In 2010 we ran our last survey the results published in The Ultimate Guide Report received a staggering 10,000 downloads (we stopped counting in 2012). Are there  noticeable trends or even a shift in where and how Aussie cyclists prefer to purchase their gear? What do Local Bike Shops offer that make it worthwhile to buy in-store and likewise, what are the advantages and disadvantages of buying online?

We kindly invite you to take part in the 2013 Bicycles Network Australia Ultimate Cyclist Survey: Start the Ultimate Cyclist Survey (Please allow 15-20 minutes)

To make it worth your while we have secured prizes from some generous businesses; each participant has a chance to win one of these prizes:

Prize Pool
• Swiss Side Heidi Wheelset
• 2 X Catlike Kompact Pro helmets from Euride
• $100 Cell Bikes Gift Voucher
• 4 X $50 Cycling Express Gift Vouchers

Terms & Conditions
Entry into the prize draw is optional and is a Game of Skill.
Start Date 8.2.2013
End Date 5.3.2013
Total Prize Value: $968
Terms and Conditions apply

Forum Discussion
The 2013 Ultimate Cyclist Survey

Download Page
The 2010 Ultimate Guide: Shopping for bicycles and cycling gear online

BIA quote a 120% increase in overseas purchases of bicycle products in the past 18 months and that 16% of bicycles products are now purchased overseas. The industry feel let down by the government and fear that another taskforce or panel will just draw out the problem where immediate action is required.

BIA support the Productivity Commission’s recommendation to decrease the low value import threshold for goods purchased offshore, to provide tax neutrality in Australia. The draft report also highlighted the inefficiencies of customs and international parcel handling in processing incoming freight into Australia, noting the need to improve these inefficiencies before the threshold is lowered.

The BIA argue that a lack of change will see increased unemployment and argue that there may not be an industry by the time the government makes a decision. On the otherside it has been widely argued that lowering or eliminating the tax free threshold would be cost more that the income that could be generated. Furthermore a poll in the Australian Cycling Forums with 113 participants showed that event with 10% added GST on imports, this was not likely to alter the purchasing patterns of 88% of respondents, 6% were uncertain and only 6% said they were likely to stop purchasing overseas.

The BIA chairman, David Cramer concludes “The bicycle sector is made of mainly small independent suppliers and retailers, we do not have the reserves ‘to ride’ out this current trend until the government finally corrects the advantage they have given to offshore sellers” Mr. Cramer concluded.

The same small independent suppliers and retailers should also take caution and see this as only one part of the ‘problem’, consumer habits and expectations are shifting as technology plays an increasing role in daily life.