The last 20 years have seen a drastic change in the cycling world with people having more data points of their performance. Cycling manufacturing or cycle riding, digitization is taking shape in all forms and formats. Another aspect of digital innovation is the wireless world of shifting gears. The introduction of electronic shifters has changed the game. It is giving new life to the cycle component manufacturer to innovate. These shifters are fluid, quick and astoundingly highly efficient but the only problem with these is the cost of purchase.
The a high end groupset is almost 1/3rd cost of the entire bike where addition of technology makes it further more expensive. let’s understand the issue.
1- Biking is luxury
Yes, there would be thousand conferences across the world attended by head of the states of over 200 countries and intellectuals who are too much vocal about global warming and endengered human species. The problem is biking is not made a number one priority amongst these leaders. I believe hardly 1% of the leader would be riding bike in their cities. So its a luxury who no one cares and talk about.
2- Subsidies, Nah!
Why give subsidies for something that can bring a social change, increase no of healthy citizens and reduce emissions. The subsidies are given for the elements where businesses see money-minting possibilities. It’s not just a government’s problem but there is no lobbying done to achieve this. The subsidies may not give you a very high cut in bike components but they can reduce the burden of buying these new-age shifters and tools for the same.
3- We need glamour
Most of the policymakers have not understood our needs. The idea of a bike is just understood as a single speed cycle that can take you from one place to another, whereas the Gen-Z looks for anything that is modern, glamorous and innovative. We just want to upgrade ourselves to new age technology, which has to be cheaper.
4- Innovation, this is what we need!
Let’s understand the gadget purchase behaviour, most of us upgrade our phone within 2-3 years and laptop within 3-5 years but we never think the same way for a cycle. We need constant innovation and upgrade for our bike. I feel, everytime, I do even a small upgrade on my bike (say bar tape), I have that urge to ride the next day. These small upgrades are so inspiring to us. That’s why I can say, how much we all desire these advanced technology on our shifters.
5- Research & Competition
We all understand the R&D cost for brands working on cycling innovation but our need is much more than that. We want technology that is affordable for all of us. We need new-age brands to enter this segment to create a solid cult of brands that make the tech for everyone.
You may agree with me, the desire to have latest cycle compenant is as same a having a newly launched phone. The question remains unanswered, when can we get this in our hand? When will be these componenet cheaper. Share your thoughts on this that how do you feel about it.
