The return of seasonable fall weather had a chilling effect on IBD sales in October, as overall merchandise sales declined by 4 percent in units and 7 percent in dollars to $170 million, according to Bicycle Product Suppliers Association Cycling Topline data from Leisure Trends Group.
Twenty-niners were the only category to show growth, though the wheel size's rapid expansion slowed considerably.
For the year through October, however, IBD sales are up 6 percent from a year earlier for a total of just under $3 billion, and dealers remain on pace to have a record sales year, according to a Leisure Trends summary.
Bicycle sales for the month dropped 14 percent in units, with 16,000 fewer bikes sold, and 11 percent in dollars to $78 million. Twenty-niners were the only category to show growth, though the wheel size's rapid expansion slowed considerably: Sales of big-wheel bikes rose 15 percent in units and 11 percent in dollars to $13 million, but that compares with year-to-date growth of 54 percent in units and 50 percent in dollars sold.
Dollar sales, October 2012 vs. October 2011
All bicycles: -11%
-Road bikes: -14%
-Mountain bikes: -6%
-Transit/fitness bikes: -2%
-Lifestyle/leisure bikes: -18%
Shoes: -12% Apparel: -2% Helmets: -15% Aftermarket parts: -1% Aftermarket accessories: -3%
