Trade: Romania, in top three countries in Europe in bicycle sales

Romania remains in the top 3 markets with the fastest growth in bicycle sales in Europe in the last three years, the cities with the most purchases being Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj, Brasov and Constanta, according to data from a retailer specialized in the trade of sporting goods.According to Decathlon Romania, the children's bicycle segment remains the most important, supported by the high interest of parents in teaching their little ones to pedal. Thus, children's models, including those traded through the Buy Back program, are in first place in terms of the number of units sold.Almost one in three bicycles sold by the retailer reaches a customer in the Bucharest-Ilfov area, the region that generates the most sales. The capital is followed by Timisoara, and the next positions are Cluj, Brasov and Constanta."Although MTBs still dominate Romanians' preferences due to their versatility, more and more customers are turning to road, gravel and, especially, electric bicycles. The electric bicycle segment recorded an increase of over 40% compared to the previous year, after sales doubled two years ago," it is mentioned in a press release..Regarding the amount invested by Romanians when purchasing a bicycle for the first time, the average is between 1,000 and 1,200 lei for a children's bicycle, and in the case of premium aluminum models, the amount can reach 2,000 lei.Also, for resealed products from the "Buy Back" Program, the cost drops even by half. For bicycles intended for adults, the average value of the first purchase is between 1,200 and 1,500 lei, but the segment of road, gravel or XC models with carbon frames - with prices over 5,000 lei - is gaining more and more popularity, claim company representatives."Affordable price, brand credibility and functionality are the main criteria that influence the choice of a bicycle. Customers especially appreciate the warranty, easy access to repairs in Decathlon services, but also the fact that their own brands are validated in international competitions by elite teams supported by the retailer. The most frequent purchases associated with a bicycle are helmets, gloves, glasses, hydration solutions, spare parts and mudguards - essential investments for safety and comfort. As for after-sales services, in Decathlon service workshops, the most requested interventions are changing the inner tube and/or tires, full overhauls - through which all functional aspects of the bicycle are checked to prevent possible component defects - and brake and gear adjustments," the press release reads.According to official figures, almost 40% of the Decathlon bicycle range is produced locally, in Timi?oara, in one of the largest factories in Eastern Europe, where an average of 4,000 bicycles are assembled daily for the entire European network.Decathlon, the most important European sporting goods retailer, currently has 31 stores nationwide, to which is added the online platform and the dedicated application, being present on the Romanian sports retail market since 2009, with approximately 1,600 teammates, in 2024.