Some of the world’s biggest bicycle makers are considering a shake-up of their supply chains because of delays to deliveries of parts, described by several manufacturers as the longest in decades.
The global bicycle shortage, dating back to last year, has been exacerbated by supply problems that have highlighted reliance on one group for components, Japan’s Shimano, which controls an estimated 65 per cent of the market for high-end gears and brakes.
“It has pushed us to look around a little bit more and get out of our comfort zone to explore different suppliers,” said Eric Bjorling, brand director at Trek of the US, one of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturers.