How AI is transforming cycling brands — for real this time

In early 2023, I asked five big questions about AI and the future of cycling brands. A year later, those questions have answers — backed by data, real-world use, and strategic outcomes. Let’s revisit each one and see where cycling brands are winning with AI.

1. Can AI really help cycling brands grow faster, reach more customers, and boost profits?

✅ Yes — and the results are increasingly tangible.

AI has moved from hype to hard results across product innovation, performance marketing, and customer experience.

Examples:

• Decathlon used Autodesk’s generative design tools to develop a diving fin that is twice as light and has half the carbon footprint of its predecessor. They aim to reduce CO2 emissions in product design by 40%.

• Peloton has leveraged AI to personalise class recommendations, resulting in a 96% retention rate and an NPS of 91 — among the highest in the fitness space.

Tools in play: ChatGPT, Jasper, Runway, Firefly, Klaviyo AI, GA4, Matomo, Shopify AI

AI is now central to go-to-market speed and operational efficiency — especially when linked to insight and iteration.

2. Can it help smaller, independent brands compete with the giants?

✅ Absolutely — if the strategy is tight and tools are well orchestrated.

Challenger brands are using AI to act big without the budget. The edge lies in clarity, creativity, and agility.

Examples:

• Quoc stands out through thoughtful community storytelling, paired with automated CRM and lifecycle flows.

• Temple Cycles applies AI forecasting tools to manage stock precisely, without bloated infrastructure.

Key tools: Durable.co, Canva AI, Klaviyo AI, Manychat, Notion AI, ChatGPT

With a strong brand identity and a clear vibe, small brands can move faster than incumbents bogged down by complexity.

3. Can AI improve manufacturing and supply chain resilience?

✅ Yes — resilience is the new competitive edge.

Geopolitical uncertainty and cost volatility are making predictive, adaptive systems essential.

Examples:

• Brompton has reshored key production lines and uses AI to model inventory, achieving a 30% reduction in lead times and 98% on-time delivery.

• Canyon leverages AI forecasting to minimise excess inventory and improve availability across popular models.

Leading tools: o9 Solutions, Netstock, SAP AI modules, Anvyl

The shift is clear: localised production, AI-enhanced logistics, and leaner risk-managed supply chains.

4. What about the TikTok/Temu risk — cheap, fast, direct competition?

✅ The risk is real. But strong brands are outperforming clones through community, consistency, and emotional fluency.

AI doesn't just speed up content. It amplifies connection.

Examples:

• MAAP maintains emotional clarity and consistency across touchpoints, building brand equity through high-design content and creator collaboration.

• Roka uses AI-powered ad personalisation to iterate creative quickly, staying relevant and performance-driven while maintaining a premium feel.

Supporting tools: ChatGPT, Brandwatch, Sprinklr, Exploding Topics, Adobe Firefly, GA4

Clone brands might win clicks. True brands win trust.

5. Who’s in charge when AI is running the systems?

✅ You are — if you act like a conductor, not just an operator.

The most successful brands now run 8–12 AI tools simultaneously. But tools don’t align themselves. Strategy does.

Role of the conductor:

• Sets brand tone and emotional guardrails

• Orchestrates tool outputs for coherence

• Measures what matters (not just what’s fast)

• Protects the vibe

AI enables output. The conductor enables meaning.

And what about ChatGPT and deep research? Hype or real value?

✅ Foundational. It’s now the strategy layer.

ChatGPT is being used for:

• Voice-of-customer analysis (reviews, Reddit, support logs)

• Messaging validation across segments

• Synthesising GA4 + Hotjar data into content and UX priorities

• Campaign strategy and content generation in minutes, not days

Brands using ChatGPT for insight and execution are seeing a 50–80% reduction in planning time with higher creative output.

Final word: Vibe is the difference

Vibe marketing is what separates campaign content from brand connection. It’s the feeling people get before they even click.

AI helps scale the signal. But only you can define the soul.

In 2025, people don’t just buy bikes. They buy identity. They buy what the ride says about them.

AI gets you there. Your vibe keeps them riding with you.