The bicycle industry in the United States is a seasonal business that goes through continual cycles each and every year. The entire industry can be impacted by unusual inclement weather and can be affected by the economy at large. For example, customers who might normally shop at a specialty retailer may choose to shop for a less expensive bike from a mass merchant during tough economic times. (More info about sales channels.)

If you are currently in the bicycle business or interested in becoming involved, you should know the importance of the seasonality of the business. Every year the sales are like an up an down roller coaster from the summer to the winter, with the winter time having the slowest sales. Retailers who are familiar with the business understand the seasonality, and plan their inventory and sales strategies accordingly.

The below charts of Google keyword search data are excellent indicators of the seasonal nature of the bicycle business, and should illustrate to you very clearly the "roller coaster" sales that go on each year.

This chart below represents Google searches for "bikes" in the United States from 2004-2009:


This chart below represents Google searches for "bicycles" in the United States from 2004-2009:


This chart below represents Google searches for "cycling" in the United States from 2004-2009:


This chart below represents Google searches for "bike shop" in the United States from 2004-2009:


As of 2008, bicycle industry sales were projected by the NBDA as stable at just over 18.5 million units per year. The industry peaked in 2000 at 20.9 million estimated bicycles sold.