Flat bar road bikes.

[Alun]

Well, obviously I can go elsewhere.

My comment was on what I see as the inflexibility of a business which imo is indicative of the state of many businesses in this country ie the inability to respond to a simple request to deviate slightly from the norm and thus secure a sale.

Truly, is it beyond the realms of the possible to order in a bar, shifters, levers for a bike building business to secure a sale?

Wasn't like I was asking them to build hang-glider or something else equally outside their usual remit.

I don't think it would be impossible for them to order the parts required, but that's not what they do. They specialize in drop barred road bikes and seem to be very successful doing just that. I can't see why people have a problem with this.

They do have a MTB/BMX section on their website, but seem to be out of stock on a lot of items. I think they probably tried that market but it didn't work for them, so they are just selling off the stock that they have. They closed the shop near the docks in Preston years ago.

 

[Globalti]

Ribble specialise in building mix 'n match bikes with your own choice from a limited range of components. I would imagine that at their warehouse they have a picker who goes along filling a basket with the bits you have ordered and a mechanic who then assembles your bike.

Knowing what you're good at doing and turning down the other work is the sign of a focussed business with experienced staff.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Must be me then with my unreasonable demands.

 

[rollinstok]

Must be me then with my unreasonable demands.

I'm unreasonable too
I recently asked a salesman at Halfords if they could swap the flat bar for a riser on a Boardman Hybrid Pro if I bought it
" Oh we cant do that.. we dont have a part number " he flustered
I realised the foolishness of my request and bought a bike from someone else instead
I confess that I always ask for extra salt on my chips too... ( and I hate rocking the boat usually ) I'm thinking of seeking some help