Originally Posted by
Schwinnrider
Is there a market for a complete utility bike package?
I think there is, but it really depends on the location, too. Put together a combination of near-hippie environmental awareness
and a bike-able municipality, and the market would probably be pretty good.
I think dealers are wary of stocking one, mainly because they lose the additional sales of accessories. Bike shops don't actually make much profit on bikes, right? I've always heard they have more of a markup on accessories, and if you can sell someone fenders, a rack, panniers, and a light that's a decent chunk of money.
I've wondered if that's part of the hesitation I've experienced when I ask about generators & lights. Imagine their side of it, having a few dozen lights to sell, then someone comes up and asks about a way to not buy any of those lights again.