Bicycles displayed in a shop in Doha. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Sports and bicycle stores in Qatar posted a significant drop in bicycle sales since July compared with the previous years, operators of a number of shops in Doha said.
Speaking to Gulf Times, the supervisor of a leading sports shop said they are selling less than five units per day, which is lower than the average sales of five to six bicycles.
“Normally sale is bad for different types of bicycles during summer because cyclists and enthusiasts prefer other indoor activities during this time of the year,” he noted. “But this year it seemed to be an all time low.”
The increasing number of bicycle and sports shops in the country, offering cheaper units and various brands, especially to those who with limited budgets are cited among the causes.
At least three new stores (Mesaieed, Industrial Area and on Salwa road) opened this year. One store sells high end and specialised types of bicycles, which have become popular with many cyclists.
“The growing competition in Qatar has affected our sales, prompting us to find ways to bring back and attract more customers,” he said.
A cyclist who had been participating in various competitions said another possible reason for the decrease in sales is that some long-time cyclists in Doha sell second hand units through social media.
“It enticed many beginners to buy second hand bikes and parts for a start instead of getting brand new units,” he added.
Another supervisor disclosed that many customers prefer buying their units online. Besides saving more money, they have more choices and the specific brands they are looking for are always available.
“What we do now is offer a number of promotions and special discounts to new and regular customers,” he said.
However, he expressed confidence that sales will again shoot up in the coming months particularly before the start of winter.  
The supervisor said sports organisations such as Qatar Chain Reaction (QCR) had scheduled many races from October until the first half of 2016.
Organisers expect hundreds of participants from different expatriate communities will join these competitions.
He noted that the number of cyclists and enthusiasts is also rapidly increasing in Doha, prompting others to form more groups.
In addition, cyclists will be upgrading their units or change some parts before competitions start, according to Arnaiz Canlas, a Filipino cyclist told Gulf Times.
“We always want to make sure our bicycles are working well and in good condition,” he said.
Many residents are also eagerly waiting for the World Cycling Championships next year in Qatar.
“Bicycle sales will surge due to the growing popularity of the sport,” Canlas added.