Where did you purchase your last mountain bike?

Singletracks, a prominent mountain bike news outlet, recently published the results of a reader survey asking where their last mountain bike was purchased. The poll revealed a significant lean towards local bike shops (LBS), with 58% of respondents opting for this traditional retail channel. Online retailers followed at 30%, while direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands accounted for 9% of purchases, and the remaining 3% fell into an "other" category.

This data offers a snapshot of current purchasing habits within the mountain bike community, highlighting the enduring relevance of the LBS despite the rise of online and DTC models. For years, industry observers have debated the viability of brick-and-mortar stores against the convenience and often lower prices of e-commerce. These figures suggest that the expertise, immediate gratification, and community aspect provided by local shops continue to hold considerable sway, particularly for a product as complex and personal as a mountain bike.

Ultimately, the survey confirms that while the digital age offers myriad options, the tactile experience and human interaction of a bike shop remain a powerful draw. Some things, it seems, are still best bought in person.