In a summer marked by unexpected shifts, Tuckahoe Bike Shop finds itself navigating a unique situation: surging customer interest in bicycles coupled with industry-wide supply shortages. For Matt Krumins, the shop’s seasoned manager, this irony presents a set of challenges and opportunities. While the initial conversation with Ocean City Magazine was intended to explore general cycling trends, the pervasive impact of the pandemic has steered the narrative, highlighting its profound influence on every facet of life, including the bicycle industry and local businesses like Tuckahoe Bike Shop.
Matt Krumins at Tuckahoe Bike Shop showcasing available bike inventory amidst high demand
The Unprecedented Bike Boom: Why Tuckahoe Bike Shop is a Hot Spot
“The entire bike industry has been turned on its head,” Krumins explains, underscoring the dramatic shift. At a time when outdoor recreation and individual sports are seeing a massive resurgence, bicycles have become a sought-after commodity. With gyms closed and people seeking safe, socially distanced activities, cycling has emerged as an ideal form of exercise and leisure. This increased interest has created an unprecedented demand for bikes of all types, from casual beach cruisers to high-performance road bikes, directly impacting local bike shops like Tuckahoe Bike Shop.
Navigating Supply Chain Challenges at Tuckahoe Bike Shop
Tuckahoe Bike Shop, known for stocking around a dozen reputable bike brands, is facing inventory constraints. “Every manufacturer is struggling with stock. It’s become a battle to secure products, even among competing stores,” Krumins elaborates. This supply issue isn’t limited to bicycles; it extends to various outdoor equipment, including kayaks and fishing gear, as individuals eagerly embrace outdoor pursuits after periods of isolation.
The roots of these shortages trace back to factory shutdowns in China in late 2019 and early 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. While bike manufacturing occurs in countries like Germany, the Philippines, and Taiwan, and some assembly takes place in the US, the global nature of the supply chain means disruptions in one region ripple across the entire industry. These manufacturing halts coincided with a surge in demand as people, confined to their homes, sought outdoor activities as restrictions eased and summer approached. Cycling, a low-impact exercise that naturally allows for physical distancing, became an especially attractive option.
Despite the inventory challenges, Tuckahoe Bike Shop’s locations maintain a selection of ready-to-ride bikes. However, the ability to fulfill specific customer orders has been significantly affected. Previously, customers could order a particular bike model and expect delivery within days. “Now,” Krumins states, “it takes months.” This shift highlights the extent of the supply chain disruption and the patience required for customers looking for specific bikes.
A Local Institution: The History of Tuckahoe Bike Shop
Matt Krumins’ journey with Tuckahoe Bike Shop began in 2006, a few years after Niclas Elmer, originally from Sweden, established the first Tuckahoe location on Route 50. Elmer’s move to the United States in 1983 was driven by the ambition to pursue the “American dream” and own a business. His initial venture, Surf Buggy, focused on bike and surrey rentals for vacationers at the Jersey Shore—a business that continues to thrive.
The Tuckahoe store marked Elmer’s expansion into brick-and-mortar retail. Located in a renovated century-old building at 2151 Route 50, this location became the foundation for Tuckahoe Bike Shop’s growth. The shop further expanded with locations in Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Ocean City. The Ocean City store, situated at 1235 West Avenue, underwent renovations after Hurricane Sandy and reopened in 2013. Prior to that, the Ocean City presence was across the street in a space now occupied by Atilis Gym.
Catering to Every Rider: Services and Bike Variety at Tuckahoe Bike Shop
Tuckahoe Bike Shop prides itself on serving a diverse range of cyclists. The Ocean City location, in particular, caters to the needs of beachgoers and vacation homeowners. “At this store, we try to cater to every type of rider,” Krumins notes about the Tuckahoe location, which is about a half-hour from Ocean City. While the Ocean City store also aims for variety, its customer base leans heavily towards “basic beach cruisers” for neighborhood rides, boardwalk jaunts, and kids commuting to summer jobs.
Beyond bike sales, Tuckahoe Bike Shop provides essential services, especially at its Ocean City location. Summer mornings often see lines forming for flat tire repairs even before opening hours. The staff dedicates a significant portion of each morning to addressing these repairs, ensuring cyclists can quickly get back on the road or boardwalk.
Accessories also play a key role in the Tuckahoe Bike Shop experience. Baskets are the most popular add-on, particularly for beach cruisers. “People do like to accessorize them,” Krumins mentions. Handlebar-mounted drink holders, ranging from novelty coconuts to Solo cup designs, are also in demand. This emphasis on accessories underscores the shop’s commitment to enhancing the cycling experience for its customers.
E-bikes and the Future of Cycling at Tuckahoe Bike Shop
Looking towards the future, Tuckahoe Bike Shop recognizes the growing trend of electric-assist bikes, or e-bikes. “That’s the new trend,” Krumins confirms, noting that the shop has been selling them for about five years and sees strong sales. E-bikes offer pedal-assisted power, making cycling more accessible to a wider range of riders and terrains. Unlike mopeds, e-bikes require pedaling, ensuring riders still get exercise while benefiting from motor assistance.
Many modern e-bikes subtly integrate the battery and motor into the frame, making them visually similar to traditional bikes. E-bike riders are subject to the same traffic laws as conventional cyclists and are required to have lights and are recommended to wear helmets. While state law mandates helmets for riders under 17 on standard bikes, Tuckahoe Bike Shop advocates for helmet use for all cyclists, prioritizing safety.
Despite the current challenges, Tuckahoe Bike Shop remains a vital part of the local community, adapting to changing demands and continuing to serve cyclists of all levels. From its historical roots to embracing new trends like e-bikes, the shop’s commitment to customer service and passion for cycling positions it as a key player in the region’s outdoor recreation scene, even amidst unprecedented industry-wide shifts.
