Fitness trends in India have gone through many phases. A decade ago, gyms and weight training were seen as the main ways to stay fit. Later, yoga, Zumba and home workouts became popular. During the pandemic, people turned to home workouts, walking, and cycling as safe outdoor activities.
In 2025, the focus has clearly shifted towards fitness routines that are easy to follow, less stressful on the body and enjoyable over time. More people now prefer outdoor activities that allow flexibility and mental relaxation. Cycling fits into this change perfectly. It offers a full-body workout, improves heart health and can be done alone or in groups. As a result, cycling has emerged as one of the most preferred fitness activities this year.
Post-pandemic slowdown and market recovery
The cycling industry saw massive growth during the pandemic as people avoided public transport and gyms. Once restrictions eased, sales slowed down. Many consumers returned to their old routines, leading to a temporary dip in bicycle usage and new purchases.
According to Decathlon India’s PlayBook data, 2025 is the first year of positive growth since COVID-19. This shows that the market has stabilised and interest in cycling has returned in a more balanced way.
Hans Peter Jensen, Sports Director, Decathlon India, says the growth reflects changing attitudes. “The growth we’re witnessing in cycling this year goes beyond numbers. It shows that people are making conscious choices about health, fitness and lifestyle,” he says.
Cycling moves from transport to fitness and recreation
Cycling has always been an important mode of transport in many parts of India. In rural areas, bicycles continue to play a key role, especially for school-going girls. Government schemes that provide cycles have helped increase school attendance and reduce gender gaps.
In cities, however, cycling is now more about fitness and recreation. Urban centres like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi have seen a sharp rise in early-morning riders, cycling clubs and weekend group rides. Many people are choosing cycling over running or gym workouts as it is easier on the joints and helps reduce stress.
A fitness trainer from Bengaluru says, “Cycling allows people to stay active without putting too much pressure on the body. It is suitable for beginners as well as experienced fitness enthusiasts.”
Growing participation among women and children
Women cyclists are becoming more visible across India. While professional cycling is still dominated by men, Indian women riders are slowly making their mark. Deborah Herold becoming the first Indian woman to enter the world’s top 10 in the UCI 500m time trial has inspired many young athletes. Riders like Pranita Soman have also encouraged more women to take up competitive cycling.
At the recreational level, women’s cycling groups and community rides are growing. Better safety awareness, organised events and supportive communities have helped more women feel confident about cycling.
Children remain an important segment as well. Parents increasingly see cycling as a healthy activity that keeps children active and away from screens. This has led to steady demand for kids’ bicycles across age groups.
Bicycles that are selling the most
Entry-level mountain bikes continue to dominate sales. Decathlon’s Rockrider range, including the ST series and the newly launched EXPL series, remains popular due to affordability and versatility. These bikes are well suited for leisure rides and basic fitness needs.
Kids’ cycles, especially Rockrider and B’Twin models, contribute significantly to overall volumes. Sizes such as 16”, 20” and 24” continue to see strong demand.
Basic city and hybrid bicycles like the B’Twin My Bike remain popular among daily commuters. Their simple design, low maintenance and reasonable pricing make them ideal for short urban travel.
At the same time, road bikes are gaining popularity. Models such as Triban and Van Rysel are seeing increased demand as more riders move towards endurance training and long-distance cycling. This shift shows that cycling is no longer just about basic transport, but also about fitness and performance.
Market trends and rider behaviour
Despite growing interest in performance bikes, nearly 75 per cent of bicycle sales in India are still from entry-level models priced below Rs 15,000. This highlights India’s value-driven market. However, experts note a slow but steady move towards higher-end bicycles as confidence and awareness grow.
The average Indian cyclist rides between 15 and 40 km per session. Fitness, recreation and regular practice are the main reasons people cycle today. Cycling clubs and local events have played a major role in building interest and consistency among riders.
Seasonal trends continue to influence sales. Demand rises during summer months and around festivals such as Holi, Independence Day, Navratri and Christmas, when people focus more on health and lifestyle changes.
Health awareness driving long-term growth
Health campaigns such as World Bicycle Day, Fit India and World Heart Day have strengthened the link between cycling and wellness. Doctors and fitness experts often recommend cycling as a heart-friendly exercise that suits all age groups.
Cycling improves cardiovascular health and is gentle on the joints. It is ideal for people looking for long-term fitness without high injury risk.
Hans Peter Jensen believes this shift is here to stay. “We are seeing families, women and young riders adopting cycling as part of daily life. This is not just a fitness trend, but a movement towards healthier living,” he says.