Luddite

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.

800over

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).

trustnoone

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.

coffeecake

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.)

Sheik_Yerbouti

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.

frymaster

mec bike announcement is now on website

https://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302886210

wunderkind

Even the Dollar stores have reflective tapes.

longwave

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

wunderkind

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.

longwave

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

Cheers,
GregT

Sheik_Yerbouti

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

coffeecake

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.

https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1253972857616

Buglady

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).

Buglady

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.

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).

DogsBody

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).

wunderkind

^ 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.
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.

DogsBody

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".

closetbiker

A piece published in the Globe and Mail today about MEC getting into selling bikes.

It seems the smaller stores are a bit afraid

subdermis2000

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.

wunderkind

^ 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: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/repor...rticle1350204/

subdermis2000

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.

wunderkind

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

lhbernhardt

+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

longwave

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

DogsBody

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.
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?).
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.