Bike Shop, Fantasy vs. Reality

[tulip]

Jamis bikes--woman-owned company.

And Breezers, to get women out on bikes who are afraid of dropped bars and the fast scene.

[susiej]

First I'll agree with Sydney_B: "I have this wild idea that if women knew they could look a-ok while riding, they might put more time on their bike." I did a 15-mile ride in Lancaster three years ago with my close friend and my husband's bike partner (hubby's knee was wonky, friend's wife didn't bike). She was surprised by the "cute" outfits in fun colors for women. Two years ago she rode a six-mile ride in Lancaster with me. We're getting her there!

Back to bike shops! What I like about my LBS:
* Friendly, informative, helpful, pleasant, respectful (vs. condescending). They make change for the meters; they adjust seats.
* Location: They are a mile or so from Forbidden Dr., one of the most popular trails in Philly (forbidden to traffic, that is), a block from the Valley Forge Trail, and across the street from a soft serve ice cream place.
* Three years of free (or cheap) annual tune-ups (or, three annual tune-ups) when you buy a bike.
* Local guide books for sale
* Bike rentals (or they used to)

They are also half ski shop, which probably pays the bills in winter! For a while they partnered with a local chain, now they do it themselves.

Even if this is a woman-oriented shop, some men's apparel might be good. Men's gloves fit me better than women's. Another woman poster mentioned she prefers men's jerseys because of her shoulders. Plus, it would give the men something to do.

I also wish my LBS had a wider selection of kid trailers, because we're in the market for one. I've seen good and bad about Burley, but would really like to compare. On the other hand, I don't like equating women and children. Every day in and out of my building I pass a portrait of Dr. So-and-So, Professor of Women's and Children's Diseases, 18XX.

Lots of accessories, to encourage customers to keep spending money -- men and women!

--SJ

[susiej]

Jamis bikes--woman-owned company.

And Breezers, to get women out on bikes who are afraid of dropped bars and the fast scene.

Or the Trek Navigator or commuter series. Also good when your knees hit your tummy on the upstroke!

This is just such a cool idea!

--SJ

[sarahkonamojo]

It is very competitive out there.

I'd suggest emphasizing fit and customer service. Fit the odd balls tall, short, fat, thin, short legs, long bodies, long legs, short bodies. It is easy enough to find a bike that fits if you are in the middle of the bell curve... Maybe partner with a local frame builder. And cool bikes for kids: road bikes and fs mtbs. Although my LBS doesn't stock many bikes that fit me, I do appreciate that they have women working there. I feel comfortable dealing with the women in the shop. The guys are ok, too.

Clothing for women! and the big guys! Don't we all like looking good when out on the road or trail! Most LBSes have a small inventory and yes I've got a lot of PI shorts already.

Allow demos of bikes. You might go far in winter renting the xc and snowshoes, as well as selling.

Best of luck with your dream. Hope it becomes a reality.

SKM

[Jo-n-NY]

In the area of percentage of certain make bikes, Trek is talking about wanting their dealers to carry 80% of "Trek" in their store. They also own Gary Fisher and as mentioned Lemond, but I am not sure if they are included in the 80%. Plus they are beginning to open up Trek Concept stores even if it is near a Trek dealer. Besides the fact that Trek takes a nice percentage of sales from their dealers.

Some might call it good business but ideas like this would kill a smaller dealer and for that I call it greediness on the companies part. Just my opinion.

[bcipam]

In the area of percentage of certain make bikes, Trek is talking about wanting their dealers to carry 80% of "Trek" in their store. They also own Gary Fisher and as mentioned Lemond, but I am not sure if they are included in the 80%. Plus they are beginning to open up Trek Concept stores even if it is near a Trek dealer. Besides the fact that Trek takes a nice percentage of sales from their dealers.

Some might call it good business but ideas like this would kill a smaller dealer and for that I call it greediness on the companies part. Just my opinion.

I totally agree!!! I don't see this as a good thing at all! Because of that I refuse partonize Trek (even though I own a Lemond and a Fisher - both bought before the "evil empire" acquired the companies).

[Geonz]

Agree - I wouldn't want to *narrow* things to only women... the idea is that you're *expanding* the market to reach the people that the regular LBS isn't going to reach.
Trying to think like a marketer here: you want people to think they will be the special, individual customer and whatever their "special" situation - you will work with them.
To me, what's going to bring me back to a shop is listening to what I want and not filtering that through "this is how *I* define cycling." Don't inform me that I will want a road bike in six months so I might as well get one now; perhaps suggest that I try one, perhaps mention that this is what happens to many people... but if I want a hybrid, don't keep telling me I don't (especially if you haven't even asked me where I'm planning to ride!).
A bike shop simply can't compete with Wally World price wise so you have to offer something they can't.

[Bike Goddess]

Maybe TREK is a Starbuck's wannabe!

[bcipam]

Oh lordy, a Trek store on every corner and still nothing in one I want to buy!