PITTSBURGH — Bicycles continue to spin out of stores in record numbers.

Last March, people began purchasing bicycles at the beginning of the pandemic. A year later, the industry continues to see an increase in sales — to the point where manufacturers are struggling to supply product, experts said.

“We used to get a truckload of bikes, and now we are getting two or three at a time,” said George Gatto, co-owner of Gatto Cycle Shop in Tarentum. “The vendors can’t keep up with the demand. It’s been a really challenging past 12 months.”

This time last year, Gatto said, he was hesitant about placing a big order, but peers from shops in other states suggested he do so.

“I am glad I did, because now there is no inventory anywhere,” Gatto said. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Gatto said the shop normally has three times the number of bikes in the showroom and plenty more in inventory. A shortage of bike parts also has affected the manufacturers — from Trek to Specialized to Cannondale to Schwinn and others — being able to make bikes, he said.

This is happening across all types, from road bikes to electronic bikes.

Gatto’s shop currently has 60 bikes, which is one-third of what he normally has in stock.

At Flat Tire Co. Bike Shop in Greensburg, owner Ashley Reefer said if a new bike comes in, it’s usually gone within 48 hours. She has list of bikes she’s ordered, but there is no guarantee they will arrive.

Reefer said she has about 25% of what she would normally have in inventory.

“Sales have gone through the roof,” she said.

According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association website, the bicycle industry stands to benefit from the behavior change during the pandemic. The industry is evolving and the cycling trend is accelerating rather than slowing down.

The pandemic has caused disruption in how consumers live, work, and play. People working from home value personal mobility and are realizing the value of a bicycle, according to the association.

The website shows that in 2020, retail sales skyrocketed by more than 40% and, by the year 2025, revenue is projected to be $8 billion.