Brief Summary
As gasoline prices in the U.S. rise and start to match prices in Europe, more and more people will look for ways to reduce their family’s dependence on oil and gasoline. European’s have long relied on bicycles for personal transportation due to fuel and space limitations In the years ahead, we believe Americans will re-discover the ease and practicality that well-designed bicycles offer for personal and family transportation.
Our goal is to tap in to the niche market of families who want to spend more time together and spend less money at the gas pump. These families spend money on quality goods and foods, may shop at local farmer’s markets and co-ops, and actively seek methods to slow their life down and appreciate time together. The commuters in these families do not travel long distances to and from work, and prefer a quality, comfortable ride which does not require a change of clothes once they get to work.
We plan to import a top-quality line of City, Work, and Family bikes for local and national retail, using local rentals from a downtown store and a heavy internet presence to build familiarity and interest. Currently, the only American retailers of this line are in Portland and Seattle, and they use exactly this business model.
Most of the bicycles available today are mountain bikes, road racing bikes, or “hybrid” combination. All of these styles put significant weight on the rider’s arms and wrists, and give up some ergonomic comfort for speed and power.
By comparison, “City bikes” allow an upright ride which increases comfort and visibility while sacrificing some speed and power. Riders use the bike’s mechanics and gearing to climb hills and carry loads, rather than tremendous feats of strength and sweat.
“Work bikes” are cruisers with sturdy frames made for heavy and industrial use, designed to carry loads in baskets or mounted racks.
“Cargo bikes” are two and three-wheel cruisers designed to carry large loads effeciently. Some have factory modifications specifically to carry children safely and comfortably in front of the rider where he or she can see and interact with them.
Pros:
- Unique, high-quality product line
- Limited competition – only Eastern U.S. dealer
- Factory sells only to approved bike dealers, not direct-to-customer
- Bikes designed for durability and ease of maintainence
- Bikes ship pre-assebled and tuned
- The potential for growth will only increase as the price and of fuel increases
Cons:
- High cost of individual bikes compared to what is available at “big box” retailers
- Large initial inventory (shipping container)
- Limited local market for high-quality products
I like your idea, start small, increase awareness first through the web and then locally as more people find you and buy your wares. I’m considering a similar small-time operation as a side business, since most small bike shop owners don’t make alot of money in the first years. If you’re in PA, there’s another similar operation in Carrboro, NC – they specialize in cargo/commuting and electric bikes.
There’s hope on the horizon as we see more and more mainstream product lines jumping into the “commuter bike” with offerings that come equipped w/ fenders/lights/racks/internal gearing and more weather-proof braking. It shouldn’t be much longer before the crowds thronging for the rocking cool commuter bikes find out how little they can carry on those racks, and then find out what a yuba or xtracycle’ed bike can do. I’m looking at three models that were reviewed in the Bicycling Magazine Buyer’s Guide, and they’re all over $750, even one for $1,999! Issue a challenge to Swobo or Giant to carry 400 pounds, that might help to get some publicity/word of mouth. Good luck with the new venture.