I agree...in my experience, trek can come down pretty hard on shop owners re: what other brands you can/cannot stock. the same goes for specialized re: accessories (such as cyclo computers, helmets, gloves).
do you have a specific market you are going after?
one shop I worked at did an excellent business carrying brands that the other shops didn't carry:
kona, bianchi (they make some nice wsd bikes PLUS touring and commuters);
independent fabrication; riv bikes; surly; circle A (great steel framed bikes); jamis (hit many different price points PLUS made hybrids at a good price); raleigh;
clothes:
terry, nalini, sugoi, castelli, exte ondo, showers pass jackets, PLUS the idea of designing your own jerseys--excellent idea!
accessories:
brooks saddles
carradice bags
bailey works messenger bags (jonathan bailey is very reasonable to work with!)
topeak
I could keep going...but I better stop...![]()




Reply With Quote