How Decathlon turned bike leasing into a subscription model on Shopify

Instead of a one-time purchase, customers subscribe to a bike with flexible contract lengths and included services. This model relies on recurring billing, configurable options, and dynamic pricing, which makes it fundamentally different from traditional e-commerce.
Radikal translated this leasing proposition into a Shopify experience that feels intuitive for customers while remaining manageable for Decathlon’s internal teams. The objective was to present a complex subscription model in a clear way while building a foundation that can scale as the service grows.

Understanding the challenge of leasing online
Leasing introduces operational complexity that standard online stores do not face. Every subscription includes a contract, recurring payments, and a combination of included and optional services. Customers need to understand what they are committing to before checkout.
At the same time, internal teams require a system that allows them to manage subscriptions, contracts, and support requests efficiently. The platform therefore needed to combine a transparent front-end experience with a backend that could handle long-term subscription management.
Integrating Shopify with a subscription platform
To support leasing operations, Shopify was integrated with Circuly. This is a platform designed for subscription management.
Shopify acts as the storefront where customers configure their lease. When they proceed to checkout, Circuly manages the subscription lifecycle, including recurring billing, contract administration, inventory tracking, and returns.
The integration ensures that every configuration selected in Shopify, such as contract length or selected services, is transferred accurately to the subscription system.

Configuring leasing options with meta objects
A defining element of leasing is pricing that changes based on contract duration. Customers can choose between agreements of 12, 24, or 36 months, with longer commitments lowering the monthly fee.
This pricing logic is integrated directly into the product experience. Customers can compare contract options instantly, making it easier to understand the financial implications before entering the checkout flow.
Presenting flexible pricing clearly
Pricing in a leasing model varies with contract length. Customers can select 12, 24, or 36-month agreements, with longer terms lowering the monthly cost. This logic is integrated directly into the product experience, allowing customers to compare options at a glance.
Clear presentation helps customers understand their commitment without confusion. By embedding pricing logic into the shopping experience, Decathlon aligns a complex subscription model with familiar e-commerce behaviour.

Supporting the full subscription lifecycle
Beyond configuration and checkout, the platform supports the ongoing lifecycle of a lease. Customers receive clear information about delivery, subscription terms, and return procedures.
The system also allows adjustments during the contract period, such as modifying equipment or updating included services. This flexibility helps Decathlon manage subscriptions efficiently while maintaining a reliable experience for customers.

