Bike shops. They are gold. Better said – they should be valued like gold. Today you can buy a bike and/or bike stuff from your computer. The bike shop additionally provides knowledge/wisdom. Do you pay more? Often, you do. You are paying for that knowledge. Please, allow me to go further.
Let us consider a common situation. You walk in a bike shop. You have a problem with your bike and are not sure how to fix it and/or what part you need. The shop guy stops what he is doing, looks at it and says that you need XXX. Then he asks, “Do you want me to get that part for you?” I know, you wonder why he does not have it in stock. They try; they have many items in stock, but there are so many options now. Think simply about chains. What speed, brand, and level of quality? Just 3 questions. The options grow exponentially. There are 6 different speeds (really 9 if you stock all possible options), 4 different brands and 5 different levels of quality. Look at that matrix. Have just one of each and you have a stack of chains. That is just chains.
Back to the story. You have two choices. Say Yes or No. You believe you can buy that part cheaper online. You might even be able to put it on yourself because you now know what part to order and – YouTube. You did not know what part you needed when you walked in that shop. Maybe you were uncertain and did not want to take the risk of getting the wrong part. If you leave and order the part online you are taking advantage of that bike shop person’s kindness. They told you what you needed and did not charge you for that knowledge. Does your attorney treat you the same? Your accountant? Your doctor will make you set up an appt just to get an opinion (and you pay for that appt and get nothing done except another appt). Most of the trades (plumber, electrician, contractor) even charge for an estimate. It is just how it is.
The bike shop owner could have said, “Sure let me look at it,” then told you for $XX he would tell you what part you needed. You would most likely have been insulted. Why? He has knowledge that you need. He cannot give it away for free. Often online places are selling you parts at a similar price that poor shop is paying for the parts, then they must add to the price to stay in business. Online places are not looking at your bike and advising you. Do they FaceTime/Skype you and take their time to speak to you about options? You must know what you want when you order. If you get it wrong … that is on you.
You are getting knowledge and service from your local shop. You are also getting convenience. I hear you. I can sit at the comfort of my desk and order that part from my computer and get it here in 3 days. The bike shop is not close, they need to order it, but it will take longer than 3 days to get it in. I know – do you now understand the tough dynamics of that business? We want them there. We want them to help us when we want, but we want to make other choices when it is more convenient/cheap.
Loyalty? The bike shop has committed to the community – shall we commit to the bike shop?
If you know what to order and do not need your bike shop at all; then I guess you are fine with the bike shop closing and you can just order online. My guess is the bike shop provides you knowledge on parts, probably organizes local rides, keeps consumable items in stock, are your friends and helps lobby for infrastructure. Not sure what yours does, but I suspect it is more than you know. Consider supporting them when you can.
I like the local bike shop. I would like to have the resources to support them more. I remember in the past I was at a local shop, buying bearings (back then you could actually repair components), and I stepped aside for my friend to help another. When that person was finished, I commented, “Wow, that was a big bag.” My buddy says, “Yeah, we have those. You always buy bearings, so you get the little bags.” He was correct. At the time I was in graduate school. No money for accessories. Thankfully components were repairable at the time, and I had that skill. I was not the guy financially supporting his shop. I did what I could. I went on club rides and recommended the shop. I raced for the team and supported the shop through advertising. I worked on my own bike and bought parts (back then bearings fixed most things). Bike shops need people that are buying bikes, getting services, buying accessories and more.
What I am saying is – please value your local shop. In any manner that you are able. And please, do not misuse the kindness your shop extends to you.
Rather, what can you do to help support the shop? Well, a gift certificate is a great gift for your spouse, relative, friend, significant other. Even your enemy would appreciate a gift certificate. What cyclist would be unhappy with a gift certificate for bike stuff from their local shop? Cyclist happy. Gift giver happy. Bike shop happy. And they all lived happily ever after. Nice.
