THE Bradley Wiggins effect has hit Glasgow as hundreds of new riders swap four wheels for two.
Following the British cyclist's historic Tour de France win Cycling Scotland has recorded "unprecedented" interest in the sport.
A spokesman for Cycling Scotland, which organises the Glasgow to Edinburgh Pedal for Scotland charity event, said he hoped the excitement would help boost the number of entrants taking part in this year's event, on September 9.
Bike shops and stores selling cycling equipment and clothing in Glasgow said they were experiencing a upsurge in sales similar to the Wimbledon effect.
Cycling fans say the interest has also been piqued by the Olympics, which begin in Glasgow tomorrow with the football, and the building of the new velodrome in Glasgow's East End for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Joe Allan, owner of Gear Bikes in Glasgow's West End, said: "It undoubtedly has an impact.
"There is generally a better buzz around the store when the Tour de France is on and this has increased with a British guy winning.
"It has an impact on novice cyclists, with more people being inspired to get back on their bikes, but also the more serious cyclist deciding to take things up a notch.
"The other thing has been the new velodrome. It's quite a big thing in the cycling world."
Brian Shedden, manager of Alpine Bikes, which has two stores in the city's West End, said: "It's a bit like Wimbledon, when there is a spike in the sales of tennis rackets.
"A bike is more considered purchase but clearly the Tour de France puts cycling at the forefront of people's minds."
Greaves Sports said they had experienced an increase in the sale of cycling clothing and in particular, Team GB cycling merchandise.
A spokesman for the store said: "Since Bradley won the tour we've been inundated with enquiries about the Team GB cycling jerseys which will be worn in the Olympics.
"People are inspired by guys like Wiggins and Sir Chris Hoy and we are finding more and more people are buying into the products they wear."
National cycling promotion organisation Cycling Scotland is predicting an even greater uptake of cycling across Scotland in the coming weeks.
Ian Aitken, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: "We are experiencing an unprecedented interest in cycling with people of all ages and backgrounds getting back on their bikes.
"Cycling is for all but with Bradley Wiggins' historic win coupled with the great hopes for the British Olympic cycling team and a growing excitement towards Glasgow 2014 have resulted in a perfect storm for cycling, both as a sport and a way of getting around."
A spokesman for Glasgow Green Cycling Club said they had definitely noticed an increase in activity on the club's Facebook page.
caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk