LBS vs discount prices

[Crankin]

I guess I am the anomaly. I generally support local businesses and I did buy my bike at the local lbs (where I believe they scoped me out as someone who would pay the crazy amount of $ I spent on it). The shop caters mostly to racers, but they do carry a decent line of all type of Giant bikes, along with a lot of "boutique" brands. But, I buy everything else online. Well, I buy the clothes on line, since I won't spend $40.00 on a pair of gloves (the shop's price) or $150.00 for a jersey. I will spend good money, but pretty much, I started buying at Terry when I started cycling, because they carry my size (x small) and a lot of places don't. I also buy from TE.
DH buys all of his parts, our tubes, etc. on line. He is an expert mechanic and we don't have to go to the shop for usual and most complicated maintenance or repairs. We do go to the shop for emergency type supplies, a tube here and there, or when our disc brakes on the mountain bikes break, because we don't have tools for those. My DH had to learn the mechanics when our son was racing; it was getting financially prohibitive to bring the bike in every time he needed something, after crashes, etc.
Now, if I wasn't married to a mechanical genius, I would work really hard to develop a good relationship with a shop mechanic. I feel that i was not treated that well by 2 of the 4 other shops I have dealt with, and they mostly spoke only to DH. The place I bought my Jamis was really cool, but it is not close enough for me to go there on a regular basis. I do run in to another LBS for small stuff, which is just as close as the one where I bought my bike. They are more family oriented, carry a wide variety of brands, and my son used to work there, so they know me well. But, the clothes are expensive and so are the parts.
We have referred quite a few people to the shop where we bought our bikes to buy bikes, and he will thank us, but that's about it.

[blackhillsbiker]

I guess I am the anomaly. I generally support local businesses and I did buy my bike at the local lbs (where I believe they scoped me out as someone who would pay the crazy amount of $ I spent on it). The shop caters mostly to racers, but they do carry a decent line of all type of Giant bikes, along with a lot of "boutique" brands.

There is one LBS I won't support here. The service/salespeople are terrible unless you are out to spend major $$. If not, you are just an inconvenience and relegated to the high school guy who works part time on weekends, if you can get him away from his friends long enough to get a bike down for you. Then you're on your own. They used to be a great shop, but they changed hands and everyone who was decent left.

[OakLeaf]

My opinion? In this economy, you'd be crazy to spend your money anywhere but locally.

Why in the world would I send any more of the money that's desperately needed where I live, to already-wealthy corporate executives and faraway places?

[Owlie]

The shop where I bought my bike is a 40-minute drive away, and I don't have a car, so when/if I can get there is dependent on other people. Would I like to spend money there? Yes, as they're nice guys and they do a good job. Even my bike shop-snob boyfriend (who spent the entire trip there holding his front wheel and saying "I doubt they have the appropriate equipment to true my billion-dollar wheel...") was impressed. Getting there, though, is just not practical. This means I do a lot of my shopping at a) another LBS, b) Performance, or c) online. Both the other LBS and Performance are accessible by bus (and as a student, I get an unlimited-use RTA pass for $25).

Most of the stuff I've purchased since buying my bike has been clothing or small accessories (computer, tail light). I bought my first pair of shorts at Performance (their house brand), but I've bought all the rest of my clothes online. The bike shops here have relatively limited selections of women's clothes, and what they do have is not something I'm willing to pay for--I don't NEED $70 shorts just yet. I have enough disposable income to bike, but I don't have enough that I can afford to pay shop prices for things I can get online for less.

Bottom line: Clothes I'll buy online. I feel more comfortable buying parts from the LBS.

[tctrek]

+1 on supporting your local bike shop. We go in our LBS and it's like visiting family. I know I can trust their advice and even if I don't buy anything, they know I'll be back. It's a win-win.

[Kiwi Stoker]

If I can buy locally I will.

However because NZ doesn't stock everything if there's something I need/want I cannot get here I buy it online. For example 700c 28 tyres for our tandem. Cycle clothing that's not just boring plain colours etc.

I totally understand that the market here and Australia is too small to have everything, so sadly the LBS will miss out.

[Crankin]

I have never felt like I was visiting family at any LBS I have bought bikes at. And while it IS better to support local shops, they just charge outrageous prices. Is supporting the extremely wealthy owner of the LBS where I bought my bike any better than supporting a wealthy owner in another city or state? This guy is loved by many, but disliked by just as large of a contingent. One of my physicians keeps going in there to look at bikes, and he is constantly being shown bikes that cost 10-15K, just because he is a doctor. He stopped looking. I have not experienced any of the special treatment I've read about here at any shop, large, small, family owned, or part of a local chain. Frankly, I am glad I don't have to deal with it, the same way I am glad I don't shop at department stores anymore and deal with them.

[tulip]

How did they know he was a doctor? Did he go in with a lab coat or something? Or do they ask you what your profession is?

I don't buy much stuff. Once a year I buy about 6 tubes for my Bike Friday from the company in Oregon because you can't get those tubes locally. I bought one jersey from TE this year, and it was one of the contest ones. But I don't buy other stuff. I don't need it.

Eventually I'll have to take my bikes in for some more serious maintenance than I do on my own, and that will be to a local shop. But none of them know me and they certainly don't know what I do. As if being a city planner would make an impression on anyone! (except for crazycanuck, of course)

[bluejellybean]

I fully support my LBS, I love the service and extra care, and shopping locally...however....when I can get something for a great discount, something unique that I can't get elsewhere, or anything he can't get in, it's online all the way...that being said, does anyone have any great websites you can share for gear, equipment, clothing, parts...

[arielmoon]

I love my LBS and support them as much as possible. I tend to get my clothing items from other places since their selection is very limited. I got my Giro helmet on amazon cause I saved about $50 and got the color I wanted. Everything else comes from the LBS. It is like a big family there and they are very good to me. The mechanics are my friends and I cant think of better friends to have!

[leithh]

I have never felt like I was visiting family at any LBS I have bought bikes at. And while it IS better to support local shops, they just charge outrageous prices. Is supporting the extremely wealthy owner of the LBS where I bought my bike any better than supporting a wealthy owner in another city or state? This guy is loved by many, but disliked by just as large of a contingent. One of my physicians keeps going in there to look at bikes, and he is constantly being shown bikes that cost 10-15K, just because he is a doctor. He stopped looking. I have not experienced any of the special treatment I've read about here at any shop, large, small, family owned, or part of a local chain. Frankly, I am glad I don't have to deal with it, the same way I am glad I don't shop at department stores anymore and deal with them.

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...

[Running Mommy]

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.