Trek Bicycle on expansion mode as the premium segment expands.

Trek Bicycle India, a subsidiary of the US major Trek, known for its wide range of super bicycles, is on an expansion spree setting up a number of dealerships through the franchise route.

The company, which has been operational in India since 2007, transformed itself to become a subsidiary and has been growing at a faster pace since then.

Navneet Banka, Country Manager, Trek Bicycle India, said the company has entered Hyderabad with its retail store and plans to expand its base bringing together bicycle lovers with the 25-km Trek Founder’s Ride.

On a visit to Hyderabad, Banka said Trek has partnered with Yellow Jersey, the Bike Station, to retail its various models across the road, mountain, and hybrid categories pitted in the premium and super premium segment.

They can also take advantage of riding gear offered by Trek under the brand name Bontrager.

“The price of our bicycles starts from Rs. 30,000 and can go up to Rs. 20 lakh, depending upon the requirement and its usage. The high-priced ones are lighter, made of carbon fibre and weigh just about 6.5 kg,” he said.

Promising future

“Currently, the bicycles sold in India are sourced from other markets and we are not planning to open any manufacturing unit. The best part of the segment we are operating is that it has grown from 3,000 units per year to 30,000 units in the last 10 years, in a market which sells more than 16 million bicycles a year. It is expected to grow at a much faster rate in smart cities, which will have separate bicycle tracks, will boost volumes,” he said.

Expansion plans

From 41 dealers now, we plan to add about 25 each year and take it past the 100 mark in the next three years, thereby having a strong pan-India presence.

Currently, 55 per cent of the sales come from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Shilpa Shah, dealer-partner Yellow Jersey, said, “A lot of people are taking to cycling to stay fit as well as contribute towards the environment.”

HBL