General Cycling Discussion - Is everything out of stock?

I work at a bike shop and wanted some new tires (Panaracer Pasela Tourguard 700x28). None of our suppliers had them and didn't know when they'd get a new supply. :( So I ordered some online. They were listed as "in stock" but I got an email the day after ordering saying they were backordered. :o
I wanted some pedals that none of the shop suppliers had or could get any time soon so I ordered them online too (not the same supplier I ordered the tires from). They were listed as "in stock". Got an email today saying they were backordered and were "supposed" to be in stock again in 7-10 days. :o
What's going on with bike parts/accessories suppliers? Is EVERYTHING out of stock?

I think it has to do with the increase of bike comuters. Racks, paniers and some light systems are all in high demand right now. Not to mention conti gatorskins.

Tis the season! Try ordering skates or skiing gear and you'll likely have no trouble getting them. Where I live, bicycle shops get rid of 90% of their cycling gear by October, and it's mostly snowsports till March.

Demand is up; also the bike manufacturers are ramping up to start delivering the 2009 models and will be sucking down a fair amount of the manufacturers supplies. Which would you rather sell to? A couple of tires to Joe's bike shop in AnyCity, USA or a few thousand pairs to somebody like Trek?;)

Aaron:)

This isn't specifically bike-related, but a friend of mine who manages a retail chain said the economy has been so slow a lot of places aren't maintaining their stock. Sales and profits are down, and they can't afford to have slow-selling inventory sitting around for long. I know our local Home Depots (three of them) have empty shelves all over, and I've noticed it in other stores, too.
I use Paselas, too, and really like them. If you can't find them, you might check Rivendell (www.rivbike.com). If they're out, their house brand Ruffy Tuffy is really good.

Wallbike.com has the Pasela TGs in a few sizes.

This isn't specifically bike-related, but a friend of mine who manages a retail chain said the economy has been so slow a lot of places aren't maintaining their stock. Sales and profits are down, and they can't afford to have slow-selling inventory sitting around for long.
Not the case in the bike industry. We have been overrun with repairs and we can't build bikes fast enough to keep the display area full. :)

Panaracer is trying to promote a new tire that is supposed to reduce flats by 90%. If the new line is successful with consumers, it is likely to replace the Pasela. So, there is a chance that the current shortage of Pasela tires relates to the effort to introduce the new tire model.

Panaracer is trying to promote a new tire that is supposed to reduce flats by 90%. If the new line is successful with consumers, it is likely to replace the Pasela. So, there is a chance that the current shortage of Pasela tires relates to the effort to introduce the new tire model.
I hope they aren't discontinuing the Tourguards. I have them on my commuter and get a flat about every 1500-2000 miles. I'm fine with those averages.

I think it has to do with the increase of bike comuters. Racks, paniers and some light systems are all in high demand right now. Not to mention conti gatorskins.
The pedals I ordered aren't for a commuter bike. They're the kind you'd put on a high end road bike. Most road bikes, especially high end, don't come with pedals.

A lot of items that I have bought at the LBS are made in China, it could be that the since China had to meet environmental regulations in order to have the Olympics, China had to temporarily shut down a large number of factories, which in turn created a shortage of certain items, and probably will take a few months to sort out.

Maybe this is why my tires are on backorder! :D REI had Serfas Drifter tires(26x2.0) on sale for $16.99/ea, sale ended Sept. 1. I waited a little too long to order,& they were out- ordered 'em anyway. Got an email today saying the order would be automatically canceled after 30 days unless I called or returned the email, so returned the email. Maybe I'll get 'em by Halloween? Christmas? Next summer? :bang:

Panaracer is trying to promote a new tire that is supposed to reduce flats by 90%. If the new line is successful with consumers, it is likely to replace the Pasela. So, there is a chance that the current shortage of Pasela tires relates to the effort to introduce the new tire model.

Ahhhhhh!!! I don't care what they call the new tire and it's great if it never flats but they darned well better come with gumwalls like the Paselas! I'm going to have to start hoarding tires. :twitchy:

BQ has GrandBois 28's in stock: http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/tireoffer.html

Ahhhhhh!!! I don't care what they call the new tire and it's great if it never flats but they darned well better come with gumwalls like the Paselas! I'm going to have to start hoarding tires. :twitchy:


I can see C & Vers everywhere boycotting Panaracer if they dump the gumwalls.

Hmmph!

East Hill