budget dilemma

[JohnRedcoRn]

considering the current ecomnomic climate ;

do i support my local businesses (bike shop) and spend a few quid more on some kit (rack bag)

or do i go to halfords and save a few pounds.

i wouldnt buy a bike from halfords, but that few quid is a serious consideration these days.

this is a real dilemma ; i strongly believe in supporting the 'little man' in the face of the big chains, but sometimes the family finances have to come first.

(sorry i posted this in another thread too but i'm seeking some quick answers before i decide)

 

[Willow]

For me buying a bag it would depend on who had the one I wanted and how convenient either shop was to me. Halfords is half hour drive, bike shop 10 minute cycle in my case.

 

[Arch]

Being on a budget myself, I quite understand the dilemma. I'd probably go to Halfords, because it might be the difference between being able to have the thing, and not being able to.

I suppose there are plenty of things where the LBS is competitive, so maybe decide you'll get those there... Or that you'll go to them for any really big purchase, where you need decent service....

 

[upsidedown]

In my experience LBS are good for mechanicals, bike advice and purchase and consumables. Internet retailers win for a large ranges of luggage and clothing, often heavily discounted.

My local bike shop carries hardly any expensive stock other than bikes. The big internet sellers are someone's local business, so don't feel too bad about using them.

 

[andyfromotley]

depends how much u value your lbs. If you like it a lot then swallow the difference and give them the business. If your indeifferent to them then halfords it is.
andy

 

[4F]

My father and father in law both work at bike huts in halfrauds (different stores). They can get me an additional 10 percent discount however I still would rather use one of my local LBS's

 

[vernon]

considering the current ecomnomic climate ;

do i support my local businesses (bike shop) and spend a few quid more on some kit (rack bag)

this is a real dilemma ; i strongly believe in supporting the 'little man' in the face of the big chains, but sometimes the family finances have to come first.

Whose absence will have the greatest impact on your cycling needs?

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

thanks. for the sake of a fiver i have to go with the LBS ; ITS on my way home from work, the service is second to none and i do have strong feelings about the whole cheap and convenient culture - supermarkets and out of town retail parks (which you cant walk or cycle to) complex issue yes but theres a high social price for cheapness and convenience - its debate for another time but i think we need a culture reversal - grow our own produce, less dependance on cars ...i could go on all night on a socio-political soapbox.
but for now, i'd be a hippocryte to go to halfords, and the extra fiver is worth it for many reasons in the grand scheme of things. thanks folk, reminded me of my principles...by the way, hope its not against forum rules but while we;re on the subject can i recommend BREEZE BIKES of amble. no affiliation, just a satisfied customer.
now i'll have to decide between a rather nice streamlined looking rackpack with one compartment with detatcheble dividers or a more square looking one which has more pockets, for a penny less.(both altura, £25 and £24.99) clearly cycling has not cured my indecisiveness. bugger.