Originally Posted by
jade408
Ideally, bike shops shops should connect people who like bikes. I am happy to see more shops diversifying into more community oriented things. We have a shop that doubles as a coffee shop and sponsors weekly social rides. They don't really sell bikes. They have a service center and do custom builds. Our transit agency has been opening up "bike stations" aka valet parking near transit that offers service and a few practical bike accessories in a shop format. Park you bike, pick up a pannier and install a rack while you are off at work.
Perhaps run an internet cafe and WIFI hotspot... so people can plunk down in the bike shop and order parts online?
Portland had a bike shop that thought cyclists liked beer, so they sold beer and bikes. And, in general all was OK until the government stepped in and said that beer and bikes don't mix.
The problem, of course, being beer catering to the over 21 crowd, and bikes catering to everyone.