INDUSTRY: They Like Bikes

If the fears of some nervous retailers prove valid, there will be many a disappointed child this Christmas. The nation faces a serious bicycle shortage.

Schwinn Bicycle Co., one of the biggest wheels in the $400 million-a-year industry, had booked orders for its entire 1971 production by last month. Other major U.S. manufacturers—Murray Ohio, Huffman and AMF—are also having trouble keeping pace with runaway demand. Sales in many bicycle shops are racing 200% ahead of last year's level, and delivery dates for new merchandise are uncertain. Complains Gano Thomas of San Francisco's...

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