Western Canada - MEC for bike parts

MEC has a ridiculously liberal return policy (My wife once returned an 8-month old shirt for a full refund because the material was behaving oddly). Better to let you try out one that's designated as a demo than buy a new one, and return it a week later in un-resaleable condition.

That said, I encourage returning good items in just slightly outside of resaleable condition, because then I can pick them up at gear swap for stupid-cheap.

I bought my Deuter backpack there, they told me something like "lifetime warranty" I was like "....what, really?" even if a zipper busts? I still don't buy it. They are not going to fix a 10 year old busted zipper. :eek:

I bought my Deuter backpack there, they told me something like "lifetime warranty" I was like "....what, really?" even if a zipper busts? I still don't buy it. They are not going to fix a 10 year old busted zipper. :eek:


Not that uncommon. Columbia has a similar guarantee....if a zipper breaks just send it back to them and they fix it.....no questions asked. I had a winter shell jacket with a zipper issues they fixed that I wore in highschool. (16 years ago).

I just made an $400 order of winter riding gear from MEC. About half the order was on backorder. They only charge shipping once (which was free anyway on this order). Since my LBS's in a town of 5000 is Walmart or Canadian Tire, this is a pretty good deal.

My MEC doesn't have reflective bike tape, then again I haven't found it anywhere else, either.

Kind of OT, but if you're really needing reflective tape, call up your local sign shop and see if they have some reflective vinyl scraps lying around. I work in a sign shop and we supply one of the LBSs here with our reflective scraps, but there's still a fair bit left over. However, my workplace may be the exception to the rule, since 4 out of 6 people cycle to work every day...

(If you do find a place - be aware that the reflective vinyl used is permanent and doesn't come off easily. If this isn't what you want, I apologize.)

My MEC doesn't have reflective bike tape, then again I haven't found it anywhere else

Canadian Tire, automotive section. I found it in Red, Black, White, Orange, and Blue. It's a bit brittle and it comes off with a blow dryer which makes it rubbery.

mec bike announcement is now on website

http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302886210 (http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302886210)

Canadian Tire, automotive section. I found it in Red, Black, White, Orange, and Blue. It's a bit brittle and it comes off with a blow dryer which makes it rubbery.

Even the Dollar stores have reflective tapes.

Me too. If the target customer continues to be the utilitarian daily cyclist I would think that the bikes they sell will be better than the 'my first bike for one weekend on paths' or 'the I just lost my drivers licence and I know sod all about bikes' varieties. I would guess from the components that MEC already sells their bikes will start out pretty well spec'd and have frames worthy of upgrades. I would think they would be something along the lines of some of the large US online sites like BD or pricepoint.

If MEC manages to stock bikes that are well built with quality components at a reasonable price I think many of the lousy LBS's won't make it. It's about time.

Regards,
GregT

Well if REI can stock good bikes like Scotts then I don't see why MEC can't do the same. Maybe stay within Cdn brands like Norco or Devinci.

Well if REI can stock good bikes like Scotts then I don't see why MEC can't do the same. Maybe stay within Cdn brands like Norco or Devinci.

I hope they don't stock Norco. That Company is an unresponsive dinosaur.

Cheers,
GregT

I hope they don't stock Norco. That Company is an unresponsive dinosaur.

Cheers,
GregT

Don't worry all their bikes are store-brand. They seems to be specifically aiming for commuting = internal hub gearing paradise.

Question: does anybody use the Swagman storage rack? I was looking at it the other day and was thinking it would solve our bike storage issues. We rent a house so I can't be drilling holes willy-nilly. I've already got one that leans against the wall and holds 2 but we're running out of wall space.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442620856&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692829&bmUID=1253972857616

I bought my Deuter backpack there, they told me something like "lifetime warranty" I was like "....what, really?" even if a zipper busts? I still don't buy it. They are not going to fix a 10 year old busted zipper. :eek:

Yes, they will. My sister bought her backpack at the Vancouver MEC before travelling to Europe. She then lent the pack to a friend for another trip, and travelled some more herself. Eventually a zip gave way - and yes, they fixed it. With a smile, even!

(Zippers aren't hard to replace, at least when you have access to the right materials - and what a great way to keep customers happy).

I was looking at the new bikes in the Calgary MEC today. Nice looking machines, nothing fancy (I like no-frills bikes - much easier to tinker with!) and the staff people I talked to said the frames were made by Giant. They will be bringing in a folding bike made by Dahon. I didn't get the internal-hub information - I got distracted by the cyclocross bike for $990. :love:

I was impressed by the number of staff in the department - at least six, four of whom approached me at various times and answered questions helpfully (the other 2 were building bikes) - and the WAY expanded selection of tools. Those are mostly Pfilzer, some no-name, but a wider selection than any of the LBSs I've checked, especially for older components. (I have a threaded freewheel, and a bottom bracket that takes a locking pin wrench. MEC has tools for both).

If MEC manages to stock bikes that are well built with quality components at a reasonable price I think many of the lousy LBS's won't make it. It's about time.

Regards,
GregT

Well if REI can stock good bikes like Scotts then I don't see why MEC can't do the same. Maybe stay within Cdn brands like Norco or Devinci.
Except that MEC appears to be headed down a very gray-lit path with a nigh Wal-Mart-like potential to undercut reputable shops.
I hope they do not begin stocking brands in such a way as to unfairly undercut smaller Shops of VERY good repute.
The DeVinci line is a great example; as it is carried by at least two Shops that I respect above most others.
I am beginning to become suspicious of MEC's change in operational mandate...
I see that Race Face has entered into a partnership with MEC (confirmed), and Cycle Lambert has severed it's ties to Race Face for what appears to be that same reason (unconfirmed report to be authenticated).

^ Somehow I highly doubt MEC will go the way of Walmart et al. Those MEC bikes aren't cheap! They look pretty nice though. What I find interesting is with the MEC@ Broadway, it is surrounded by quite a bit of LBS around. And I think the LBS seems to survive for years. Maybe the LBS need to up their game instead of crying each time a large corporation encroach upon their sales territory. :cry:
I have 0 problem buying a bike from MEC if their quality is just as good as any LBD offerings especially if the price is lower. I am not made out of money and I am no Mother Theresa.

^ Somehow I highly doubt MEC will go the way of Walmart et al. Those MEC bikes aren't cheap! They look pretty nice though. What I find interesting is with the MEC@ Broadway, it is surrounded by quite a bit of LBS around. And I think the LBS seems to survive for years. Maybe the LBS need to up their game instead of crying each time a large corporation encroach upon their sales territory. :cry:
I have 0 problem buying a bike from MEC if their quality is just as good as any LBD offerings especially if the price is lower. I am not made out of money and I am no Mother Theresa.
It is a valid point concerning the LBS near MEC Broadway; but they did not have to worry about MEC competing for Bike sales.
And a smaller shop can only "up it's game" so much against something with larger buying clout: Hence my point concerning a potential (worst case scenario) Wal-Mart-like intrusion.
The disaster of small businesses being crushed under to this model has been demonstrated; and has proven to be a failure imo. Especially with our neighbour to the south (even though they failed to see the problem, and the repercussions).
-Of course I can also go to visit my family in Lethbridge to see the effect big-box has had in this Country as well: The downtown core has become a litany of closed businesses, and the road toward the Airport (where most the big-boxes are located) is filled with SUV's on any given day...
I am not made of money either; but I do understand that a vibrant community NEEDS small business in order to remain vibrant...
In any case: I do watch this development with interest, and hope that my "worst case scenario" remains a "scenario".

A piece (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/mountain-equipment-co-op-raises-ire-of-bicycle-industry/article1350204/) published in the Globe and Mail today about MEC getting into selling bikes.

It seems the smaller stores are a bit afraid

A piece (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/mountain-equipment-co-op-raises-ire-of-bicycle-industry/article1350204/) published in the Globe and Mail today about MEC getting into selling bikes.

It seems the smaller stores are a bit afraid


It seems to me that the only real fear that the crap LBS owner should have is that the consumer will now realise that they've been screwed for years by the shady LBS. BOO - HOO - HOO. Time for the poorly run small business to face the music, suck it up, and become competitive.

I've spoken to managers at 2 LBS here and they really don't see the MEC bike and MEC bike service as a problem as it's not the market that they make money on. For example, if you want a good selection of road clothing you have to go to a LBS as MEC doesn't carry all that much.

^ Really? the MEC on Broadway carries far more bike stuff than any LBS that I've ever been to. Atleast in terms for commuting needs. Caps Westwood is the only LBS I know that might possibly match MEC's bicycle stuff.
Saw the MEC bike selection on another thread. At that price, I think I would rather get a similarly priced Devinci hybrid or a Scott or Trek for roadbikes.


BTW, here's the Globe and Mail article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/mountain-equipment-co-op-raises-ire-of-bicycle-industry/article1350204/

^ Really? the MEC on Broadway carries far more bike stuff than any LBS that I've ever been to. Atleast in terms for commuting needs. Caps Westwood is the only LBS I know that might possibly match MEC's bicycle stuff.
Saw the MEC bike selection on another thread. At that price, I think I would rather get a similarly priced Devinci hybrid or a Scott or Trek for roadbikes.


BTW, here's the Globe and Mail article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/mountain-equipment-co-op-raises-ire-of-bicycle-industry/article1350204/


I specifically limited my comments to road gear in my earlier post. I do buy most of my commuting stuff at MEC.

BTW, closetbiker had already posted the link to the Globe story.

I specifically limited my comments to road gear in my earlier post. I do buy most of my commuting stuff at MEC.

BTW, closetbiker had already posted the link to the Globe story.

Woops! I guess it wasn't obvious to me. :innocent:

It seems to me that the only real fear that the crap LBS owner should have is that the consumer will now realise that they've been screwed for years by the shady LBS.

+1. I have to admit that I seldom patronize Canadian LBS's - the markups are incredibly high compared to shops in Seattle or online. MEC is the only place where there is a semblance of reality in pricing. I think LBS's have profited from ignorant bike consumers for far too long. And somene mentioned Cap's - don't get me started. They are notorious for putting or threatening to put competitors out of business. I've heard too may stories from guys who tried to start up bike shops and were told by Cap's that they would be squeezed if they encroached on Cap's territory. At least MEC is competing honestly.

- Luis

Except that MEC appears to be headed down a very gray-lit path with a nigh Wal-Mart-like potential to undercut reputable shops.
I hope they do not begin stocking brands in such a way as to unfairly undercut smaller Shops of VERY good repute.
The DeVinci line is a great example; as it is carried by at least two Shops that I respect above most others.
I am beginning to become suspicious of MEC's change in operational mandate...
I see that Race Face has entered into a partnership with MEC (confirmed), and Cycle Lambert has severed it's ties to Race Face for what appears to be that same reason (unconfirmed report to be authenticated).

Let's see. Walmart sells bicycles as does Canadian tire, Sears, et al.

Why is everyone so bent out of shape about MEC? Competition is good for the consumer. I'm tired of LBS's stocking the same thing at the same price. Where is the price and selection competition? Price fixing by major bike distributors has been going on for years. It's about time that changed. Go MEC!

Cheers,
GregT

It seems to me that the only real fear that the crap LBS owner should have is that the consumer will now realise that they've been screwed for years by the shady LBS. BOO - HOO - HOO. Time for the poorly run small business to face the music, suck it up, and become competitive.

I've spoken to managers at 2 LBS here and they really don't see the MEC bike and MEC bike service as a problem as it's not the market that they make money on. For example, if you want a good selection of road clothing you have to go to a LBS as MEC doesn't carry all that much.
This comment displays a lack of understanding of the costs of running a smaller business when compared to a larger one.
Taxation alone is more onerous for the smaller shop; as well as the skewed system of purchasing clout.
It also would appear that the poster is to ready to use a broad brush in commenting about Bike Shops in Vancouver; when it is a known fact that the percentage of good, reputable shops is higher than those of lesser quality.

+1. I have to admit that I seldom patronize Canadian LBS's - the markups are incredibly high compared to shops in Seattle or online. MEC is the only place where there is a semblance of reality in pricing. I think LBS's have profited from ignorant bike consumers for far too long. And somene mentioned Cap's - don't get me started. They are notorious for putting or threatening to put competitors out of business. I've heard too may stories from guys who tried to start up bike shops and were told by Cap's that they would be squeezed if they encroached on Cap's territory. At least MEC is competing honestly.

- Luis
Reality in pricing due to tax exemption? -Add that to the ability of better buying clout of a larger big-box style chain, and you have something which can be construed as an unfair advantage.
-A failure to understand the basic structure of business taxation in Canada needs to be addressed here.
-Noted that the "broad brush" is being used again.
-The ignorant Consumer is the one who does not see that the structure of the present rampant Consumerism-based Capital model is destructive (How's the American-based manufacturing sector been doing in recent decades with all of it's equipment sold-off and sent to China/Asia? Oh...not that good, eh?).

Let's see. Walmart sells bicycles as does Canadian tire, Sears, et al.

Why is everyone so bent out of shape about MEC? Competition is good for the consumer. I'm tired of LBS's stocking the same thing at the same price. Where is the price and selection competition? Price fixing by major bike distributors has been going on for years. It's about time that changed. Go MEC!

Cheers,
GregT
See comments concerning MEC'S tax exemption etc.
As I have stated: At this point I am simply "watching", and am concerned due to what I perceive as a failing model of of doing business in North America (with the U.S. having already gone far down that trail, and failing).
-There IS competition in the LBS Market: Shops with a good reputable method of operation get my business. Those that do not...do not.

Taxation alone is more onerous for the smaller shop;Uhuh. Right. This shows you know very little about taxation. Unless the LBS is making pretty decent money (I believe the cutoff is $400k net income) they pay the small business rate which is about half the federal rate for large business, with provincial taxes being mostly around a third. Total ends up being 12-16% of net income, which isn't huge.

Dividends are taxed at rates where the end result almost always means that a store owner will pay the same, or even less total tax than somebody making the same amount of money as employment income. ie. The same or less tax than the people doing comparable jobs at MEC, whose only compensation is in the form of employment income.

as well as the skewed system of purchasing clout.Purchasing clout is the real issue, of course, despite the red herring of co-op status. And I will be interested the see the end results. Wal-mart, sport chek, et al, also have purchasing clout, but they've universally used it to churn out a bike that is cheap in both retail price and construction. So, can MEC deliver a product that competes well on both price and quality? I'm not as certain as some seem to be. Despite their lack of profit incentive, they do have some serious overhead to cover that a smaller organization doesn't, and I'm not sure that their bulk buying discounts will be large enough to make much difference. The initial lineup that MEC has put out seems to run pretty much in line with what I'd expect to pay for comparable items elsewhere, some even tending towards the high end.

This comment displays a lack of understanding of the costs of running a smaller business when compared to a larger one.
Taxation alone is more onerous for the smaller shop; as well as the skewed system of purchasing clout.
It also would appear that the poster is to ready to use a broad brush in commenting about Bike Shops in Vancouver; when it is a known fact that the percentage of good, reputable shops is higher than those of lesser quality.

With all due respect, your comment indicates that you know little about the economics invovled in running a small business. I ran my own succesful business for 10 years and did quite well considering the hours I put into it (I've changed careers since then) and, without going on an on with details, friends of mine have run theirs for 20-30 years in fields that have the mega-players as well as the small guys. These guys make much more than I do partially because of the breaks that a small business gets with respect to taxation and profit distribution. Small business also use buying groups and associations to increase their buying power.

And where did I say anything specifically about Vancouver?

Reality in pricing due to tax exemption? -Add that to the ability of better buying clout of a larger big-box style chain, and you have something which can be construed as an unfair advantage..

Subtracted from the costs of doing business. An advantage yes. unfair, I don't think so but then why fight fair anyway. Any responsible business owner attempts to minimize taxation and maximize profits. This is Canada not the Soviet Union.

Do they underprice. No. $1400 for an aluminum road bike with 105. Sounds like comparable bike/price that Kona, Specialized, Giant among others offer and sell through LBS's.

From MEC's consolidated finacial statement their income tax rate is 31%. http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/pdf/MEC_financial_2008_v1_m56577569830797326.pdf pages 13, 14, 18.

"See comments concerning MEC'S tax exemption etc.
As I have stated: At this point I am simply "watching", and am concerned due to what I perceive as a failing model of of doing business in North America (with the U.S. having already gone far down that trail, and failing).
-There IS competition in the LBS Market: Shops with a good reputable method of operation get my business. Those that do not...do not"

There are to many LBS's carrying the same crap at a common price. Why? Because they all order from Norco because they are to lazy to source quality themelves. That's not a healthy business model either. And that's why consumers are looking for greener pastures. Thankfully the internet is offering choice and MEC is breaking Norco's domination. I love it. I have never considered overcharging and gouging consumers a "reputable business model". It's just plain theft.

Regards,
GregT