why are the local bike shops closing down?

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busdennis

Veteran
this is why
i always try and support my local shops but this morning he wants 15 quid for a chain i can buy on the internet for a fiver

internet wins
 

tyred

Legendary Member
Location
Ireland
I must admit to buying a lot of stuff online myself but in reality, you're not just paying for the part you buy, in a decent bike shop you're buying the knowledge and advice that is available FOC on how to fit and get the best out of the components you buy in the shop.
 

tyred

Legendary Member
Location
Ireland
And other things, if you have a bike with a missing seatpost, the best way to get a replacement is to take to an LBS and ask them to measure and try different posts from stock.

Got a threaded steerer with damaged threads - a decent bike shop will have the die to chase them.

Not 100% if a particular type of component will fit your frame - they will let you try it.

This type of thing is not available online without potentially expensive trial and error.

I would support my LBS more but I am usually looking for obsolete parts so Ebay is my friend.
 

Linford

Guest
this is why
i always try and support my local shops but this morning he wants 15 quid for a chain i can buy on the internet for a fiver

internet wins


You answered your own question.

Internet wins always against shops. Rent, rates, permi staff wages etc as opposed to someone operating out of their shed on the back of a full time job.....
 

Moodyman

Legendary Member
If you're lucky to have a good LBS, then they're worth the extra cost.

You just can't beat their specialist advice. There've been numerous times when I've done my research online and popped into a shop to buy an item. The shop asked why and what I'll be using it for and recommended an alternative product - often cheaper and usually better. Not been disappointed yet.

Having said that, there's another LBS who I found to be spectacularly presumptious and condescending should you ask the Whys and Whats.
 

marinyork

Resting in suspended Animation
Location
Logopolis
A fiver for a chain? Jeez I'm tight and poor but I'm not that bad :ohmy:. I think £15 is in the realms of acceptability.

Components have seen a price rise in the time I've being doing it,but I don't find my LBS's prices unacceptable. I'd pay fifteen for a chain that I could find for ten or twelve happily.
 

gambatte

Middle of the pack...
Location
S Yorks
Internet doesn't always win. I've been after a new bike lock. It's not got to be the dogs, bit it needs to be decent. Works shifting bikes outdoors, under a shelter. So I need a lock. But it's also a secure service yard.
Internet was OK, but yesterday going into my LBS - end of line bargain bin, with some seriously reduced, heavy duty security. Winner!
 

Moodyman

Legendary Member
extra cost is ok. 200% is not

I can't comment as I don't know what chain you bought, but you can't go wrong with chains if you buy the right speed for your bike.

However, try buying the right front derailleur or clothing or seatpost and it soon becomes evident why LBS's extra cost is worth the hassle of returning wrongly ordered items to online sellers.

When I go my local bike shop, I often pick up extras for free - cable ends, nuts n bolts, washers.
 

Nearly there

Veteran
Location
Cumbria
I think my lbs is reasonably priced and always offers advice on anything bought or asked,yes i do buy fromt t'internet too but try and buy local if possible
 

YahudaMoon

Über Member
this is why
i always try and support my local shops but this morning he wants 15 quid for a chain i can buy on the internet for a fiver

internet wins

My local bike shop sells stuff that ain't stolen / broken through cheating lying sellers. As could be from fleabay

Also my LBS sells stuff you can't get on wiggle / evans, like specialist l / limited parts that are used at the local track league / cycling clubs

I get excellent customer service and don't have to spend weeks sending and receiving parts that don't fit if I was to buy online.

The price is maybe £5 + difference over £50. Sometimes the same or cheaper

LBS wins

As for closing down, I don't know about that, maybe your local bike shop is poor ? My local bike shop has just recently opened another shop
 
The LBS's around here seem to aprpeciate they need to come to the pricing party to compete against online, and on the whole they will usually have a deal with you IME.

You simply can't compare a physical shop against a faceless industrial unit for the reasons already cited.

I'm all for the knowledge and wisdom that an LBS can provide, but if your LBS won't negotiate find another one that will :thumbsup:
 

MrJamie

Oaf on a Bike
I cant remember the last time I went into an actual bike shop - it must be over 2 years, even bought my bike online. If I want something then theres usually something close enough online with a big discount on it, vastly cheaper than an LBS and I find modern bikes easy and fun to work on.
 
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