Topic: Support your local cycle shop

[HawaiiMike]

I went down to Glenn's Cycle Supply in Honolulu today to order a new tire.  While I was sitting there I noticed he has a Buchanan's catalog with dealer pricing in it.  Since Buchanan's is going to charge me full retail plus shipping, why not order spokes from the local shop?  This way I support Glenn and I get the spokes at the same price.  On top of that, I don't pay for shipping as I would if I order over the internet.

Big cycle shops - I am not so crazy about.  Awhile back I went to the local Kawasaki dealer and bought an oil filter for a Kawasaki ZRX.  It cost about $14.  I went home, opened the box and realized it's the same as a regular Honda CB oil filter, something I could have bought elsewhere for $5 or less.

If you like to hang out at the local cycle shop and shoot the breeze, it's good idea to let the guy make a few bucks.  Especially if he has a good selection and charges the same as what it costs on the internet.

[Terry in Australia]

Internet sellers should be cheaper than shops, because generally they don't have real shops, so they don't have the same overheads. (rent, staff, stock, utilities, insurance, security etc)

Companys like Buchanans who also have real shops with all of the above overheads aren't in the same happy position as "virtual stores" and as they rely heavily on their business relationships with real shops, they're not going to undercut their regular account customers for a "one off" sale on a rim or a set of spokes.

While I agree that it's good to support your local bike shop, it must also be remembered that the reason that internet sellers are so popular is that they generally are cheaper, are open 24/7 and if you're patient and don't mind waiting for the items to be delivered, you don't even have to get off your butt. Suits me. Cheers, Terry.

[spot45]

I had a shop and regretfully had to close it due to economic factors.  Honestly, as an owner, doing business with a small independent shop is the way to go.  Because usually we can get cheaper, then the dealer.  Not to mention we will tell you that there is a generic oil filter for that bike that is made by WIX,etc. that is far cheaper then the factory one.  So as to not disappoint anyone who still is looking for parts (and I know how hard it is to find stuff), I took everything online.   The result I ended up paying less taxes, no need to pay for disposal fees,etc., the downside I miss seeing my customers.

[KeithTurk]

Only do business with the folks you want to be there....

If you like the people your buying from on the internet and their son goes to school with yours or plays baseball with him.... we then, by all means...

In the mean time.... there is someone emotionally attached to you at your local shop....  and that guy will be there to help you sort out the problems.... Big or small...

K

[74cb750]

I buy my helmets/jackets or tires for local bike shops as I have learned
things don't always fit buying online.
But when it comes to common items like oil filters, I buy online.

I used to ork on bikes, but only work on mine now as Vermonters
are too cheap and want me to work on their bikes for minimum wage.

I believe Honda shop in Keene, NH charges $53/hour to work on bikes older than 10 years.
Might have gone up since I last checked.

[Terry in Australia]

I buy my helmets/jackets or tires for local bike shops as I have learned
things don't always fit buying online.
I believe Honda shop in Keene, NH charges $53/hour to work on bikes older than 10 years.
Might have gone up since I last checked.

I wanted to buy a Nolan "flip front" helmet 2 years ago, so I went to my bike shop, tried one on, then almost fainted when I saw the sticker price of 650 bucks! I knew what size fit me, and was happy to "buy it now" on EBay for 150 bucks from the US, plus 50 for airmail to my door.

When I was in Sydney last year I was having a problem with my BMW K1100LT front brakes sticking on (turned out to be collapsed brake lines) so I rang the local BMW dealer who told me that they don't work on old (17 years) bikes like mine! I took it to another dealer who was happy to "lower himself" to do the work, so I also bought a new set of tires from him. Cheers, Terry.