*TOP Photo : There was a staff of great sense of coloring. At the FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR 2024 packet pickup venue.
In New York, as more people began to avoid public transportation, taxis, Uber, and Lyft due to COVID-19, the perception that bicycles are a safer option spread. At that time, because the number of people buying bicycles suddenly increased, there was a situation where there was no inventory and it became very difficult to buy a bicycle. With the constantly rising costs of subway and bus fares becoming frustrating, some people have started using bicycles for commuting and other mobile needs. The increase in the number of Citi Bike stations—750 in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City—has also encouraged cycling enthusiasts.
Then, where New Yorkers go to buy cycling gear and accessories?
John who commutes by bike during the weekdays and cycles for fitness on weekends, recommends Rapha, which opened in SoHo in 2016. He has been a fan of Rapha since he attended their first NYC trunk show in 2005. Indeed, Rapha is probably the store in New York for the wide selection of cycling gear.
Inside the store, there is a café and a community table, and in the back of the shop, there is a courtyard, creating a space that feels like a community for cyclists.
This summer’s best seller is the “Pro Team” jersey ($200), which features mesh panels for better breathability. The main material is 100% recycled polyester.
Popular bottom is the “Pro Team” bib shorts ($295) for their excellent support. Many women also choose these shorts.
For accessories, the “Pro Team” socks are well-regarded for their comfortable compression. The caps are also popular, with some people wearing them as a fashion statement.
Howard, who once went on a bike tour in Vietnam, recommends Trek, located on the Upper East Side. They only carry Rapha apparel here. Once again, the “Pro Team” jackets, shirts, and bib shorts are the top sellers.
As for the shoes, Trek’s original shoes are popular. They are available in three different prices depending on the outsole material; $140, $250, and $450. The $450 shoes use lightweight carbon and are aimed at cyclists who participate in races. Since they are quite expensive for the average person, the $250 shoes with a carbon outsole are the most popular among both men and women.
On the other hand, at Bicycle Habitat in Chelsea, you can find popular shirts ($89.99 on the left, $110 on the right) and caps ($30) for tourists!
At Ride Brooklyn in Brooklyn, you can also find T-shirts ($24.99) that make great souvenirs!
Bags for carrying sandwiches and snacks ($33.99 to $39.99) are both practical and fun. They come in designs like pizza and donuts as well.
At Bicycle Habitat and Ride Brooklyn, non-bib shorts are selling well. The most popular brand at Ride Brooklyn is Giro ($60 to $80), but they were out of stock on that day. Italian brand, Louis Garneau’s shorts ($90) are also well-received, with their comfortable material being a key reason for their popularity.
Text_Yoshiko Sugimoto
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Yoshiko Sugimoto Born in Tokyo. Residing in New York since 1988. She writes about fashion, fashion business, retail business, cooking, and adult relationships. As a beauty food researcher, she develops recipes. While enjoying urban life through dining out, attending concerts, and watching theater, she finds solace in the nature of parks and suburbs. She occasionally cheers for table tennis and maintains her physical and mental well-being through the slow movements and breathing of Tai Chi.
