What do you mean you can't get any bikes?

Covid-19 has impacted our worlds in ways that we could never for-see. Even in early March when we knew it was on it’s way, I don’t think half of us would have given credit to the changes we were all about to make.

With bike shops being listed on the ‘essential shop’ list, we all knew we had to decide whether to close the doors and ‘stay home’ or make some adaptations that would allow us to stay open, and try to keep our customers cycling.

Our Stitt household had a key worker mum and wife, going out to work everyday; leaving Adam at home tackling home schooling and childcare, whilst trying to keep a handle on what was going on at the business, dashing in and out and doing what he could from home. While Stephen worked tirelessly every day keeping the shop open safely. None of us predicted the boom in cycling that has gone hand in hand with the pandemic.

When other options of transport suddenly felt unsafe, the world discovered that cycling fulfilled both a means of safe solo transportation, but also a way to fill the time for those suddenly finding themselves without the usual daily work routine. Many had more time gifted in the most unusual circumstances. Some have used this time to take up exercise, or a new hobby, and for many, that meant taking up cycling.

As a business we have serviced and repaired bikes that have been hidden for years in the back of sheds and garages, finally dusted off to be used again to remind their rider of the joy of cycling. The workshop is full. We have met many lovely new customers who have found their way to us, and shared stories of how our lives have changed this year, and how we all are adapting to our ‘new normal’

Which brings me onto the point that inspired this blog post. One day, unable to help a visiting customer who was desperate for a new bike, we heard the words muttered ‘what do you mean you cant get any bikes? You‘re a bike shop?’ Exasperated, we had to pause, take a deep breath, and carry on knowing that this problem was bigger than us, and completely out of control, and we had to ride this wave as best we could.

All over the world production ceased. Factories closed down, staff sicknesses were higher than ever, and people stayed away from work. The immediate impact on this was seen early on, with certain things being harder to come by. First it was empty supermarket shelves and toilet roll, but not because of production, but fear and greed. PPE was difficult to obtain for the people who needed it most. The rise in home baking saw weeks and weeks where there was no flour in the shops, and now we see the impact on the cycling trade. Bikes. Who would have ever thought a bike shop would be unable to get bikes?

As a bike shop owners we are used to things being ‘out of stock’, or having to suggest alternatives to customers, when they can’t get exactly what they came in for. But having to repeatedly say that at present we are unable to get our hands on most of our best selling bikes, helmets accessories and parts, has been overwhelming frustrating and at times very worrying.

The peak of summer is upon us (someone please tell the weather!) and we are daily having to ask that our customers are patient, and bear with us until we can get them what we want. Obviously not knowing when that is, isn’t often the answer customers want to hear, so we cross our fingers that the new stock for 2021 will be released sooner than planned, so that the pleasure of seeing customers leave with their new shiny bikes can be restarted again.

At times, as things slowly return to normal and customers have started to return to the high street, we see light at the end of the tunnel. We do know that as production starts again and more regular shipping between countries re-starts, the available stock will start to appear, and we can’t wait to show you it!

So a huge thank you to you all for your support during these extraordinary times. To our regulars who have never faltered; to those who are discovering cycling for the first time, or reigniting a love of cycling; and to you all for adapting to wearing masks while shopping and social distancing.

Thank you for keeping it local and supporting us.

Being an independent shop has its challenges, and these last few months has been no exception, but knowing that you all have our back gives us the drive and motivation to keep going.