LBS prices..........an interesting slant on it.

[Smokin Joe]

I have always brought online as this is the age I was brought up in. Cheaper prices and I can easily check reviews for example. Last Friday however, I went to my LBS as I wanted to buy a new bike. I was fed up of buying from Halfords where I am given terrible advice (I was sold a 58cm bikes when I needed a 52cm) and build quality is terrible.

My LBS spent the time to talk though with me the many options, and when it came to choosing a bike, I was helped to pick a bike that was in my budget and something that best suit me. I expected to have the most expensive kit pushed towards me, but this did not happen. I could have brought a similar spec-ed bike for cheaper, but the service to me was worth the extra. I used to doubt LBS as all the ones I had been to previously were greatly more expensive, and seems to not worth if they got your service or not.

When the dust settles it is bike shops like this who will still be standing. If you can't match online prices you have to make up for it with the type of service that will have customers happy to come back.

 

[fabregas485]

When the dust settles it is bike shops like this who will still be standing. If you can't match online prices you have to make up for it with the type of service that will have customers happy to come back.

I am so happy, the shop has become my go to place on everything cycling.

 

[subaqua]

I've bought 4 bikes from my LBS and am about to buy some wheels. I buy some bits from them and other bits online.

Luckily I'm in a position where money is not critical and convenience wins. I also value their knowledge and expertise.

I think good LBS will survive, others will go. But this is true of many high street stores.

what is your LBS. I used to love the Bikeworks at the bottom end of Leytonstone but the rent got too much for the return. Bike Trax in Wanstead has always been iffy - 2010 I went in asking about a new 5 speed freewheel ( not a cassette ) for my aged bike and they tried to sell me a new bike- I don't mind upselling but that takes the biskwit. and last visit for a wheel truing and broken spoke replacement they had to retrieve the tyre from the bin out the back and then struggled to find skewer . not the best service .

the bike shop in Leyton on York Rd junction is OK , but charging to use the pump FFS guys .

 

[Markymark]

what is your LBS. I used to love the Bikeworks at the bottom end of Leytonstone but the rent got too much for the return. Bike Trax in Wanstead has always been iffy - 2010 I went in asking about a new 5 speed freewheel ( not a cassette ) for my aged bike and they tried to sell me a new bike- I don't mind upselling but that takes the biskwit. and last visit for a wheel truing and broken spoke replacement they had to retrieve the tyre from the bin out the back and then struggled to find skewer . not the best service .

the bike shop in Leyton on York Rd junction is OK , but charging to use the pump FFS guys .

It's one of those! The service I get seems very different to yours.

 

[subaqua]

It's one of those! The service I get seems very different to yours.

I guess its the Wanstead one then

have always been sneered at by the young guy in there, who is full of BS and seems to think most of us have no idea about anything mechanical. I thought it was just me but I watched the way he dealt with 2 people in front of me.

 

[Hacienda71]

I have found two types of LBS's around here. Some are happy to help with parts and repairs and tend to be run by local long time cyclists and give good advice, others are only interested in repairs if you bought your bike from them. They will sell you parts but don't seem bothered that you are a customer. They are run by business men and are trying to compete with the multiples like Evans. At least one of the latter has gone out of business and one I know struggles.

 

[Sandra6]

My not so local bikeshop has a dog, you don't get that on the internet.
I've never bought bits and pieces from the lbs I get a better deal at work, but when choosing a new bike I've found they're much more generous with adding in extras. With the two cubes for example we got two cateyes, bottles and cages, a pair of gloves and a rather nice altura jacket " thrown in"

 

[vickster]

I'm trying out a new LBS tomorrow for a service of my bike in preparation for ride London. I would have taken it home to Pearsons but they couldn't fit it in before the 5th August, 3 days late. Chap on the phone was helpful, I've looked at stuff there but never bought anything. Fiver cheaper than Pearsons but I'll have to drive there to drop off and collect the bike while the other is a 15 minute walk from home

Just bought some mitts in Evans ludgate hill. Good service, nice chap took the security tags off so I could try them on. And apparently I can use them and return within 90 days if not happy! My mitts are usually walking off by themselves after such use!

 

[coffeejo]

My not so local bikeshop has a dog, you don't get that on the internet.
I've never bought bits and pieces from the lbs I get a better deal at work, but when choosing a new bike I've found they're much more generous with adding in extras. With the two cubes for example we got two cateyes, bottles and cages, a pair of gloves and a rather nice altura jacket " thrown in"

There was A PUPPY!!!! at my LBS in the winter. Belonged to one of the lads who I think was called in for an extra shift but said the pup had to come too. It fit perfectly in my rack pack but I was caught redhanded.

 

[Sandra6]

First time I met willow she was a pup, she's all grown up now and still goes to work with her owner. She's always been too big to smuggle out though

 

[SpokeyDokey]

My not so local bikeshop has a dog, you don't get that on the internet.
I've never bought bits and pieces from the lbs I get a better deal at work, but when choosing a new bike I've found they're much more generous with adding in extras. With the two cubes for example we got two cateyes, bottles and cages, a pair of gloves and a rather nice altura jacket " thrown in"

Which pretty much flies in the face of the poor LBS not having any margin to play with - mixed message really.

 

[MacB]

When the dust settles it is bike shops like this who will still be standing. If you can't match online prices you have to make up for it with the type of service that will have customers happy to come back.

This - it's a chain(excuse the pun) and if they don't add value I don't use them. Am happy to spend more for any additional value I perceive. Parts and bits, I can spanner myself so will generally be online.

 

[tyred]

[QUOTE 3807903, member: 45"]Like I said, they're in Ireland.[/QUOTE]

Here's an experiment to carry out.

Go to Sandy Row in Belfast, enter a pub and tell the locals you are in Ireland.

I'll even give you a piece of advice - phone the ambulance in advance

 

[tyred]

The last time I used an LBS, I wanted a replacement headset for my Carlton. They didn't have any in stock, they'd order me one, Stronglight A9 okay, fine. Hopefully will be in tomorrow.

It took about 5 weeks before I got my headset.

I could have sat in the comfort of my own armchair without the hassle of going anywhere, ordered a Stronglight A9 headset, had it delivered directly to me within a day or two, paid less money for it for the same product with better service and would have avoided the hassle of constantly calling in/phoning the shop to see if the part that would be there tomorrow actually was.

Online every time for me.

 

[Dave7]

I want a new sprocket fitted (11-32 as against the 11-28 I have).
Went into LBS for a price and said yes. Phoned Thursday and was told "bring it in Monday and it will be ready by Wednesday".
Took it in Monday to be told it will be 7 days for them to get the sprocket