An international backlog in bicycle parts that began during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 has resulted in a current shortage of parts in Stellenbosch bicycle stores, and in stores throughout South Africa.
This is according to Juan Mason, owner of Mason’s Bike Inn in Stellenbosch.
“I can cry about it [the backlog in bicycle parts], but it is just the way it is. There are so many cyclists in Stellenbosch and it is very difficult to get a hold of bicycle parts,” said Jubian Fredericks, mechanic at Mason’s Bicycle Inn.
Due to the backlog in bicycle parts, cyclists are resorting to alternative methods to solve problems encountered while cycling. A sewing kit can be used to fix a bicycle wheel. PHOTO: Heléne Leonard
Many overseas factories closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to TC Kieck, an employee of Flandria Cycles. Other types of stores are also struggling to find products, added Kieck.
“There aren’t enough products made to ship from overseas because of Covid-19,” said Kieck.
Stellenbosch has many mountain bike trails. Areas such as Coetzenburg are frequented by cyclists. PHOTO: Heléne Leonard
If new bicycle parts cannot be sourced immediately, bicycle stores attempt to find second-hand parts, according to Fredericks.
“When we get a bicycle in for repairs we try to get the bicycle usable by looking around for extra parts, but we struggle to find parts for it,” said Kieck.
Although bicycle shops are struggling to find parts, they are continuing to assist students with bicycle repairs, said Liam Vegter, an engineering student at Stellenbosch University (SU).
“My bicycle needed brake pads earlier this year and it is a common part that needs to be replaced a lot. Flandria helped me despite the backlog,” said Vegter.
According to Kieck, roughly 50% of Flandria Cycles’s customers are SU students.
It is not just students who are fond of cycling in Stellenbosch. “The community varies — many working people cycle,” said Jubian Fredericks, mechanic at Mason’s Bicycle Inn. PHOTO: Heléne Leonard
Bicycle shops have continued to help clients where possible, but Fredericks is unsure of when the shortage caused by the backlog will be solved, he said.
“I don’t know for how long we will be able to find alternative ways to help people. Second-hand parts will not last,” said Fredericks.