And our sport can't exist without them, their advice, support and help.Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
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And our sport can't exist without them, their advice, support and help.Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
Just put a caliper on the nipple. You're not always going to know what brand of spokes they used.Quote:
Originally Posted by Becky
My cousin lives in your fair city, Crankin, and I was visiting this past weekend. We drove by a bike shop that, from her description, MUST be your LBS...Quote:
Originally Posted by Crankin
Ok, I just have to weigh in here. Hopefully those of you reading this realize that what I am about to write is from life as *I* see it. I'm not nor have I ever (imo) tried to sway people one way or the other... So hopefully I will not get a mailbox full of hate.
Here we go...
I honestly think that there is a place for both Internet shopping sites, and the brick and mortar store. But there is a line there that some people cross, and that's when the lbs folks get cranky.
First the internet. Ok, Susan has brought more to the market for those of us on the plus size that you even know. I have had two different clothing companies, and a wetsuit company tell me that SUSAN O from TE was the reason that they developed their plus size line. Or that she gave them advice. IMO that is huge! Not only is she a savvy biz owner, but she is helping us "adipose tissue" challenged athletes.
And because she has a bit less overhead (I would imagine??) she is able to bring in a lot more inventory than a typical shop ever could. I send women to TE all the time, because I would rather have my inventory dollars go to hardgoods rather than a jersey that may or may not sell.
Also, I may own a bike shop, but I have to watch my pennies. So when you can get Easton bars for less online than I can buy them at wholesale, I'm not going to beat you up for it! In fact I may suggest it to you. There's a group of items out there that you can just find cheaper online, and I understand that and don't mind helping you save a few dollars.
And this is where the BUT comes in....
(and the caveat here is that your lbs is owned by and employs nice people. If they are jerks then all bets are off)
If you do not have a history with the shop. Do not call them and announce straight away "I bought xxxxx on ebay, and I'm trying to install it. Do you have a mechanic that can tell me how.
- My mechanics are certified, and it takes a few thousand dollars to do that. So their expertise is not free. And I pay them by the hour whether they are working on a customers bike or chatting on the phone.
When looking for new components, at least give yourt lbs a chance to earn your business. We try to price match the internet as much as possible, or at least come in the ballpark.
Also personally I will tell you if I know it can be had for less than I pay for it. I may also warn you that the ones you see online are a previous years model with known flaws, or things we see in the shop a lot. A particular crankset comes to mind.
Realize that your local bike shop is keeping at least their family fed, and if they have employees, then there are even more folks you are supporting by giving them your business. And as for the rich absentee owners?? Wow. I've never really run into that in all of the owners I have met the last couple of years. Most are just like me, driving an old used car, and barely paying bills. Poor in the pocketbook, but rich in lifestyle and satisfaction. It is very very tough out there right now. Even the shops that have been around for decades are feeling the pinch. I've talked to more than a few who relied on a yearly bank loan to pay things off and get through the off season. But banks aren't lending as much, and credit lines are being cut. It is not easy even for the vets. So imagine how a rank newbie like me is feeling right now... ugh
Experience. Don't discount the fact that your lbs may have a knowledge in certain areas that could really help you. You can read reviews online all day about xxxx. But if the bike shop see's xxxx in all the time for repair or warranty issues, then they will give you the heads up when you ask their advice. Also if you are changing your drivetrain they may know little things that can help you or hurt you in your choices. Esp. if you are mixing old and new.
But again, there can be a happy balance. I guess I'm basically saying if you have an lbs that is worthy of your business- throw them a bone every once in awhile.
And not all online retailers are huge corporate conglomerates either. TE is the first that comes to mind, as does Trisports. There are more than a few that are a lot like a typical small biz owner, employing folks and helping out in their community. So why not support them as well??
Oh yes, and don't forget the community aspect. I spend a ton of time volunterring my services to schools, prodding the city managers to improve the roads and complete bike lanes, and donating to charities. So if you are civic minded, you may want to take that into account.
Ok to close, as I said in the beginning. Not all bike shops are run like I run my business. In fact that is the REASON I opened a shop in the first place. So if the owner/employees are rude, unhelpful, surly etc. don't give them your business. But I would think that problem would solve itself.
And if the owner seems nice, but the employees leave something to be desired, talk to the owner. I recently had a complaint about my manager for things he did when I was not there. It was delt with swiftly.
But as said, I think we can both exist peacefully.
Runningmommy, I think most of us would love to have a shop like yours near us.
I would like to have RunningMommy down the street.
My LBS supports our PD. They never fail to discount anything i buy, whether it is for my personal bikes or for the PD. They service my bikes quickly and well. They are friendly and don't treat me like an idiot, even though I'm not a bike mechanic and not a race rider. All in all, I like em. They came out for our bike race and cheered.
So I would rather support them than an online store, and I never buy any bike stuff from a discount shop. Ever. Actually, I try to buy NOTHING from discount shops.
I've had my new bike into the LBS a bunch of times for minor tweaks in the past few weeks. He's within riding distance (poor guy, lol). He has adjusted the gears, changed the stem height a skosh, put on fenders... It's just him and one employee and they are both very good. He will put together bikes bought on the internet, but he does it by appointment, and charges for labor and tweaking.
Deb
My coach owns a small studio (sells GURU bikes exclusivel;y) and sells some other stuff- aerobars, wheel sets, tires, saddles, polar stuff, and Vega nutritonal products. He lives 45 min bike ride away.
My LBS is 5 minutes from my house. Nice shop - a bit more expensive. I bought my bike there and have it serviced there. LBS is inolved in community fundraising as well, so supporting them seems logical and important, Sometimes, I will just stop in to chat. No high pressure sales; and they will adjust fix my bike in an instant. They have started carrying some more women's specific stuff with my suggestion. And it is selling.
TE is awesome. I ordered some Tifosi sunglasses this year; they sent the wrong interchangable lenses. I didn't even realize it until they sent me the ones that were supposed to come with them. That is service!
I get my tires at Pricepoint, on-line. More than 50% cheaper than LBS, coach doesn't carry them (Hutchinson Fusion).
So I spend my life..feeling a bit guilty when I buy on-line, feeling a bit guilty when I buy from my coach, LBS etc. I try to spread it around. Now local running shop has gone under. I feel like a vulture, but I hope to get a couple pair of my favourtie running shoes at 50% off - am going there today.
I love my LBS, and I try to stay faithful to them. The owner likes me a lot and in fact one late afternoon, he gave ME beer. They have a keg out back for the employees after hours, and he goes out and pours me a draft and brings it out. Now that's a bike shop! I'll buy bike parts more inexpensively online as I do my own wrenching. But I will save out as many purchases as I can and get it from the LBS when I roll through as they are a half hour from me. The staff greet me with open arms when I walk through and treat me like family. And you better believe I'll buy my bikes there. They often don't have the bike shorts and some other apparel I favor. But TE always does.