Bicycle Mechanics - My LBS guy chewed me out!

I was riding past my LBS and stopped in to say hello to the owner. My bike was sporting recently purchased Profile AirStryke aero bars that I bought for $50 used from a fellow Bike Forum guy. My LBS guy asked where I got them, and I told him. He said this is a big problem for him -- people buying bike stuff over the internet and not from him. He said if his slow sales continue, he's going to have to close his doors and our town won't have a quality bike shop any more. This is a dilemma. Should I pay full boat at the LBS to help keep him in business, or should I continue to buy through the internet and lose a valued LBS? If he folds, the next nearest bike dealer/mechanic is 40 miles away. He's a Trek dealer, an expert mechanic, and a good guy. His facility is first-rate -- really nice, clean and well organized. But he's selling Michelin Axial Carbon Pro tires for $38. I paid $28 for the same thing over the internet. I guess I'd better forget the internet and start supporting him more. Waddaya think?

"But he's selling Michelin Axial Carbon Pro tires for $38. I paid $28 for the same thing over the internet."

How much did shipping add to the $28.00???
I buy 99.9% of my stuff online but I live in an RV and travel the Country. Galveston TX has the worst LBS that I have EVER seen thus I have only gone in there twice.
I'd compromise. Buy the things that are close enough in price after shipping from him and buy the super good deals on the internet, but obviously don't expect him to cut you good deals on wrench turning from stuff you buy online.
Doug

A tough dilemma. At the end of the day, it's your buck in the pocket that counts. I buy some things from one lbs and others at another. I don't do that 50/50 to give them both equal amounts of my pocket - it's just that I shop around and get the best deal. If the lbs is worth its salt, it'll have a good reputation and people will go to it for that reason.

A small town shop will probably never do the turnover of the city block shop.

Don't feel bad about what happened.

I love my LBS but if I find a better deal you'd better believe I'm going to go for it (weighing out delivery and the time factor). He might be a good guy but if he's gonna cry and moan over your purchasing habits I'd tell him to mind his own business. It's unfortunate that he's the only bike shop in town but he's got no right to pressure you like that. Besides that where did you buy that bike from in the first place? Look at it this way support him when you can but don't be stupid. If you can get a product on sale or closeout for half what the LBS charges (give or take shipping) and it's something you can install yourself the guy at the LBS has NO ROOM TO B!TCH. Dougmt is exactly right IMHO

I once bought a pair of cycling shoes at a really good price from a Nike warehouse store. (About a quarter of their normal price.)

I told my LBS guy about the great deal I got and he was really pleased for me. He knows that I'm extremely loyal but he also knows that I don't have a lot of money to splash around.

I don't go looking for the lowest price all over town but if I see a good deal I'll grab it - and the LBS guy is fine with that.

With an attitude like that he'll keep my business for a long time.

The LBS guy should understand that sometimes you can get a better deal elsewhere. Nobody, not even Wallymart has the lowest prices on everyting everytime, and price does count for something.

Most purchases I make are from the LBS, ...BUT... I will tell the LBS owner what I want and he knows I researched it on the internet. He's saavvy enough to go online and check his competition and set his price accordingly, not always lower, but competitive non the less.

I think another plus is the fact that I have never failed to pickup my orders promptly. He knows that if I order something, he isn't going to have to carry it in inventory or face restocking fees because I changed my mind. I order what I want, he gets it in the shop with his regular delivery, I'm there to pick it up and pay him. Therefore he can put a lower profit margin on it and still make an acceptable amount for himself.

Business for the LBS is tough these days, no question about it. Here are some thoughts to ease your pain if you really like your LBS...

1. If you're in the market for something specific, tell you LBS friend what you're looking for and ask him to quote you his best price. If it sounds like a reasonable price, buy it from the LBS. If you already have a price from an Etailer that's significantly lower, including 2x the shipping and handling (risk hedge for a return), you'll have to decide if the price difference is substantial enough to warrant giving you business to the Etailer vs the LBS.

2. Find out if your LBS sponsors any bike clubs that it offers discounts to. Our club's LBS gives us 15% off on all merchandise which usually brings the pricing into line with non-sale priced Etailer goods, once you add in shipping and handling.

3. Remember that, the customer is king and rules with their wallet. It's your money and you get to decide where you spend it.

I really don't think your LBS guy has the right to comment- what you do with your money is your own business. When he asked where you got your bars, he was obviously going to chew you out, no matter where you got them from. I bet if you'd gotten them from another LBS, he would have been b!tching about how you don't support him by going to another store. It was a lose-lose situation as long as you didn't purchase from him. That's not cool.

This guy doesn't own a monopoly on the bike market- if he expects to compete with the big guys, he's going to have to make some compromises of his own- and that means not making the negative comments when you get some bike parts off the internet. At the end of the day, he should be able to realize that he still has your business. If he can't recognize that, find a new LBS.

I found an LBS last summer after shopping with the big boys out here in Chicago- I got my bike from Village Cycle, got my accessories from Performance, had my repairs done at Kozy's, and bought anything else I needed online at Nashbar. After a crazy summer of running all over the place and being largely dissatisfied, I found a small LBS with excellent service. I'd seen them every day when I would ride the bus, but I'd never been in there. I had a bad day and needed a small repair done, so I brought my bike in, and they did the repairs, and they didn't charge me. I was so impressed that I brought my bike in every time I needed work done, and every time I needed gear that I couldn't get online, I got it from them. The other day, I went in to visit them, and they were happy to see me. I told them I'd be taking some maintenance courses, and instead of being upset that they may be getting less business because I would be doing some repairs for myself, the mechanic was happy for me- he told me it was a good idea. While I was chatting with him, I thought about the brake pads I needed to buy, and although I'd planned on getting it online, since I was there, and I could have used them sooner than later, I went ahead and bought them from him. I plan on going back there in about a month to get new tires. I stay loyal to him because they're good people and they give me a reason to want to support them. I could easily go to Performance up the street (like 3 short blocks), but I choose Cycle Smithy instead. They are fully aware of that, which is why I think they don't hassle me when I do go to them. If they gave me lectures about not buying from them, I wouldn't buy from them- I'd go right back up the street and that would be the end of my business with them.

Bottom line, do what works for you, not for him. If he's a smart business owner, he won't alienate his customers by sniping at them if they sometimes get their products from other sources. You can always catch more flies with honey than vinegar. He should know better than that. Don't let him guilt trip you into a sale- that's not sound business practices. At the end of the day, you'll go to him for the things you need immediately and for the repairs that need to be done, etc. If he can't realize that and capitalize from that and be grateful for it, then maybe you should find a new LBS.

Koffee

Sounds like a cranky bike shop guy at the end of his worst months of the year, between Xmas and Spring. Remember there is no markup as juicy as the markup on service. As long as you let this expert wrench get at your bike and pay him for it, you are doing your part. No small LBS truly loses out in a big way to the Internet, IMO, because their backbone is bikes bought by parents for kids who need service for years to come. It's a rare shop that sells enough high-end bikes and parts alone to get by.

I am always amazed at how many of us have found a good, long-term LBS relationship. Think how likely that is in other industries, like cars or office supplies.

I think the thing that everyone is missing here
is that the bars were bought SECOND HAND.
The LBS has no right to chew anyone out about
what they buy secondhand.
Did the LBS carry Airstryke bars?
I support my LBS, they are big enough to
be able to compete with the internet for most
items. They do however realise that no one is
gonna buy every item from them.

Marty

Buy on price just like a smart business does. Go where you can get the quality componenets you want for the best price. It is the American way. If he wants to be competitive he can do dilligence and shop for the best suppliers. Buy in bulk to get discounts or other common bus. practices.

There is a bike shop here that I use that prices their products to match the Performnace or Nashbar books so we have no reson to buy from the online or mail order unless we just like giving money to UPS. They made the commitment to be the best bike shop around and they do what is required to deliver a reasonable price. I appreciate this more than can be said. He is and always has been a nice guy too.

I agree with lotek here. Buying something used and buying something new online is totally different. I used to work at a local shop and I buy stuff in there sometimes, but not very often. He just does not carry higher end stuff and it takes a very long time when he orders something.

I give my business to places that have prices I like and good service. I will pay more for things if the service is great.

Buying secondhand, I am just looking for a deal.

I love Performance. I think they are the best of both worlds: Big store with LBS look-and-feel. I like browsing their stuff because I don't have that funny "you-have-to buy-everything-from-us" feeling. Yet, their people are quite knowledgable and friendly. Oh, their prices and REFUND POLICY are great. And I don't see why people can't have a long term relationship with them.

First hand or second hand doesn't matter- I think everyone here is talking about buying bike parts from sources other than their LBS, no matter if they buy it used or second hand. What makes the LBS guy's response so much more absurd is the fact that trmcgeehan got the bars second hand- and the LBS guy starts ranting about internet competition... ??? That makes no sense.

LBS should realize that they've got some competiton out there- we're not going to go with them for every product we need- the best thing they can do is offer us the deals and discounts they normally offer us and give us the best service they know how to offer us. We'll keep coming back.

Koffee

Not the best way to win friends and influence people. We're all aware of the internet vs. LBS situation, which didn't apply to your purchase in any case.

I guess he's got a right to vent, but if someone started chewing me out I sure wouldn't be inclined to give him more of my business.


An LBS cannot compete in the price arena. Period. Their strength is knowledge, advice, and service. If I go to a bike shop and burn 1/2 an hour of the shops time and inventory trying on shoes, then go order them off the internet, I'm scum. The $30 extra bucks, it costs to get the right thing the first time, prorated over 2 or 3 years use is bupkis.

Originally posted by roadbuzz
The $30 extra bucks, it costs to get the right thing the first time, prorated over 2 or 3 years use is bupkis.

That's true, but what really matters for shoppers is the other things they can buy with that extra $30, right then.

People know me as a hard-core cyclist. The come to me for advice, and if I refer them to a bike shop they're likely to go there.

Knowing that, my LBS would be insane to alienate me by getting on my case for buying a closeout computer for $12 from Nashbar instead or a full-price one from him.

Fortunately, he's not insane. I've bought three bikes from him, one for over $2000. Losing those kinds of sales is going to hurt him a lot more than me bargainhunting for parts or clothes.

If an LBS can't compete on price with the chains or the catalogs, they simply have to compete on the basis of what they do offer that's unique. Fitting. Service. Support. Customer care. Atmosphere. A bike shop that can't keep its customers by doing well at those things is probably in an oversaturated or underpopulated market anyway.

RichC

Any ******* like him dserves to lose your business. I'd go up to him and tell him that you aren't going to take his ****ing **** anymore, and that he can just kiss your ass goodbye!

I have not read all the posts so maybe some touch on this. Speak with the owner and see if he would sell over the internet. My LBS is the best one around. Great mechanics (raced and wrenched professionally), very customer friendly AND they sell over the net. They will also sell their in store items for the same price they sell them for on the net.

They also know that I buy from more places besides them, but just like RC said, I send them customers and have even helped them sell a few bikes so there is no way they would ever get upset about my buying products from some one else.

Hell, if they do not carry a part that is needed or a bike they will send the customer to a shop that does. After that customer buys there bike they usually come back to the shop for their parts and service.

Yeah, I think he was just blowing off frustration about slow business. (Of course, if you're sensitive enough to be influenced by his rant, you may be sensitive enough to avoid his shop in future due to fear of another lecture....so dumb business move to gripe at your customers.)

If I want something that I can buy at my bike shop, or anything I require sales help with, they know they get my money. When I come in with a new seat or pannier or something they don't carry, they are interested in it, wanting to know where I got it and how much I paid.

The closest I ever got to a rebuke was when I mentioned that I had taken my old fixer-upper junk bike to some retired guy for a tuneup instead of to them....and all I got was a slightly hurt expression.

I spread the money around and try to shop smart since I don't have a lot of cash to spend on bike stuff. When I bought my new road bike I had taken it back to the shop for the break-in tuneup and the wrench (who sold me the bike) noticed the new Time ATAC Alium pedals and asked where I got them from. I fessed up that I had gotten them online for $69 shipped -- he nodded and agreed that was a good deal and didn't give me any grief about it. Then again, he knows he'll see me in the shop on a regular basis -- just yesterday I was in there buying $170 worth of new clothing. Some things I buy online 'cause I can't find them locally -- my Delta Tailgator bike rack for my truck wasn't available locally so I got it from Nashbar, and I visited several shops in this area to find the right stem for my MTB (needed a lot of rise) before giving up and ordering online. I've found that I can often get good deals at the shops if you just wait for the sales or bargain with them a little bit -- my favorite shop will often knock a little off the price if that's what it takes to make the sale.

I buy everything from my LBS. I support them and they support me. Period.
Here are a few examples;
I buy a new stem and they put it on while I wait, adjust, add a spacer (all for free). I buy a chain (again, they put it on no problem).

A cable ferruele (that little end crimped thingy) falls off so I just swing by on a ride and have one popped on, get a quick lube and some air. I grab an energy bar or 2 for the ride- no cash, no problem. I just pay him next time I'm in.

I am in the store and someone walks in with 5 packs of tubes from Colorado Cyclist. They sent him 650c instead of 700c. He needed new tubes in the morning for a ride and wanted to trade. Need new tubes? Sure you can BUY some from him or wait 2 weeks for Colorado Cyclist to exchange them "for free". We just looked at each other shaking our heads.

The problem is people want it both ways. They buy over the internet and then expect the LBS to service all their internet sales problems. Buy over the internet, deal over the internet.

Me? I am very happy with excellent service, great advice and products. I enjoy the relationship with a great shop and people.

I'm very lucky to have found an exceptional LBS around here. It took about two years of searching, but now I go to them for everything first. I generally don't buy on line because I'm one of those old-fashioned people who wants to make sure that a bike fits or wants to get advice on an accessory before I buy it usually.

Having said that, if my LBS doesn't have what I'm looking for, I then go somewhere else. Believe it or not, my decision on where to go next is usually something I consult my LBS on because they are always happy to let me know where I'm likely to find it, and also how much I should expect to pay for it. As I said, exceptional service

My problem with my favorite LBS is that it is one hour away. The closest one that has anything and the knowlledge to go with it, is about 45 minutes from the house. That is a problem when they close at the same time I get off work. I would rather deal with my LBS, but I can order during the week and have it so I can ride on the weekend.

Rick

Originally posted by firebolt
I love Performance.

I agree. A shop with internet prices. Can't beat it.

I have brought printed out internet quotes to lbs's and had the prices met.

This guy had serious balls confronting you like that. 'The customer is always right' does have some relevance to the appreciation of the consumer.

For what it's worth I go my LBS because the wrenches there are A1 - they do a fine job. They have no hassles with my buying stuff elsewhere and them fitting it. Naturally I expect no favours when the bill is presented. It is also just a great shop to call by and chat.

I buy my tyres etc off them - not worth buying online after shipping etc is factored in - and they do the servicing on my bike. But I believe in shopping round - not adverse to saving money.

But doesn't most LBS make MOST of their money selling cheap bikes to mothers and dads bring their kids is for a BMX or other starter bike, or an adult whim that is cheap and going to it in the garage nest to the treadmill?

I honestly do not think that LBS's make there bucks from you and me.

You might be able to convince him to drop the prices a little bit to have you shop there instead. What do you think it is worth to have the LBS in your area. 10% on the products. You can the guy seem to be pretty candid. As long as the guy still makes a profit, business is business.

Alot of $ of LBS are from repairs. That's the case with mine anyway.

Taking internet prices into a bike shop sounds ridiculous to me. If the internet price is so good why don't you just buy it from the net? Why go into a shop at all?

An internet store that has 1,000 Ultegra rear derailleurs is going to have lower prices than an LBS that has 4 in stock.
Just like Costco, manufacturers make cheaper quality items specifically for Performance, etc. That is why they have "exclusive" styles available for Performance or whatever.

I'm not attacking anyone, I guess just thinking as I'm typing. I certainly can't disagree with price shopping and getting a good deal but I think you have to do it reasonably and fairly. I do the opposite of what most people here are talking about. I look at stuff on the net and then if I see something I like, I talk to my shop about it and buy through the shop.

If something looks too pricey, I just ask them to cut me a deal and they always do. I'm also one that only does LBS shopping. I am proud of that fact.

Yesterday my wife and I took our bikes in for the spring tune-ups. We budgeted $200 for this, figuring that we'd waited a few weeks too long and the chance for free maintenance had expired.

Counter Guy: "When did you purchase the bikes?"

We: "Think it was in February?" (Look at each other, shrug)

Counter Guy: "Oh okay, no problem, no charge."

He never asked for receipts, didn't look us up on the computer, didn't roll his eyes and sigh in the presence of yet another couple of ill-prepared consumers.

I made mention of my rear brakes, worn to the point I could almost squeeze the lever to the grip (that damned hill outside our complex!), and he offered two options of replacement, explaining the benefits of both. I chose the one that would save me cash in the long-run (which of course is why he mentioned them).

Wife: "Cool, do I need those on mine?"

Counter Guy: "Nope. Yours are fine." (points to me) "His are
shot."

He turned to attend to other customers, and we promptly found goodies upon which to spend our budgeted $200!

The only thing that would make our shop even better is a coffee-and-pastry bar. :p

-Rob

Originally posted by firebolt
I love Performance. I think they are the best of both worlds: Big store with LBS look-and-feel. I like browsing their stuff because I don't have that funny "you-have-to buy-everything-from-us" feeling. Yet, their people are quite knowledgable and friendly. Oh, their prices and REFUND POLICY are great. And I don't see why people can't have a long term relationship with them.

While I completely understand why people shop the same way as you, this is the same logic that people use for Starbucks.
Certainly they purposely try to create a "small town cafe" atmosphere and good products. They also have muscled local owners into submission. This system is sucessful but does it give you a good feeling to have a Starbucks on every corner? Does that give the consumer more choices to suit various tastes? Supergo and Performance have more in common with McDonalds and Costco than a LBS.

No matter how you see it, your dollars support one system or the other. Look, this isn't picking on anyone and from the consumer's perspective, I'm in the minority with my opinion but I hope more people advocate and see the light with LBS's.

I don't like Mc-Bike shops. I'm like everyone else, if I'm in a jam and a Supergo is near ( or ANY bike shop) I'll buy a tube or whatever but for 99% of my cycle shopping, it's my LBS all the way.

Originally posted by RacerX

I don't like Mc-Bike shops. I'm like everyone else, if I'm in a jam and a Supergo is near ( or ANY bike shop) I'll buy a tube or whatever but for 99% of my cycle shopping, it's my LBS all the way.

Although I haven't had too much of a problem with Performance stores themselves, I've found their online/mail-order service to be aweful. Regardless, I don't think that Performance or REI offers me the same LBS feel as what I'm used to. I've found my LBS/FBS to be much more friendly and flexible and will continue to support them as much as possible but if I am in a bind and need something small and fast then yes, I will pop into an REI to get something like lubes and tubes.

:beer:

Originally posted by RacerX
Supergo and Performance have more in common with McDonalds and Costco than a LBS.

I kind of disagree.

REI = Costco.
Performance = a successful LBS.

I think every LBS' is dreaming to become the next Performance or Supergo. There is really no difference between their local stores and any other LBS', except that in smaller LBS', you tend to see the owners / store managers more. Also, Performance has more sets of rule and policy, which are very important if you have LBS' all over the country. As long as their employees are good and friendly, I think Performance is as good as any other LBS in town. BTW, I like Performance mostly because of their refund policy, not because of their price. If I were about to buy a new bike, I would most likely buy it from the friendly LBS that sold me my first bike. I think I am just a shopping-around kinda guy :)

1oldRoadie:
In your message, you said: But doesn't most LBS make MOST of their money selling cheap bikes to mothers and dads bring their kids is for a BMX or other starter bike, or an adult whim that is cheap and going to it in the garage nest to the treadmill?
My LBS guy sez he is being killed by Walmart. To the untrained eye, the bikes Walmart is selling look every bit as good as quality bikes sold by a LBS. You can buy a great looking road or mountain bike for under $200. It will continue looking great until you leave it out in the rain once, and then it becomes a mass of rust. I think many moms and dads could care less if the bike is quality and will last a long time. They consider bikes a disposable item, and want it to last only until the kid gets tired of it and goes on to something else. They'd much rather spend $99 at Walmart than $300 at the local LBS, for what looks like comparable bikes. But they aren't.

Originally posted by firebolt
There is really no difference between their local stores and any other LBS', except that in smaller LBS', you tend to see the owners / store managers more. Also, Performance has more sets of rule and policy, which are very important if you have LBS' all over the country. As long as their employees are good and friendly, I think Performance is as good as any other LBS in town.

I think you just proved his point and described Starbucks.:)

Originally posted by trmcgeehan
I think many moms and dads could care less if the bike is quality and will last a long time. They consider bikes a disposable item, and want it to last only until the kid gets tired of it and goes on to something else. They'd much rather spend $99 at Walmart than $300 at the local LBS, for what looks like comparable bikes. But they aren't.

I think it all comes down to the perception by the masses that bikes are just toys and not a serious form of transportation. Curiously enough, one could buy a car through Costco (using affiliated dealerships) but I would bet that the majority of Costco members don't even though the support provided by buying a car through Costco is comparably higher than if one were to buy a bike at Costco and probably on par as if they went directly through a car dealership. Some of them might even think it degrading to use Costco for such a purchase. Yet these same people are willing to trust the safety of themselves and their children to inferior quality bikes with no after-sales support.

Originally posted by khuon
I think it all comes down to the perception by the masses that bikes are just toys and not a serious form of transportation.

I don't know, why would anyone spend $300 on a bike for a kid who might outgrow it in 6 months? For most families, that's a sizeable investment, and the younger kids never want hand-me-downs. That's assuming that your junior Lance Armstrong doesn't leave the bike dumped in the yard to be rained on or stolen.

Kids grow. I think that's a big factor. Buying an expensive bike for a ten-year old makes no sense, unless you are completely gung-ho on biking, or looking for snob appeal.

First, let me say that if "my LBS guy chewed me out" that would be the last time he ever saw me, or my money. Even if you live in an LBS vacumn there are just too many internet options.

That said, I have seen the other side of this coin. I used to be very active flying radio control model airplanes. I used to help an elderly gentleman around his shop sometimes to keep myself out of trouble. It was not at all uncommon for people to come in and literally take 2 or 3 hours of our time pumping us for information and advice, only to leave and make a mailorder purchase to save less than $5 (counting shipping vs. state sales tax) on a purchase of two or three hundred dollars. It was these same people who complained the most bitterly about not having a convenient place to pick up a prop or a gallon of fuel on the way to the field when the old boy finally closed his doors.

So, the bottom line is this: If you want to make purchases over the internet, mailorder, etc., you have every right to do so and shouldn't feel the least bit guilty about it. I do it all the time. But, if you take up an LBS' time and handle their merchandise a lot in your "research" and then go to the internet or mailorder to save a couple of bucks over the LBS' "outrageous prices" you are the scum of the earth :D

John

Originally posted by Inkwolf
Buying an expensive bike for a ten-year old makes no sense, unless you are completely gung-ho on biking, or looking for snob appeal.

I wonder how many of this have they sold so far :)

$800 Tricycle (http://216.247.25.241/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LS&Product_Code=T&Category_Code=A)

"The spring-loaded saddle cushions its rider on those long century rides,..."

A century, on a "fixed gear" trike?! Sounds like their advertising weenies just used the ad copy from their bikes!

John

$800 Tricycle

List price is accually $850.

Litespeed is just toying with us.
I'm sure there are some people out there with too much $ on their hands. Which is the market Litespeed has been tapping for years.
(I'm sure Litespeeds are excellent bikes, but for me a $1000 bike will work just fine.)
Steve

Originally posted by firebolt

REI = Costco.
Performance = a successful LBS.


From the reports I've seen, there's a lot of local variation with these chains. In my area, the REI is considered to be the LBS of choice by many of the cyclists who live near it, perhaps as a result of the way their bike department is managed.

Similarly, there's a Performance in this area that's been run by the same people since it opened, and most people I know consider it to be among the best general-purpose bike shops in the area. I'm one of them. I know plenty of people who've been set up with perfectly-fit Jamises and Giants and Fujis there, and the shop meets every criterion for a good bike shop I'm aware of.

But I've heard from other cyclists in other parts of the country who wouldn'd set foot in either one.

RichC

I think it really has to do with the employees that work at the shop. I shop at Performance for most of my stuff and the guys that work there are great. I bought my last commuter from them and they have been quite helpful with maintanance. I usually work on all my own bikes (former bike shop mechanic), but they take care of me there. I stopped by after a long ride one day and had my bike in my truck. I was chatting with one of the mechanics there and mentioned that I will need to bring my wheel in to have it trued sometime later on in the week. I was still in my cycling clothes and he asked if I had the bike. I brought it in and he did it right there for me. He was not just sitting around looking for stuff to do either.

That is better service than I get from the shop I used to work at.

I do like the Performance shop near my house, and they do get most of my business now. Unlikely I will buy my next bike from them since they do not carry any of the brands that I have been looking at. They do recommend other shops to try though.

I love my Lbs "the bicycle workshop" bergen county NJ they are the best..
I told the them I was building a bike and looking for the best price on a list of things.. they looked at the list and said some of these things you will come out better if you got them online...but if you get them from us we will install it for free.. once my bike broke in a way I could not ride that day seeing how up set I was they offered me a bike to ride for the day... I could go on... I believe a good LBS is worth its wiegth in gold and I would support them every chance I can... but I will also let them know I'm looking for the best price..

sad to say but it's natural selection at work. the environment changes, and those unable or unwilling to change with it will suffer the consequences.

i would suggest to your LBS that he create a web site and start selling through mail order. if he does this in earnest he will be able to boost his quanity and reduce his overhead. after all, SOMEONE is doing it successfully.

one thing for sure: you will not be able to keep him afloat with your patronage. one finger cannot plug the dike. it will take many customers who are incented to buy from him.

Originally posted by Bandit
sad to say but it's natural selection at work....

Agreed there...

A hundred years ago some of the biggest U.S. companies were buggy whip companies. They didn't change their focus and now they're history.

As much as I find it convenient to run down to the LBS when I need something, they are clearly much more expensive than mail-order or eBay for many items (especially expensive but not bulky ones). I think novice/newbie riders will always patronize the LBS. But will there always be enough of them to keep the LBS open? We'll have to see.

I think for many LBS's, it's going to be capitalism at its finest: people vote with their pocketbooks. I suspect over time, we'll hear more and more complaints and whining like people have done about the demise of local mom-and-pop groceries and (more recently) corner pharmacies went it comes to LBS's going out-of-business. Yet money talks. If people feel they are that important/valuable, they'll survive... or those LBS's better figure out another way to make $$.

My bike was sporting recently purchased Profile AirStryke aero bars that I bought for $50 used from a fellow Bike Forum guy.

This may have allready been touched on since I didnt read all five pages of replies but...

Does he sell used stuff?? If not, then your handlebars are a nonissue for him. Thats like saying swap meets are driving him out of busness.
I understand the legitamate complaint he has about online retail, butyou bought these used, not new.

On the other hand, I think a shop should be about service, not retail sales of parts and accessories. If shops focused on service and not selling a bazillion water bottle cages or whatever, then there realy wouldnt be much of a problem, no?

The guy is probably under financial pressure. Find a percent surcharge that you could live with. You might be willing to spend 15% more to buy his product than online. If it falls within your range buy from him.... if not, too bad. I seriously doubt that he would pay $5,000 more for a car if he could get it for less down the road forty miles away. Don't lose any sleep over it. You can bet he is charging more for his services to make up for it. Good LBSs thrive, in spite of online catalogs.

I agree that this guy is no doubt feeling the heat of a failing or declining business. Small and medium sized retail shops are feeling the slow down in the economy, the competition from the internet, the reduction in margins, ungrateful customers...on and on. I can understand and appreciate the need to support a LBS. I personally will spend more locally to support neighborhood business. Money spent locally helps the community.

However, it sounds like the greatest threat this business is the owner himself. I feel his behavior is inappropriate. If he dosn't have the sense to know how to control himself over a harmless and minor situation as you described, then he deserves to go out of business.

Sometimes the market takes care of itself. Let his business fail...someone else will fill the void.

Sounds like you have been a good customer. Forget this guy...his days are limited anyway!