French Market under Pressure

PARIS, France – As a result of the economic crisis, the French market encountered a slight decrease in consumer spending on bicycles as well as components and accessories in 2009.

The latest figures of the French industry organisation Tous à Velo indicate a drop in unit sale of 6% last year to 3,132,300 units compared to 2008. The total value of the bikes sold decreased by 4.5% to € 819 million. The average value of bikes sold in France stands at € 261.

In the past years the structure of the French market has been changing slowly but steadily towards more mobility bicycles instead of sports only. Last year, the segment mobility, which includes City bikes and e-Bikes increased from 22% in 2008 to 25% of all sales. A total of 23,700 e-Bikes were bought by consumers last year, compared to 15,300 in 2008, 9,700 in 2007, 6,000 in 2006 and 3,900 in 2005.

The leisure bike market, which includes ATBs, hybrids and junior bikes continued to decline from 68% in 2008 to 65% in 2009. Finally the competition range sports bike market, like road racers, ATBs and BMX bikes remained stable with a 10% share of the total sales.

In 2009 the turnover on after market P&A sales declined by 6% to € 506 million. A comprehensive French Market Report will be published in Bike Europe’s June/July edition; publication date June 25.