Columbus bike shops feel the pinch as tariffs drive up costs for consumers

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Local bike shops are feeling the impacts of tariffs on steel and aluminum tariffs. Many have had to push the cost onto consumers.

"We priced some bicycles online and in other shops and there is a kind of sticker shock," said cyclist Michael Thomson.

Local cyclists are dealing with higher bike, repair and accessory costs.

"We've certainly noticed increases everywhere," said Karen Thomson, another cyclist.

John Robinson, the owner of Johnny Velo Bikes, said some producers have increased the cost of bikes by $100 since tariffs set in.

"We sell a certain lock," he said, "I was originally selling for about $79 and because of tariffs, now they're up to $98.99."

Robinson said his shop has been feeling the effects since spring. Now, the U.S. Department of Commerce submitted new requests for additional tariffs on steel and aluminum imports which would subject bikes to another 50% tariff.

"You're looking at a 100% tariff, and that's really hard to plan out. So you're going to cut back on your forecasts, which means next year we're even going to have less inventory available," said Robinson.

Karen and Michael came into his shop to buy an e-bike. They told NBC4 that the price increases aren't deterring them from shopping but are driving up fears of theft.

"We have to be very concerned about safety, where we put the bike, where the bike is," said Michael.

The increased cost is also weighing on accessibility.

"I have four major bike manufacturers that I carry in my shop. All but one are not carrying kids' bikes. They are not importing kids bikes this year because of the tariffs," Robinson said.

The proposed tariffs are under a comment period until Oct. 21.

"What our industry is actually proposing is that they allow us to import the shifting mechanisms and the braking systems tariff free right now, as long as those companies have agreed to build factories here in the U.S., that would help mitigate some of it and it would help bring jobs back into the U.S.," said Robinson. "We're actually lobbying right now in D.C. to try and see if we can get that done."