RIP Agoura Cycles...

[sundial]

I liked my Trek FX so much I'm getting a higher level FX (the 7.6) to ride as a road bike.

For some reason the WSD series only goes to 7.6 (tiagra ) while the men's goes to 7.9 (Ultegra).
I might switch up to a higher end drive train (105 or Ultegra) if someone can convince me it would make much difference.

You know you will HAVE to post pics of your new ride.

Running Mommy, I will do what I can to help support our LBS. I'm so sorry your store is struggling. I will always remember how well you supported your kids who shopped at your store.

[Aggie_Ama]

I do my part! I can get gel, tubes, seatposts cheaper online but the bike shop is right by my work they know my bike and I get the instant gratification. I have them wrap my bars, sure I could do it myself but I am not patient. Today I had a catastrophic failure on my bike- my seatpost broke on the trail! So Tess is at the shop getting all snazzied up. DH could put on his own chain but really, they charge $8 we will jsut let them.

Zen- I find Tiagra when kept in tune works just fine. Maybe not quite as crisp as 105 but isn't completely awful. Just support the LBS by getting regular tune ups!

[Zen]

. Just support the LBS by getting regular tune ups!

I get free lifetime tune-ups when I buy a bike there. this bike will make number three from them

I heart my LBS.
Even if you think you found a deal online it usually isn't by the time you pay shipping.

[MartianDestiny]

My LBS got my contribution to keeping their lights on this spring, to the tone of a new bike and related accessories.

They are so awesome I haven't even really considered buying anything online recently, and honestly by the time I factor in the club discount I get I can't do THAT much better online unless something is on super closeout.

[smurfalicious]

Oh that's such a bummer. I thought the name sounded familiar and as it turns out they're one of our clients at work. Sad news, for sure.

[ridebikeme]

Aint Doody had a great point! For all of those who buy online, we are the reason that our local businesses aren't doing well!! Of course, the local business has some of that responsibility as well... but the reality is that we have to some degree created this!

If your local business doesn't carry what you want, perhaps they can special order it for you... I know that happens quite a bit in our area. If that isn't an option, then you have no choice.

What I have learned is this: after 17 years I certainly do NOT know everything. Just because something sold one year, it doesn't mean that it will the next year. Some times certain price points change completely from one year to the next. The key is to pay attention to what your customers want... and that is something that happens constantly. That is something that many businesses forget... we have so much to do, but the reality is that if you don't pay attention... then you have very little customers.

I would encourage everyone to shop locally! Try and support the smaller local business, in the long run, most are the ones that will help when you need it.

RM, as for you online customers, do the repair work and EDUCATE them at the same time. Explain to them what is happening, and the difference in quality between what Walmart has and what you offer. If they choose to shop online, then that's their choice. When I go to my local car mechanic, if I buy tires elsewhere... they charge me more for labor! That's a standard practice!! Explain to them that in order to keep you labor rate down, you make a small amount on parts... if you don't sell parts then the labor rate unfortunately has to go up.

Lastly, for all of you who want to service your own bikes; I think that's wonderful. However, with all of the information here and other websites, you are taking business away from your LBS. I realize that we all want to save money, but the other side of that coin, is exactly what we are talking about here in this forum!!

I hope that local business does survive this next year or so, and I would encourage all of you to work with them and help make that happen. CAn you suggest to a friend or coworker where to buy something? Local business keeps money in your area... and that is something that helps everyone!

[Aint Doody]

Well said, Ridebikeme!

[Aggie_Ama]

I get free lifetime tune-ups when I buy a bike there. this bike will make number three from them

I heart my LBS.
Even if you think you found a deal online it usually isn't by the time you pay shipping.

I agree. About the only thing I go online for is shorts because the LBS hasn't figured out bibs are way better.

[Blueberry]

I agree. About the only thing I go online for is shorts because the LBS hasn't figured out bibs are way better.

Clothes - I go online for (or to REI). My LBS hasn't figured out to carry much women's wear at all - and certainly not my preferred shorts.

Within reason, though, LBS. I give them almost every part order, usually buy all tires and tubes, locks, etc. there.

CA

[Zen]

Clothes - I go online for (or to REI). My LBS hasn't figured out to carry much women's wear at all - and certainly not my preferred shorts.

Do they know this?

I had the good timing to be at the shop when the PI rep was there recently, taking an order for next fall. You can bet he and the owner heard more from me than I'm sure they wanted to.

They have a gorgeous wool jacket coming...

[Blueberry]

Yep - I've talked to the manager at length. Have also tried to get him to focus on women's fit issues. He would love to do more, but with a limited budget he buys what he knows will sell. Truthfully, I think the decision may be being made higher up than him. He doesn't really have the money in the budget to experiment much (they're part of a small, local chain - 5 stores). He has a hard time even getting certain kinds of bikes in the store.

CA

[crazycanuck]

Hey RM (& anyone else that has an lbs near them)!!!

Does your shop sell Pearl Izumi full fingered gel gloves? If you come across a pair, please contact me.... I could buy them online but i'd rather support a shop.

I am dying to buy a new pair of my fave PI gloves but can't find them anywhere in Perth!!! GAGHHG... All my favourite bike shops just don't have them

Our bike shop dude opened his shop late last year & is VERY VERY busy. He's a well respected roadie/mtb dude & overall one of the two best mechanics in Perth. Alot of folks who knew him from his previous shop followed him when he left..

[aly]

I was sad to see that Agoura Cycles closed. It was the only store around that had a WSD Lemond in my size when I was desperate to do a test ride, and it was in their parking lot that I finally felt what people meant when they talked about the right fit. I ended up buying my bike in Pasadena for a much, much lower price, but made many other purchases at Agoura since it's set right smack on my favorite loop.

However, I am very happy to hear that John will be moving into the spot. I haven't stopped into Bicycle John's lately, so I didn't know about this move. John's is my favorite store and he's been expanding like crazy. He is also currently expanding his Reseda store and has all sorts of fun plans for the space. I'm sure I'll be making plenty of contributions to the LBS as soon as the Agoura store opens.

[Aint Doody]

I'm sure I'll hear big time about this reply, but I cannot help it. It is WRONG to find an item at a retailer, try it out, use it and take up their time and then purchase the same thing elsewhere. If you think their prices are too high, don't fondle their merchandise--that they have bought--and then get the identical thing elsewhere.