Are local bike stores facing extinction? If iconic shops like Stif and Brixton Cycles struggle to stay afloat, who else in the industry might follow suit?
Local Bike Shops Face Challenges Amidst E-Bike Boom
In the recent landscape of bicycle retail, traditional brick-and-mortar establishments like the Rider's Guild are closing, leaving a question mark hanging over the future of these community hubs. Despite this trend, there may be a ray of hope with the ascending popularity of e-bikes, which could potentially revitalize the local bike shop (LBS) market.
The Rider's Guild, a beloved bike shop that once offered exceptional coffee, bicycle sales, and organized local rides, has been replaced by a beauty training facility after closing its doors in 2019. This closure marks the beginning of a broader trend where numerous bike shops across the UK have shuttered their doors. The UK's bicycle market has witnessed a decline in bike sales, dipping to a 25-year low as per the Bicycle Association data.
Some of the most renowned names in the industry, such as Stif Cycles, have announced closure, while other respected fixtures like Brixton Cycles, trading for 42 years, have succumbed to the devastating economic climate.
While Stif offered more than just a bike shop, its in-house creation—the Stif Squatch Pro hardtail—proved successful. "It's been quite a ride," Stif said in a farewell statement, recalling the years of supporting cyclists and even creating their own bike.
The ongoing shift to online retail might seem like the primary culprit behind the closure of LBSs. However, the unique demands of e-bikes offer a different perspective. Sandy Plenty of The Trailhead bike shop in Shrewsbury emphasizes that the e-bike revolution has inadvertently empowered LBSs with their unrivaled customer service.
Toby Pantling of Ace Bikes in Guildford agrees, remarking that while online retailers might satisfy customers' purchasing needs, they cannot provide the essential maintenance and repair services that e-bikes require. As more consumers gravitate toward e-bikes, LBSs with a focus on service and an emphasis on customer care may stand a chance to survive and thrive.
Indeed, e-bike sales have helped many bike shops stay afloat in 2025. According to online statistics website Statista, e-bikes have seen a surge in popularity and are now more affordable than ever. A separate report by Ahrefs indicates a 60% increase in e-bike searches this year.
Beyond the vital role of LBSs in maintenance and repair, these shops also play a significant role in fostering a sense of camaraderie among local cyclists. They provide expert advice, last-minute repairs, small purchases, and serve as a social hub for riders.
One of the most undervalued services LBSs offer is understanding the cost of maintaining high-quality bikes and e-bikes. According to Toby Pantling, customers might shy away from repairing or maintaining their bikes, which can lead to long-term issues.
Sandy Plenty refers to the current situation as a "forest fire," predicting that the COVID-19 boom has peaked, and the industry is now waiting for the new growth. His advice to consumers is to invest in the local bike shop ecosystem, which enhances the overall shopping experience even for those who prefer online retail.
However, many renowned LBSs have closed in recent years despite their commitment to customer service. Whether the future will hold a place for independent brick-and-mortar bike shops or a shift toward company-owned stores remains to be seen.
- As more consumers turn to e-bikes, traditional bike shops could leverage their unparalleled customer service and essential maintenance and repair services to survive and thrive in the industry.
- The finance sector could provide critical support to local bike shops struggling due to the retail shift, as the rising demand for affordable e-bikes presents an opportunity for growth in the retail market.
