was mostly about Hero, BSA, Hercules, Avon, and Atlas, has seen international players set up shop here. The brands that are now present in India include Trek, Kona, Schwinn, Fomas, Decathlon and Bianchi. Rock Machine too is expected soon.Virtually all the big names are present in the country like Giant, Trek, Merida, and Cannondale etc.

These bicycles' prices range between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3.6 lakh. As a reaction to this influx of international brands, most Indian bicycle manufacturers have also expanded their base in the professional and recreational categories in metros. Offerings beyond the occupational bicycle are growing.  

According to industry estimates, the bicycle industry in India is 12 million units a year, of which 5 to 7% are niche bicycles, a segment now growing at 25-30 per cent annually.Indian firm Firefox Bikes, for instance, entered into a tie-up with US bicycle brand Trek. Firefox, with 52 outlets and adding at least two every month, has begun retailing Trek besides its own range. It claims to be selling around 2,200 bikes every month and anticipates 25 per cent annual growth.

In India, the traditional and the fancy segments dominate the market. These are early days for international bikes in India as they try to establish footprints. The buying trend is certainly picking up. In a few years, the cycling culture will pick up. We are looking at rapid expansion and growth in the segment.Most of the bicycle manufacturers in India are trying to have an active presence in social media and are building up community interaction through bike trails and city-based activities.