If you could own your own bike shop...

[nuliajuk]

My dream bike shop would have lots of test saddles that people could sign out, not just in the most expensive models. A fitter on site. Bike sizes for both extremes - very tall men also have trouble finding bikes that fit. Regular free classes for basic maintenance such as tire changes, to free up the mechanics for more complicated repairs. And frames with build option packages. For example, something like the Soma Buena Vista mixte with a road build option, an internally geared option, and a general purpose derailleur gear option.
If it were here in Saskatoon, I'd definitely offer a lot of cyclocross bikes. They seem to be the default road bike here, due to the road conditions.

[shootingstar]

Not only locate the bike shop right by a major bike path/bike lane or signed bike route, but make sure it is within 1-2 blocks of several of these places that naturally draw people who could be/are cycling folks:

grocery store (doesn't have to be big box, just one that lots of people go to)
daycare
school
community centre which has fitness facilities and other activities
ice cream/gelato stop or coffee shop I don't expect coffee nor edible place in a bike shop. It's too hard to mix those 2 very different businesses together within 1 roof.

Are such bike stores located in such areas? Absolutely YES some bike shops, in Vancouver and Toronto, particularily those in the downtown core.


****Now would a bunch of guys, owning a bike shop, who don't have children think this? Maybe. The probably want to be a cool spot for team kitted roadies, bike wheelie mtb bikers. Fine. But that's not the whole world and it won't expand your market share.

My point is people are fitting into their schedule, all kinds of tasks and if they can go to the bike store, bank/another store, etc. nearby, even better in 1 geographic sweep/stop.

Love the idea of borrowing a saddle for 14 days or something like that. A saddle library. (Well there are toy libraries..)

A bike pump with a pressure gauge, permanently installed OUTSIDE the bike store (as well, as inside the store for the winter).

Sell floor bike pumps that aren't sheot and don't require superman strength. (I did find one. Zefal. Sorry Lezyme pump just bummed me out ...and my partner too. Who is more mechanically inclined than I am.)

[antimony]

Plus-sized gear that people can actually try on. Men's, too, what the heck. Maybe a multi-sport outdoor gear in all sizes thing -- even if it was less bike-specific. With in-house tailoring that knows how to work with technical fabrics, for people with shapes that need it.

[Jolt]

Good thread! I suppose my shop would be in the downtown area of a smaller city with a lot of cyclists and would cater to utility/commuter/touring cyclists more so than racing types. There would be refurbished used bikes along with new ones, and lots of accessories to make bikes more useful for everyday transportation--racks, panniers, trailers, fenders, lights etc. A mix of men and women on staff, with people who are knowledgeable about fitting and helping people choose the right bike for their style of riding. Ability to get parts in quickly so the turnaround time for repairs is kept to a minimum. Classes on riding safely in traffic, how to use a bike for transportation, and basic maintenance/repairs. I would try to stock bikes in a wide range of sizes so shorter or taller people can test ride. As far as clothing goes, I would definitely carry Ibex! Maybe a section for clothing consignment as well.

ETA: As far as brands for new bikes, probably Surly and Jamis. Maybe others as well but definitely those two--nice versatile steel-framed bikes.

[shootingstar]

There would be refurbished used bikes along with new ones, and lots of accessories to make bikes more useful for everyday transportation--racks, panniers, trailers, fenders, lights etc.

This would work, especially if the bike store rented some bikes. Then they could sell off the bikes in the fall at a steep discount.

I second the idea that for women, carry some non-cycling clothing in the store, but made with technical fabrics for sweat-wicking/comfort, etc. For example: For cycling short distances, for a lot of women I am certain it is NOT necessary to wear a skort that has padded shorts. I mean how else do women in the Netherlands and Denmark cycle for transportation: in cycling padded shorts?? Come on...

So carry some running skorts in a women's bike apparel section. Why not? As for non-cycling jerseys, at least tops with a pocket for keys. I mean seriously I need my key fob to get into communal bike cage at work, to get into underground parking garage at home...

[Jolt]

Good idea about having rentals...this would be particularly good in an area that has a lot of tourists.

[Sky King]

Good thread! I suppose my shop would be in the downtown area of a smaller city with a lot of cyclists and would cater to utility/commuter/touring cyclists more so than racing types. There would be refurbished used bikes along with new ones, and lots of accessories to make bikes more useful for everyday transportation--racks, panniers, trailers, fenders, lights etc. A mix of men and women on staff, with people who are knowledgeable about fitting and helping people choose the right bike for their style of riding. Ability to get parts in quickly so the turnaround time for repairs is kept to a minimum. Classes on riding safely in traffic, how to use a bike for transportation, and basic maintenance/repairs. I would try to stock bikes in a wide range of sizes so shorter or taller people can test ride. As far as clothing goes, I would definitely carry Ibex! Maybe a section for clothing consignment as well.

ETA: As far as brands for new bikes, probably Surly and Jamis. Maybe others as well but definitely those two--nice versatile steel-framed bikes.

Jolt, if you are ever in Boise, you will have to come see us. 2/3 of what you said describes our shop but as we are small we only stock Surly's, no room for refurbished although we do keep a list of used for sale by cusomters and don't carry clothes