Reasons to buy a new bike in 2026

Ultimately, because life isn’t a dress rehearsal

by Robert & Nadezhda

Despite the fact that Bikeradar seemed to go off-grid this week and shoot itself in the foot, there are still many good reasons for buying a new bike in 2026. I won’t go into the reasons that Bikeradar gave not to do so; rather, I’ll try to celebrate cycling culture and lifestyle, whilst reminding you about the value of great local bike shops. Independent bike retailers like my own options locally: Bikemonger, Chevin Cycles, Moonglu and Paceline – some of the very best – who have supported you (and me) in times of need, and who now need your support in return. I’ll remind you about those positive endorphins released by cycling, and the current chaotic state of the world, whilst cycling and retail therapy combined is a great release from this turmoil.

Yes, cycling is currently in a somewhat diabolical state of affairs. In truth, large parts of it it needs sending to Dignitas and to be allowed to fade away peacefully in its current format; to heal itself properly and to try to work through where the ailments begin. We are all in need a rewrite, and one that values the local bike shop more, the local bike club more, and the general consumer. One that starts to operate more freely without the false promises of too many distributors and marketing people over too many years, who too frequently speak with forked tongues, adding costs for brands without adding real value to their inclusion. Thankfully, there are a few good distributors, and a few unbelievably good and ethical marketing agencies – usually, in our experience, small and based in Italy but with a powerful impact for their size. It’s a sad indictment on the current model though, that these are in the minority. Many brands now deal with matters themselves – and it’s easy to see why they feel better able to do so.

However, in the main the cycling industry has been damaged by its own failures and a degree arrogance in some quarters, alongside the obvious outside impact factors and a stupid adherence to false logic. Yes, the whole situation is a total mess, and the industry still has too many false influencers – both men and women – who believe that marketing is best served by an addiction to ambassadors who spend too much time sticking their bums out and looking aimlessly like simpletons into a cloudless sky, whilst trying to sell bikes to clearly more intelligent people… and failing, whilst not even selling or saving their own sanity. There’s a failure to realise the harm that this does to women’s cycling in particular – and to those genuine content creators who operate in that space where too many women have worked too hard for too long without recognition.

Ironically, the bike and kit sales don’t increase through such marketing – nor through the false platitudes and cheesy phrases – but the voyeurs do get a regular supply of free material to view, whilst women cyclists still have to fight hard for parity from an industry that still too frequently shows it’s adherence to the ‘pink it and shrink it’ mentality that was once deeply ingrained within its dna. Women in particular, want more from bikes and cycling in 2026, and they are finally beginning to get that recognition and acceptance as a valuable customer base. Could it be that  2026 may just be the year for this to really take a hold.

So you see, the cycling industry is in turmoil and they need you to buy bikes – but press pause before rushing in and look at the vast opportunities that this current envionment has created for you, the consumer.