What do you think will happen to the UK bike retail industry?

[Dogtrousers]

Not long ago I wanted a new group set (well, not Inc brakes, just levers/drivetrain) fitted to my bike. Far too much faff for me to want to do myself. The approach my LBS took re parts was for me to find the best online price (it was Merlin) and they charged me that + labour. But they sourced the parts themselves.

 

[Pblakeney]

Price matched. Makes sense.

 

[DCLane]

CHPT3 looks to have been saved by Factor bikes' founder - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/david-millars-clothing-brand-chpt3-saved-by-factor-founder

But Cycle Gear in Halifax has closed - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079190593839

 

[simongt]

I had the GLWs Brompton M6 serviced at a 'green' bike shop a while ago. Took the bike in went across the road to a caff whilst said bike shop checked the M6 over then the gave me a printout list of the parts needed, suggesting SJS Cycles to order them from as this LBS isn't a Brompton agent, but they service Bromptons anyway and from experience, I don't trust the local Evans Cycles who are.
Parts ordered, took the M6 back at the arranged date, with parts asked for and job done - !

 

[kingrollo]

Bizarre experience with my recumbent recently - I couldn't fathom how to get the headset tight. Emailed HP Velotechinc (big recumbent bike/trike manufacturer) - they said they were unable to supply instructions or help in anyway - because the headset related to the steering - and any misunderstanding of the instructions by myself could cause a fatal accident for which they would be liable.

What a load of old bollards! - numerous shops give advice, provide videos, and general tips - similar to the above nation that ships can't fit parts supplied by customer for legal reasons - load of rubbish.

Mobile mechanic sorted the headset and showed me how to do it for future ref.

 

[classic33]

CHPT3 looks to have been saved by Factor bikes' founder - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/david-millars-clothing-brand-chpt3-saved-by-factor-founder

But Cycle Gear in Halifax has closed - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079190593839

That's my local go to shop gone.

 

[classic33]

Their online business is going as well as their physical shop.
I think I remain the only person to take a quadracycle into them, in their New Road shop.

 

[lip03]

It's absolutely awful! I'm just coming back to commuting after a long hiatus and spent Wednesday browsing a few local shops to gather a few bits, Evans, go outdoors, decathlon and a local independent had absolutely nothing on the shelves! Maybe half a dozen helmets across all disciplines, one rack of clothing and very little else it was a disheartening experience, how the hell are you expected to spend over £100 on a helmet without even being able to try the bloody thing on!? The guy in Evan said "you can just order it online and return it if you don't like it" okay buddy I'll spend weeks buying and returning kit at my expense rather than half hour in a shop and walking out with what I want 🤯 it's all gone to pot

 

[rydabent]

Being in the UK recently I was able to visit a few retailers to buy a few things and get an idea of how they were doing.
It wasn't a very hopeful scene.
I visited Evans, J E James and Halfords, all in Sheffield.
While James had a few customers while I was there the other sites were very quiet. I was in Evans in a Saturday which should be their busiest day and just one other person was there besides me. The shop was stocked to the ceiling and offers abounded but it seems no one was buying. Halfords was very quiet too and nobody looking at bikes besides me.
So can the industry ride out this hiatus and survive or will more retailers and distributors go to the wall or will the way bikes are sold radically change.
What do you think?

I dont know about England of course, but here in the US, the bike business is booming, because of electric bikes. You now see them everywhere, and many are now ridden by couples that have never been seen on a bike since they were kids.

 

[ianrauk]

I dont know about England of course, but here in the US, the bike business is booming, because of electric bikes. You now see them everywhere, and many are now ridden by couples that have never been seen on a bike since they were kids.

It's the same here in the UK. My local bike store close to work has jumped right in with electric bikes. He said he's never been busier.

 

[classic33]

CHPT3 looks to have been saved by Factor bikes' founder - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/david-millars-clothing-brand-chpt3-saved-by-factor-founder

But Cycle Gear in Halifax has closed - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079190593839

I'm wondering if Chevin Cycles may be next. Same family own them.

 

[classic33]

CHPT3 looks to have been saved by Factor bikes' founder - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/david-millars-clothing-brand-chpt3-saved-by-factor-founder

But Cycle Gear in Halifax has closed - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079190593839

Got told tonight, by someone who said he knew better than the owners, and that it closed today after 40 years at its current location.
It was still on New Road 20 years ago.

 

[markharry66]

locally there used to be three bike shops, now all gone. Only shops are cycle repairs having used them I dont think they will have long left as service is abysmal. I have been buying cycle parts from halfords or decahtlon. Added bonus for me is decthalon is ten miles cycle ride any exuse

 

[wiggydiggy]

I'd been having consistantly good service from my LBS for a while, but one of the owners is very bad tempered sometimes and I really CBA with wondering if I'm going to get my head bitten off anytime I disagree with anything they do or say. I'm sure they'll be fine but now I've got the rack fitted I think I'll be expanding my LBS range a little.

 

[Drago]

Giant in Newport Pagnell have closed.

Roy Pink owned the shop and the franchise, and now he's sadly passed it doesn't look as if any of his boys are keen to run the whole thing on their own.