NYC XYZ wrote:
Johnny Sunset wrote:

Most big bicycle stores have done poorly at selling recumbents due to
disinterest or dislike on the part of most of the staff [1]. The
successful shops are the ones who specialize in recumbents.

I like to say that as The Capital of the World, if it ain't here in New
York, it don't exist!

But it's absolutely puzzling how come, with all the tree-huggin' vegan
yuppie gay commies we have -- heh-heh -- there's not one 'bent store in
the City. Moreover, the closest one is 300 miles away!

In Jersey there is still NorthEast Recumbents, which is an hour away by
public transportation, but unfortunately the owner is planning to close
for good soon. =(

(There's another one in central Jersey somewhere, though.)

It is hard to get a handle on recumbent sales, since there is no
reporting mechanism and most manufacturers do not release verified
sales figures, but 20,000 to 30,000 per year or approximately 1 to 1½%
of the quality bicycle market is a common estimate.

I must admit to about as much surprise (as I do that NYC has got no
'bent shops) that the enthusiast newsletters and 'zines are chock-full
of different designs and makes! Hence my eariler post on how could
there be so many 'bent makers.

[1] Often younger racers who are working for lower wages and wholesale
prices on bikes, parts and accessories.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit)

There is New Jersey Bents (Economy Bikes) in Hamilton, NJ