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

[SpokeyDokey]

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

Wiggle:

Chain whip, cassette extractor (piddly chunk of metal that you use with a handy wrench that you already have) and a new cassette. Probably cheaper to get that lot than have your LBS do it.

NB: you may need a new chain (longer). Get that and a chain splitter.

Whole job will take 20 minutes tops. Feel like a hero!

 

[Milkfloat]

Wiggle:

Chain whip, cassette extractor (piddly chunk of metal that you use with a handy wrench that you already have) and a new cassette. Probably cheaper to get that lot than have your LBS do it.

NB: you may need a new chain (longer). Get that and a chain splitter.

Whole job will take 20 minutes tops. Feel like a hero!

You may also need a new rear mech too. Medium cage.

 

[Dave7]

Wiggle:

Chain whip, cassette extractor (piddly chunk of metal that you use with a handy wrench that you already have) and a new cassette. Probably cheaper to get that lot than have your LBS do it.

NB: you may need a new chain (longer). Get that and a chain splitter.

Whole job will take 20 minutes tops. Feel like a hero!

Soooo tempting.
But really............my nickname at home is Mr Bean
I am just so worried it would end in chaos.

 

[Pale Rider]

As with all buying to resell, it's the buying that is the skilful bit, not the selling.

Many of the carded accessories have very good margins - if the shop buys at the right price.

To use tyres as an example, at the start of this season the manager of my local bike shop agreed a forward stocking plan with Schwalbe in return for extra discount.

On the flip side, he would rather be 'out of stock' on something for a few weeks than pay too much for it.

The shop gives me - and I'm sure many other customers - a bit of discount here and there, so the prices are about the same as online, sometimes a bit cheaper.

A lot of bits - tyres, chains and the like - are offered with fitting included.

Valueless to those who like to do it themselves, but an attraction to me.

There's no doubt the arrival of the internet has been a challenge to the shop, but as with any business, those who know what they are doing are capable of adapting and will survive.

Running a local bike shop will not make you a millionaire, but there's still a decent living to be had.

 

[mythste]

I work outside of what I would consider my "local" area, and the Liverpool LBS' seem to be between okay and good as far as my experience goes so far.

Having said that, A shop thats local to my work (wild rides in stockton heath) caught wind that some of the staff were doing a charity ride so agreed to come and do free services for anyone at my work as long as they could have a small stand saying that they accepted cycle to work vouchers. Stellar business and wonderful service. I know were I'm going first next time I need anything.