As the world continues to reopen after the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of people are now looking for safe, healthy, and environmental-friendly ways of traveling.
With social distancing protocols still in place around the world, and as countries enter different phases of re-opening, not all businesses have resumed as usual. But almost all businesses have identified ways to reach potential customers; thanks to e-commerce.
And for those looking for healthier ways to commute while minimizing the risk of the coronavirus exposure, there are many online bike stores that can help you find a new set of bike from the safety and comfort of your own home.
If you think purchasing a bike during the pandemic is an align concept, let some numbers help you out. According to a report by the NPD group, that tracks the sales of bikes, there is an exceptional increase in cycling sales during the last quarter.
The growing trend was first noticed in March which further accelerated in the months that followed.
If you compare the sales of bikes and associated accessories in April 2020 to the same period last year, the U.S. industry has experienced a 75% growth with total monthly sales reaching $1 billion for the first time ever.
Moreover, with reduced vehicle traffic, perhaps it is the best time to invest in a bike and ride. After all, if you follow the COVID-19 safety protocols, cycling can be a great exercise, a brilliant outdoor adventure, and an excellent way to commute and run errands.
So what are you waiting for?
Find out about 4 best online bike stores that will help you find the best bike for you.
Whether you are looking for a commuting bike for the everyday commute, a mountain bike for some exhilarating adventures, or a folding bike that you can carry around on your next travel trip, these 4 stores will surely have something for you. Let’s get started.
Contents
Trek Bikes
Originally a retail business, Trek Bikes started working as a manufacturer during the 1970s in Wisconsin’s southwest corner.
But what started in a small barn during the 1970s changed the course of the cycling industry in the U.S. It was during this time when Schwinn was selling a lot of low-end bikes and almost all of the old-school cyclists assumed that higher-end bikes come from the European countries only.
Today, Trek bikes are one of the finest producers of high-quality bikes not just in the U.S but also around the world. Regardless of the type of bike you are looking for, at Trek Bikes, there is something for everyone.
And each bike that you find at the store is designed and developed to provide you the best quality ride and is backed by a history of continuous evolution. When you visit their store or website, you will surely find bikes with a varying price range and a variety of features.
Why Buy from Trek Bikes?
If you are planning to make a bike purchase from Trek Bike’s online store, you will get a lot of advantages.
Perhaps the biggest advantage you get is when you order a bike from the website, the company ships it to the nearest local retailer, where your bike is professionally assembled for you. And once your bike is ready, you can either pick it up from the store or it can be delivered right at your doorstep.
Moreover, you get a lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike. And if you are not satisfied with your purchase, the company offers a 30-day return.
Trek Bikes offers refund rather than exchange so you get the flexibility of reordering something different that better suits your needs. However, for all items that are returned, the company requires a proof of purchase, and the items must be new and unused.
Additionally, the company offers a shipping charges refund in case incorrect or damaged merchandise is shipped. Even if the merchandise gets damaged during shipping, the company bears the cost and gives the benefits to the customers.
A Few Cons
Perhaps the only negative aspect of getting a bike from Trek Bike’s online store is that you don’t get to see all other cycling brands that exist in the market.
You will only find Trek bikes on the site so if you want to explore bikes from different manufacturers, then Trek Bikes is not the online store for you.
Jenson USA
Jenson USA is one of the original online bike shops that started business in 1996. Now with over 20 years of dealing with customers online, the company has set a benchmark for other online bike shops to follow.
Whether you are making a bike purchase decision and need a bike on a budget, or looking for accessories to gear yourself up for a ride, the Jenson USA specialists will make your dreams become a reality in no time.
Why Buy from Jenson USA?
When you make a two-wheel investment online, you need an interface that facilitates the decision-making process. And there is no other online bike store that is as user friendly as the Jenson USA. With this website, you can make an informed decision in no time.
Moreover, you get a chance to choose from a variety of cycling brands. Whether you want a touring bike by Masi or an Orbea’s road bike, Jenson USA has it all. And if you are not sure which bike to invest in, you get dedicated support from the experts 7 days a week.
The knowledgeable experts and Gear Advisors are there to help you out at every stage of your purchase and what follows next. From selecting the right bike to follow up services and help you resolve any issue on the road, the dedicated staff is available 24/7.
When you order a bike from Jenson USA, you get a 30-day price protection. This means that if you make a purchase from the website and find the same product at a lower price, the company will refund you for the difference.
Limitations
And since nothing in this world is perfect, Jenson USA is not an exception.
Though the experts can help you make the right choice, they cannot guarantee the performance of any brand of bike. After all, Jenson USA is an online retailer that does not manufacture a cycling brand of its own.
Moreover, the bikes you order from the website are not fully assembled and you are required to assemble the bike once it is delivered to your doorstep.
Chain Reaction Cycles
From professional mountain bikes to fun kid’s bikes, Chain Reaction Cycles has one of the widest varieties of bikes available. And only when you will visit the website, you will find out that you can find a bike for any budget.
The journey started back in 1984 as a small family business in Northern Ireland when the owners set up a small bike shop. Today, Chain Reaction Cycles is one of the best and most renowned online bike shops in the world.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction Cycles?
With over 500 different brands and 800 bikes in stock, Chain Reaction Cycles gives a wide variety to its customers to choose from. Whether you want a Cube Travel Touring Bike or a Ragley Marley Hardtail Bike, you can order the brand you want at the most affordable price.
Moreover, everything that is sold on the website is genuine and the best quality, so as you order from Chain Reaction Cycles, you are making an investment for a long time.
And while the company is Irish, it ships almost all over the world. Just because you live in a far fletched state, does not mean you will have to wait for months to get your order. The company works round the clock to dispatch orders quickly.
A Major Drawback
One of the major costs associated with ordering a bike from Chain Reaction Cycles is the customs duty and import taxes.
Items shipped to certain parts of the world are subject to VAT and Customs Duties and Import Taxes.
Worldwide Cyclery
One of the most recent additions to the online bike stores is the Worldwide Cyclery which started as a one-man show in 2011. And just within 9 years, the company has managed to gain a reputation for being one of the best online bike stores.
While being an online store, the company stocks and offers demo bikes from various bike brands. To get a demo, all you have to do is to visit one of the designated retail locations.
The company works with the idea of being “better” at everything so whether it is customer service, company culture, or business model, the company strives to do better.
Why Worldwide Cyclery?
Unlike any other online bike store, Worldwide Cyclery offers demo bikes from a variety of manufacturers. This allows the customers to get the real feel of the bike before they actually make the purchase; a feature that is unique to the company.
Moreover, the company is the authorized dealer of all the brands that are available on the website. With a 45-day return policy, the company intends to make returns and exchange better and easier for the customers.
And if you live in the U.S., you get free shipping when you order from the website. But perhaps the best part about ordering a bike from Worldwide Cyclery is that you get an opportunity to custom build your build and what is better than having a customized mountain bike?
A Lack of Variety
If you are looking for a commuting or touring bike, Worldwide Cyclery is not the online bike shop for you.
The company offers top tier mountain bikes but there is a lot more to bikes that is still missing on the website.
Conclusion
With the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce is booming and since cycling is the new thing these days, having information about the best online bike stores is what you need the most.
Using these details, you will be in a better position to find out the best and most suitable bike for you.
Last Updated on May 15, 2021 by Matthew Carpenter
