We’re often told that we should “Buy Locally”, and for many reasons this makes sense, but why should you support your local bike shop?
I’m not a bike shop owner, I’m a cyclist. When I grew up in the 70s and 80s, my family was involved in sailing and despite living in a city which was as far from the coast as you can be, there were at least three chandleries, supplying all manner of sailing paraphernalia, ranging from entire boats, trailers and clothing all the way to little widgets and pieces of rope. Now in that same city, there are no chandleries and any sailor wanting a new piece of kit or clothing has to drive many miles or revert to the internet.
In this same city in the 70s and 80s, there were many bikes shops too. I loved visiting these shops, stacked floor to ceiling with shiny chrome and colourful frames and full of cyclists chatting about their sport. Sadly the number of shops has reduced significantly and unless we all support our local bike shop, we may lose it forever.
Internet only retailers have advantages over the traditional “Bricks and Mortar” cycling shops. Their premises can be out of town, reducing their overheads. Their potential customer-base is global. They can carry a wider range of stock. Lower overheads, greater turnover, and wide stock range can lead to lower prices (although this is not always the case).
However, your local bike shop has many benefits over the internet retailers, you just need to use these advantages.
- Buy today – need a spare inner tube or energy gel for today’s ride. If your shop is open you can drop in, buy what you need and still enjoy your ride.
- Get advice – is there an irritating creak from your bike? Want to know the difference between similar pieces of equipment? Your local bike shop will be staffed by cycling enthusiasts who will be only too happy to share their knowledge.
- You can try on numerous options from a range of manufacturers. Need a new pair of shoes? Visit your local shop, try on numerous pairs before making a decision. You can’t do that via the internet.
- Aftersales – You’ve bought your new bike, you’ve ridden it a few times. Once everything has had chance to bed-in, your local bike shop will offer to give it a service; tighten any stretched cables, check for any loose bolts, ensure you’re comfortable. You won’t get that from an internet retailer.
- Coffee and a chat – Cycling is a social activity, I meet friends on the road, at the coffee shop and also in our local bike shop. The staff there are cyclists too and they love to chat and will often get the kettle on. Good luck in getting an internet retailer to make you a brew!
Many bike shops are reinventing their businesses. Some are opening cafés, some offer a Bike Fit service, support for the local cycling club, Finance, Cycle to Work schemes. They’re putting in the effort and I believe that you should too.