The answers turned out to be quieter than many current debates would suggest. Fewer extremes, less either–or. Instead, a lot of everyday life. A lot of pragmatism. In other words: closer to you as readers.
This reader survey does not claim to be representative in a statistical sense. It is a snapshot of mood. In total, 2,050 readers took part – the vast majority from the German-speaking region, complemented by a smaller international sample. Taken together, the answers show how our community thinks, wishes, uses, and questions things: not as a target group, but as people with routines, dreams, and very concrete ideas of what inspiration means to them.
If you want to dive deeper into the numbers, you’ll find another perspective published at the end of last year: in our article on the Best Urban Bike Brands 2025 we analysed and contextualised brand perception and preferences in detail.
Dreams Instead of To-Do Lists
Before we talk about products, mobility, or media, it’s worth looking ahead – to the things that haven’t happened yet. A small selection of your dreams:
“A longer pilgrimage, for example the Camino Francés.”
“A house by the sea.”
“A bike tour beyond East Frisia – just setting off.”
“The North Cape.”
What stands out is how strongly these answers contrast with many of the numbers that follow. They are hardly about ownership, but about time, movement, and reduction.
What Really Excites You Right Now
Dreams are one thing. Everyday life is another. So we asked what excites you right now.
“Cycling and spending time in nature.”
“Cooking.”
“Books.”
“Simply being outside.”
That these are not isolated opinions becomes clear when looking at hobbies and interests. BBQ & grilling (35.7%), camping (32.1%), digital photography (31.3%), and making pizza (31.9%) rank particularly high. Things that take time – and not necessarily speed.
Everyday Life Over the Exceptional
DOWNTOWN is not read as escapism, but as a companion in everyday life. This becomes particularly clear when looking at bicycles. And sometimes also in the open answers. When asked what you wish for in everyday life, one answer stood out: “A man.” We’ll leave that exactly as it is.
While 44.7% of respondents own a mountain bike, other categories dominate everyday use. Urban, commuter, and trekking bikes together account for almost as much use as mountain bikes, road bikes, or sport-oriented gravel bikes.
This becomes even clearer when looking at how frequently bikes are used. 21.5% ride several times a day, 44.8% several times a week. Only 4.5% use their bike less than once a month. Cycling is not a weekend ritual. It is part of everyday life.
What You Really Wish for in Your Everyday Life
If all your wishes had to be reduced to a common denominator, it would probably be this:
“More calm.”
“Time for the important things.”
“Fewer appointments.”
“Simplicity.”
These wishes are also indirectly reflected in the numbers. 68% of respondents primarily ride an analogue bike, not an e-bike. Assistance is used – but not taken for granted.
Interests: Broad, but Not Random
Of course, we also wanted to know which topics specifically interest you.
The answer is surprisingly clear. 83.9% read DOWNTOWN primarily for inspiration, only 16.1% for classic buying advice.
This does not mean that buying advice is irrelevant. But for you, it only works when it is embedded – in context, attitude, and everyday life.
Coffee as Everyday Culture
A small detour that reveals more than one might initially expect.
84.4% drink coffee. 70.9% of them with freshly ground beans. At the same time, a clear majority relies on fully automatic machines – convenience and consistency outweigh the barista ideal here. 49.3% buy their beans at supermarkets or discounters, 30.8% at local roasteries. This is not a contradiction; it is pragmatism. Quality, yes – but please suitable for everyday life.
That interest in coffee topics nevertheless runs deep is also shown by our most recent comparison of 7 Espresso Machines, which has become one of the most-read articles on our website in recent months.
Why You Read DOWNTOWN
Sometimes it helps to pause and reflect.
“The calm way of putting things into perspective.”
“Honesty.”
“Not loud, but relevant.”
These statements align remarkably well with the numbers. Inspiration beats buying impulse. Everyday life beats the exceptional. Attitude beats hype.
Where We Can Improve
Criticism can be even more valuable than praise.
“More depth.”
“More practical relevance.”
“Homepage design.”
What stands out is less criticism of individual pieces of content than a desire for attitude in the details. It’s not about new topics or greater reach, but about precision: thinking things through to the end, explaining decisions, and using design more consciously.
What You Can Take Away from All This
The DOWNTOWN Reader Survey 2026 shows people who want to actively shape their everyday lives. And who seek inspiration, not instruction.
Thank you for taking part. We’re listening.
Four of you were even able to take something tangible home: the ROSE Hobo bike, the qeedo Freedom Air 2 rooftop tent, the Thule Epos 2 rear carrier, and the Woom EXPLORE kids’ bike have already been handed over to their happy winners. By the way: everyone received exactly the prize they wanted most.
Anyone who would like to connect the moods shown here with concrete brand images and numbers is encouraged to read our article on the Best Urban Bike Brands. It complements this survey with a data-based snapshot and shows how attitude, everyday life, and brand perception currently interact.
Words: Jonny Grapentin Photos: Julian Lemme
