The mood across Europe’s cycling businesses is settling after sharp swings in demand and inventories. In a 2026 business impact survey, 69% of respondents expected their 2025 revenue to be at least as high as in 2024. Participants included manufacturers, retailers, bike-share operators, leasing providers and other cycling businesses. The figure describes respondents’ expectations, not total sales across every European shop.
A steadier revenue outlook does not mean the stock problem has disappeared. Half of respondents said excess inventories of complete bicycles were still affecting their businesses. The survey also noted a slight rise in shortages of parts, frames and electrical components. A company can therefore have too many bikes from earlier model years while finding particular replacement components harder to source.
Hiring plans remain cautious too: 31% of respondents expect to employ fewer people in two years than they do now. For a customer, these figures promise neither lower prices nor availability of a particular model. They do help explain why selections can vary from shop to shop as the industry brings stock closer to demand.