There is a burgeoning economy surrounding the sport of cycling, and this will be evident on Wednesday when cyclist Bob Watts hosts a market at his home in Kloof. This market is specifically catered to the growing cycling community, offering a platform for individuals to buy and sell their used biking accessories.
Watts, who has been an avid cyclist for the past two decades, is looking forward to the event and has exciting additions to the lineup. He mentioned that they will even have new e-bikes available for purchase. As cycling is generally an expensive sport, he emphasized that spare parts can be quite costly. Additionally, technology advances frequently, leading to big shops discontinuing certain parts and focusing solely on new offerings.
Despite these factors, many individuals still ride their old bikes. Watts explained that cyclists often purchase items “in case” they may need them in the future but never end up using them. Consequently, they neither want to discard them nor give them away.
The current surge in cycling’s popularity can be linked to previous bike booms that have occurred throughout history. Notable booms took place in 1819 and 1868, as well as during the 1890s and 1970s, particularly in North America. In the 2010s, there was another boom in the UK, according to information on Wikipedia.
The year 2020 witnessed a significant increase in the demand for bicycles due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With quarantine measures in place, people turned to cycling as a form of entertainment, exercise, and an alternative to crowded public transportation, allowing for social distancing. This surge in demand, coupled with global disruptions in bicycle production, led to shortages of available bikes.
The market event will take place at 1A Platt Road, Kloof, lasting from 10 am to 2 pm. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments during the event.
