"We're certainly having an uptick in utility use, but we may have a corresponding decline in recreational purchasing," he said. "You can't underestimate the power of a weak economy to make people rein in some of their spending."
Staying in shape is important to Bryan Martinez, 44, and so is avoiding gas stations. So the Altadena resident has recently upped his cycling to about 250 miles a week, most of it riding back and forth to Comcast Entertainment, where he works as a television editor.
"We only have one income, and it just made more sense for me to ride," he said. "Now I'm kind of addicted to riding to work."
Although his office isn't equipped with showers, Martinez keeps several changes of clothing at his office and uses the sink to rinse off. "Paper towel, sponge bath. It's fine," he said.
Not all two-wheeled sources of transportation require so much energy.
Cannondale Sports Group introduced its line of Schwinn electric bikes last year and was caught off guard in recent months as demand pulled past supply. The bikes sell for $1,500 to $2,500.
"Over the last four months, we've seen significant increase in demand," said spokesman Bruno Maier. "We didn't anticipate the spike that we've seen. Right now we are working to get additional product in to supply our dealers."
Bicycles, of course, aren't the only two-wheeled option. In fact Hall, the TV editor from Glendale, is in the market for a scooter.
"Unfortunately, nobody has any in stock," he said. "They sell them as soon as they come in."
Some who can't afford to invest in a new mode of transportation are dusting the cobwebs off their old bicycles.
Demand is so strong at Rock N' Road Cyclery's service departments that repairs are running a week behind, said Matt Ford, who owns the Lake Forest-based chain of four Orange County stores. Bicycle sales, meanwhile are "up double digits," he said.
"We've really seen a spike," he said. "The gas thing is freaking a lot of people out."
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leslie.earnest@latimes.com
