Pedal Power 

INTERNATIONAL CYCLE BRANDS DRIVING MARKET DEMAND FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE

THE HIMALAYAN TIMES/ ABHILASHA RAYAMAJHI

Kathmandu: Cycling is the new sensation in town with the emergence of leading international cycle brands and the new wave of health consciousness among the middle and upper middle class people in Nepal. It is an environmental friendly, economic and efficient means of transportation. Further it offers the rider an opportunity to explore the world with a different perspective as it burns some calories and freshens the mind. Above all cyclists play a part in conserving the environment and contributing to a cleaner and greener Nepal. Frequent cycle rallies, cyclists groups and organisations supporting cycling and an increase in the number of cycling enthusiasts has redefined the image. With the rise in the number of branded cycles available in the market, cycling is no longer a poor man’s ride.

Road bicycles, touring bicycles, comfort bikes, sports bikes, and moutain bikes are some of the categories of cycles available in Nepal. Mountain bikes or all terrain bicycles are best suited for the bumpy trails of Nepal. These bikes are designed for off-road cycling, feature sturdy highly durable frames and wheels. There are some international cycle brands now available in Nepal that ensure comfort, quality and performance.

Marin Bikes California is a bicycle manufacturer, which was established in 1986 by Bob Buckley.The brand was introduced in Nepal by Multi trading Pvt Ltd in 2014. In the span of one year the brand has been successful in making its mark in the Nepali market. Skand Amatya, Managing Director of Multi-trading claims that Marin bikes are different from the rest for a reason. He says, “Marin Bikes uses the latest, highest-tech 3-D computer design software called Autodesk Inventor, and the first bicycle they designed with it was the Mount Vision. It won the Mountain Biking Magazine’s Mountain Bike of the Year award in 2007 and a UK magazine award in 2008.”

He adds, “Marin uses software to simulate conditions rougher than anyone would find on the road, analysing each frame for stress, performance, and aerodynamics. Then they make a prototype. That physical bike is tested in the lab and, finally, out in real conditions. Marin feels frame design is, ‘the heart of the machine’and what sets them apart.”

“Although Marin is best known for mountain bikes and especially their innovative suspensions, they sell a full range of bicycles. Their road models include the lightweight ALP (Aerodynamic Lightweight Performance) series with the upright comfort of a mountain bike,” he says. Further he says, “Some have geometries made specifically for women. In addition to cyclocross bikes good-to-go for racing, Marin has urban bikes intended for city streets. For a mellower time on a bike, their Path models include fun-to-ride cruisers.” The price range of Marin bikes start from Rs 27,500 and the average monthly sales till date is around 25 units according to Amatya.

Scott is another popular international brand available in the Nepali market. The brand has gained popularity for its quality, performance and innovation. “No shortcuts” is the tagline of the brand and it lives up to the spirit by doing the right things for the right reasons since 1989. MTB cycling Pvt Limited is the authorised distributor of Scott bikes in Nepal.Scott Nepal has its dealers in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara and Dharan. The price range of Scott bikes ranges from Rs 65,000 and above in Nepal.

BSP Traders Pvt Ltd is the authorised distributor of Trek bicycle since 2009. The company was formed by professional cyclists who have almost two decades of experience in mountain biking. They have been conducting various rallies to promote the brand in Nepal and to raise awareness about the health benefits of cycling. The price range of a Trek bicycle is Rs 50,000 and above. “Trek is an American brand that is manufactured in China and Taiwan. It is one of the most technologically advanced and innovative cycle brands in the world,” says Prayash Tamang, Managing Director of BSP Traders.  In the past years Trek has been able to make its mark in the Nepali market as an innovative brand.  The dealers of Trek  are present in Patan, Thamel, Dharan and Pokhara till date according to Tamang. The average monthly sales of Trek bicycles in Nepal is 15-20 on average.

With growing international cycling brands being introduced in Nepal the appeal to the public is on the rise. Mountain biking is not just an adventure sport it can also be a means of commuting to your workplace. So if you are thinking of investing in pedal power, this is the right time!

(The printed version of this article was Published: July 12, 2015 on The Himalayan Times- Perspectives.)