Buy local - Support local industry - Rant

[Sepia]

Right, so I ordered a wheelset from a local shop that sells online, in the Cape.

The same day, I ordered items from CRC.

The latter was delivered on the second business day after the order was placed. I don't think the wheels have even shipped yet.

 

Crazy to think that something can get to my door from the UK in a third (and counting) of the time it takes to get it from the Cape.

 

Edit - a follow-up email later and I've been informed they just shipped. So doubt I'll get them this week still.

Love stories like this.  SA must still learn about service.

 

I ordered a frame from the UK, paid for it and within seven days I was riding it!

[PhilipV]

that IS very interesting and EXPENSIVE.

 

LBS said that "some dampers last and some don't.......your's didn't".

 

 

BTW, mine was leaking oil out the seal, so it was damaged in some way (and not a fake repair).

Surely that must be a warranty claim?

 

I broke the rebound knob of my fox 32 while tuning the (Still fresh and new) fork. I took a chance and phoned the supplier (omnico,) asked for the workshop and chatted to a guy about it and why it broke. Sometimes it is because of rust or dirt ingress. When he learned that it was a fork on a new bike he immediately asked me to send it in via my lbs with a copy of the invoice as it should not happen and he will warranty it.

I took the fork off the bike, dropped it at my lbs on the Monday and it was back by Thursday. Friday I was riding again. No charge. Not even for the courier. I would have been out of pocket had it been a crc order.

 

I just returned from a local bike shop, bought 4 sets of brake pads and a chain St less than what I would have it from a local online store or even an overseas one.

And another local store has cool stuff like waterproof socks, weird chain devices that don't cost an arm and a leg and I can try it on my bike before buying it. That kite won't fly online.

 

Sometimes you miss the boat when you only buy local, and sometimes you miss it if you only buy from online. I am friends with people in 2 of our shops. Ride with them, Braai with them, screwing up that friendship for a couple of bucks doesn't sir well with me. So sometimes some discernment is needed.

[Halfdoesyn]

Surely that must be a warranty claim?

 

I broke the rebound knob of my fox 32 while tuning the (Still fresh and new) fork. I took a chance and phoned the supplier (omnico,) asked for the workshop and chatted to a guy about it and why it broke. Sometimes it is because of rust or dirt ingress. When he learned that it was a fork on a new bike he immediately asked me to send it in via my lbs with a copy of the invoice as it should not happen and he will warranty it.

I took the fork off the bike, dropped it at my lbs on the Monday and it was back by Thursday. Friday I was riding again. No charge. Not even for the courier. I would have been out of pocket had it been a crc order.

 

I just returned from a local bike shop, bought 4 sets of brake pads and a chain St less than what I would have it from a local online store or even an overseas one.

And another local store has cool stuff like waterproof socks, weird chain devices that don't cost an arm and a leg and I can try it on my bike before buying it. That kite won't fly online.

 

Sometimes you miss the boat when you only buy local, and sometimes you miss it if you only buy from online. I am friends with people in 2 of our shops. Ride with them, Braai with them, screwing up that friendship for a couple of bucks doesn't sir well with me. So sometimes some discernment is needed.

Well said. Horses for courses.