Most of us are familiar with the traditional game of polo, in which players ride horseback to bat a ball into a goal, but I'm sure very few of you have heard of Bike Polo. It's based on the original game with a few tweaks, namely that it is played on bicycles instead of horses.
What was at first a fun pastime, Bike Polo has become a full-fledged sport with a following in the UK and Europe. PSFK says that the game "is played by two teams of 3 players on customized bikes, using handmade mallets to strike a ‘goal’ with a plastic ball."
Will you be trying your hand at Bike Polo this summer?
Urban Polo
Bike Polo Updates the Traditional Game for City-Dwellers
Trend Themes
1. Bike Polo - The rise of Bike Polo as a new urban sport trends with potential for customized bike makers and sporting goods manufacturers to capitalize on the sport's growth.
2. Handmade Mallets - The trend of handmade mallets in Bike Polo creates opportunities for artisanal makers to showcase handmade craftsmanship and unique design.
3. Customized Bikes - The trend of customized bikes in Bike Polo creates opportunities for bike makers and accessory designers to cater to this niche market with special bike models, decals and designs.
Industry Implications
1. Sporting Goods - The growing trend of Bike Polo opens up opportunities for sporting goods manufacturers to create specialized equipment, such as mallets, balls and bike gear.
2. Bicycles - The trend of Bike Polo creates opportunities for bike manufacturers to create customized bikes and accessories for players, such as sturdy frames, modified wheels and colorful decals.
3. Artisanal Crafts - The trend of handmade mallets in Bike Polo provides opportunities for artisanal craftspeople to create unique, personalized mallets from materials such as wood, metal and leather.