In the past few weeks I have experienced a number of situations that in normal times would be unheard of. They all involve one key reality with respect to bike parts – inventories are critically low. The entire supply chain from the minerals in the ground to the shelves of your local dealer have been affected by the pandemic.
A few of examples:
*I wanted to get a pair of Look Keo cleats – on back-order since last June!
*12 speed chains, virtually impossible to find now – in May they likely won’t exist anywhere!
*Dealers are buying up patch kits because there are critical shortages on some tube sizes.
Ironically, the newer your drive-line the tighter the supply line. So, if you are running the newer 11, 12 and 13 speed cassettes/chains – the fewer service parts there are. What components are available, are going into new bike production. Cycling has become super popular and that means lots of bikes flying off the pegs.
My suggestion to all club members is to stock up on consumables (chains, cassettes, tubes and tires). If your bike needs service, get it in to your dealer asap. Procrastinating now could mean that you will be sitting on the sidelines this summer, thanks to something as simple as a broken chain.
Scott Keast
Safety and Education Coordinator