Use it or lose it - LBS

[NotSoBigBen]

So what do you guys and girls think?

 

http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/use-it-or-lose-it-you-ll-miss-bike-shops-when-they-re-gone/019293#comments

[Kranswurm]

So what do you guys and girls think?

 

http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/use-it-or-lose-it-you-ll-miss-bike-shops-when-they-re-gone/019293#comments

I understand fully having owned a bike shop in Cape Town.

I stiil use my local Finish Line for buying parts etc,and will also support Mikes Bikes when I need that major service /rebuild  once a year on my new Pyga.

[ZakAttak]

Funny thing is, I can fix my own bike better than any bike mechanic can! Thanx, I'll stick to buying online....

[Friedpiggy]

As a new entrant to the cycling game, I have yhe following observations.

 

1-I can fix minor things myself but enjoy having my LBS nearby for the major things.

2-My LBS are a friendly bunch. Always a greeting and advice is freely and enthusiastically given.

3-Some online prices are better, but my LBS usually fits that ngs for me for free or explauns exactly how to do it.

 

In summary, I do things the other way round. I shop around online to find what I need/want and then go see my LBS to buy/order it.

[Sepia]

As a new entrant to the cycling game, I have yhe following observations.

 

1-I can fix minor things myself but enjoy having my LBS nearby for the major things.

2-My LBS are a friendly bunch. Always a greeting and advice is freely and enthusiastically given.

3-Some online prices are better, but my LBS usually fits that ngs for me for free or explauns exactly how to do it.

 

In summary, I do things the other way round. I shop around online to find what I need/want and then go see my LBS to buy/order it.

We must be using the same bike shop.

[Friedpiggy]

Chainworx at Glenore centre. Awesome bunch of guys.

[Pikey]

I couldn't do without my lbs.. Buy very little from online shops. Not the easiest thing to find and build a good relationship with your local. And get on with the owner,so he gets you.

 

But am super stoked to have found the one shop that seems to fit my needs

[PietSw]

I like to hold the thing in my hand before I buy it... Especially with things like clothing, I first like to fit it since I never buy on size anymore... a Chinese Large is different from a US large is different from a European large...

 

As far as parts go... I have experienced prices similar and lower than online retailers at my LBS Super Stoked Cycles in Alberton. Plus If I need a new chain today, I need it today.... 

 

If I buy parts online, I either have to fit it myself (and I'm long not lus for that anymore) or pay the LBS to fit it anyway (which they will do for free if I buy it from them).

 

Will support my LBS as much as I can.... 

[EmptyB]

Definitely prefer the LBS...I want to physically see what I'm buying, not a picture on the Internet!!

 

I'm also not a fan of any major repairs or replacements myself...gladly look at the part at the LBS, buy it and let them fit it!

[Martin PJ]

Definitely agree with this. I am price conscious and buy a lot on line. If my bike shop can supply the same thing for slightly higher price, then I will buy it from them.

 

I reckon a 30 to 50 % mark up over an on line price is realistic. I am willing to pay more for less risk, i.e. making sure it is the correct size and being able to return it easily if there is something wrong. With on line purchases there is always the risk you buy the wrong size and returning things is difficult if there are warranty problems.

 

Sometimes for smaller things in the local bike shop the mark ups can be 200 to 400 %, then I buy it on line. Rather take a chance.

[Brickleberry]

please! JHB bike shops are massive empty "online portals" with no stock "but I can order it and I'll have it in 2 days " attitude. When lbs shops actually have stock to retail , thy will get the sale more often than not. But they almost never have stock.

[Friedpiggy]

While I understand the dislike for the "I will order it" concept, you also need to realize that the exact same thing happens with online stores. Quite a few of them only order from the supplier once you order from them.

 

Your LBS is also bound by the size of their store, yes they could easily stock a couple of everything but then they would need a store the size of a warehouse and the rent alone would kill them.

 

My lot have a decent selection of the most common items and a 2 day turnaround on most of the items they need to order. for me that is way worth it. Also their prices are flippen good compared to the online stores.

 

No way the LBS is going to die out any time soon I think, too many people still want to hold an item before ordering. The other part is that with courier companies being what they are, I would rather be able to inspect an item for damage than rely on some minimum wage driver to take the corners slowly so my new deep section wheelset doesn't fly into the side of a van at 100 kmh thanks