I'm Ota, the representative of BICYCOVER.
Today, I'd like to talk a little about "durability," something we value when creating our products.
Why focus on durability?
BICYCOVER products place great importance on durability. The reason is simple: it's sad to see products wear out so quickly and become trash.
Of course, bicycle covers are consumable items, but I can't bear the thought of them becoming trash in less than a year!
We sincerely hope that you will use our truly useful products for a long time.
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Durable material that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions for up to two years
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Thorough reinforcement of areas subject to stress
In pursuit of these goals, we make improvements as needed, reflecting customer feedback such as "this is broken" or "this is torn."
*Starting in 2025, we have added reinforcement called bar fastenings to areas where force is applied or where the product is prone to breaking (such as the drawcord fixing parts and wind-proof belts).
Failure, guilt, and determination
To be honest, there were a number of products that did not achieve the quality we were fully satisfied with.
What was intended as an improvement may have made the product more difficult to use or prevented it from maintaining its durability.
As a manufacturer, we have created the last thing we want to do: a product that quickly becomes waste.
I always feel regret and guilt for having created so many half-baked products.
In this age where things are overflowing, there are plenty of cheap, decent things available.
That's why what BICYCOVER can do is "increase durability to a level that no one else can" and "reduce the frequency with which you have to replace the cover."
We know that no matter how durable we make the cover, it is still a consumable item.
Still, we want to focus on what we can do and deliver value.
Share the results of customer surveys
I always read all of our customer surveys.
We are truly encouraged by everyone who has sent us kind words. We also receive some harsh criticism. We take your comments seriously and will use them to improve. Thank you for your feedback.
I'd like to share some of the results I got.
We were reminded that the overwhelming majority of customers choose our products for their durability .
Additionally, the bicycles used were led by the Panasonic Gyutto (39%), with 60-70% of customers using bicycles with child seats.
As a parent myself, I will continue to create "things that are truly useful" from the same perspective.
Reasons for not using zippers
In surveys, we sometimes receive feedback such as "I would like a zipper on the side."
Although it is certainly convenient, we currently do not use zippers.
The reason is durability. If the zipper deteriorates or breaks, the entire cover will become trash, even if the fabric is strong.
Our top priority is to ensure that our products can be used for a long time in good condition, so we have currently adopted a structure that has a low risk of malfunction.
Of course, we are always looking for better ways to improve convenience.
Future improvements
Going forward, we will focus on the following points:
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Countermeasures against sunburn and fading: Strengthened from both UV degradation and color fastness to ensure long-lasting use.
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Improved ease of use We are exploring a structure that is easy to put on and take off while maintaining durability.
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Installation of ventilation holes We are considering installing ventilation holes to prevent the unit from being blown over by the wind and to prevent condensation inside.
In particular, the "Extra Thick Premium" model currently on sale is made with functional materials and a design that can withstand long-term use.
Although we are a small company, we rely on your feedback and strive to provide products that are even more useful, one step at a time.
