LBS question

[7rider]

I've often had the "Why don't you have more women's stuff?" conversation with my LBS - the owner of which happens to be a good friend of mine.
I think the fact is that many small shops (such as the one I go to) have a limited amount of floor space, and they stock what sells. So, until we get our sisters in the shops (and *ahem* off mail order), the smaller shops will cater to the ones who plunk down the heftiest hunk of change.

That said, I think it would be helpful for a shop to park prominently in the front window two things: a woman's bike and a big ol' sign saying "Great new women's styles...on sale NOW!" At least that would cater to a few things near and dear to my heart: Gear, clothes, and "on-sale."

So, it's kind of a chicken and egg quandry: How do you get women in the shops, if there's nothing there for them, and how do you get shops with limited resources to stock items for a demographic who doesn't show up??

[Bad JuJu]

If not a women's cycling club, maybe the shop could sponsor a women's ride occasionally, like once a month or so. Maybe on a nearby trail, if possible, so it'd be comfy for both newbies and the more experienced. If he can afford it, he might even give out one or two door prizes--gift certificates, for example.

Hmmm, think I'll suggest this to my LBS guy.

[quint41]

These are all great suggestions. I just want to know where this LBS is, because in my area, I have yet to find a shop that cares about female riders at all! I just stopped at another shop today. He has exactly two WSD bikes in his shop. I told him that I find it very difficult to shift the front rings with STI components, and he was SHOCKED! He has NEVER encountered anyone with this problem in all his years ...

There's another thought ... ask the women what their problems or discomforts are on bikes, take them seriously, do some research, and try to find the answers for them. That would make my day!

[SouthernBelle]

If everybody gives their considered opinion, we can all print this thread and give it to our LBS.

[latelatebloomer]

I switched shops this summer, entirely due to meeting someone on a club ride who works one evening a week at the shop. (Liz, are you STILL lurking?) She is great at answering newbie questions, and I got up the newve to get my bike fit there, and the owner, who did the fit, was very patient with all my questions, and very understanding about adjusting my second-hand bike to fit my apple-shape better. They don't have a huge stock of clothes, but if I wrecked my shorts and jersey and needed replacements fast, I could find something. Also, they offered a free maintainance clinic.
What would I love to see that I don't? Newbie rides.