SINGAPORE — Although he began cycling using BMX bicycles in his teenage years, Mr Muzzamel Mazidee felt the urge to upgrade to a more expensive model only when he was in his mid-20s.
The Big Read in short: S$30,000 for a bicycle? Why some cyclists pay big bucks for their two-wheelers
Social media and the advent of “cycling influencers” have fed into the subculture of high-end bikes here “The moment I could not catch up, I knew that apart from my fitness, I also was not on the right type of bike,” said the 31-year-old general manager of a tech startup. While having a custom-made bicycle means it will be carefully put together taking into account one’s physical measurements to give as comfortable a riding experience as possible, Mr Muzzamel said there was more to the purchase as well.
The other factor, he said, is the proliferation of local cycling clubs that keep cyclists “active in their passion” by organising regular group rides.Bicycles mostly have just two wheels but the price disparity between different brands can be like night and day.At the other end of the price spectrum, a premium bicycle frame alone can cost more than S$10,000, excluding other components such as a groupset , wheels, handlebars and saddles that cost in the hundreds or thousands of dollars per part.
However, as with any products, there are aspirational aspects behind the decision to spend on big-ticket items as well. But female riders, and younger riders across genders, are also a growing demographic among avid cyclists over the years. One cyclist who goes by the online moniker Oompa Loompa runs a YouTube channel that features interviews with other bikers and gear reviews. The channel has gathered almost 19,000 subscribers, a “sizeable number” but not enough to “replace a day job”, he said.Retailers here noted that some of the local cyclists’ preference towards more premium rides is not too dissimilar from that of other markets.
Mr Gary Gleason, vice-president of sales at American mountain bicycle brand Wilderness Trail Bikes, noted that his company serves high-end riders who use upscale accessories in Singapore.
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