Saturday, February 26, 2011

Tire Inflation

As appears to be the way of the world, bicycle prices are going up up up, starting this month, concurrent with what has been described as "unimaginable increases" in steel, nickel, copper, zinc, etc.

Leading the way on the price increase is rubber -- which means that not just bikes, but the price of tubes and tires has risen almost 10% over the last year, with an additional projected increase of 20% on the wholesale price over the next 18 months.

I could digress into a discussion of economics and supply relative to demand and inflation and the real interest rate and globalization, but I don't think that's what anyone checked in for. Here at Sultana Cycles, we're stocking up on these items, hoping to continue to offer the best prices on them for as long as possible. Along the same vein, if you're a frequent flatter or plan on putting more miles on your bike than ever this year (to combat those corresponding "unimaginable increases" in gas prices . . .) consider heading in to purchase your replacement tires or grab a few extra tubes now!

In other news, Panzer remains unaffected by these price increases and continues to burn rubber accordingly...