Edinburgh Bicycle Co-Op, Sheffield?

[KneesUp]

I noticed at the weekend that Edinburgh Bicycle Co-Op wasn't open, and imagined all sorts of scenarios where it might be possible that there were no key holders available to open up - perhaps one was on holiday and the other had been rushed to hospital and the third had their phone turned off, or something.

Anyway, I went past again today, and it's clearly closed down (and a quick google has confirmed it) - the signs are gone, and the unit is empty. I presume that other stores are doing ok, and that it was just the Sheffield one that was struggling?

I used to call in occasionally, but it never seemed to have much in the way of everyday parts, like brake blocks and cables - the stuff that wears out and that you go in to buy and then notice the other stuff you 'have' to have. It had a lot of handlebars, as I recall, and of course a lot of complete bikes - and a large service area (but A.E. Butterworth is around the corner, and surely you'd get him to service your bike instead?) It never felt quite 'right' as a shop to me, and I can't quite put my finger on why. Not enough parts, too much empty space (although it was nice to be able to walk in with your own bike rather than lock it up, although I'm not sure if you were 'supposed' to)

Did anyone on here go there? What are your thoughts? Wrong stock? Wrong location? Too much competition and someone had to go?

 

[winjim]

That part of town has Evans, JE James, Giant store, Halfords, EBC, not to mention AE Butterworth, all within about half a mile of each other, so massive competition. I went into EBC a few times but I don't recall buying much, I don't think they ever had anything I wanted. It's no great loss.

 

[Moodyman]

Never been to Sheffield, but have frequented the Leeds one often. I find EBC expensive vs their peers for parts. Even Halfords can be bargainous when they have their buy 2 for 3 type sales.

I guess being a cooperative EBC were always going to cost more. The thing is that their Revolution bikes are brilliant value for money and very well thought out. Maybe a little too sensible? The one in Leeds is popular with commuters and students - neither of which likes spending big bucks.

 

[Jenkins]

I got my Whyte from there (4hr drive each way!) and did notice the large amount of big name competition in the same area, plus Planet X the other side of the M1

 

[hatler]

Never been to Sheffield, but have frequented the Leeds one often. I find EBC expensive vs their peers for parts. Even Halfords can be bargainous when they have their buy 2 for 3 type sales.

I guess being a cooperative EBC were always going to cost more. The thing is that their Revolution bikes are brilliant value for money and very well thought out. Maybe a little too sensible? The one in Leeds is popular with commuters and students - neither of which likes spending big bucks.

How's that ? I have always reasoned that a co-operative would be cheaper because they have more of a level-wage ethos and they're not having to services leeches shareholders.

 

[KneesUp]

How's that ? I have always reasoned that a co-operative would be cheaper because they have more of a level-wage ethos and they're not having to services leeches shareholders.

Quite - it doesn't seem to hinder John Lewis.