This article originally appeared in Shape.
Buy a Peloton or similar in the last year? Ditch the subway for fresh air and a bike lane? Or finally start using the folding bike you've had in storage? You're not alone! The implementation of social distancing guidelines, subsequent gym closings, and the desire to get outside safely amidst the global pandemic have led to an increase in indoor and outdoor two-wheeling.
Bike shops report a record number of road and indoor bike sales in 2020, with sales spiking 75 percent for traditional bikes, 203 percent for leisure bikes, and 150 percent for mountain bikes compared to last year, according to The NPD Group, a market research company. At-home cycling brand Peloton doubled its 2019 revenue, with $1.8 billion total revenue for 2020, and Peloton alternatives such as Echelon and NordicTrack also did exceptionally well in 2020.