Originally Posted by
Schwinnrider
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 suspect there is a lot of truth there. I'm sure many LBS' are more inclined to promote high margin jersey's, racing togs, and aerodynamic helmets as commuting requirements rather than a low margin well equipped or adequate bike.
The
day of reckoning may come when Walmart/Target etc. start actively promoting a reasonably low priced commuting bike well equipped like the Huffy/Schwinn/Sears one and 3 speed bikes of old. They can even update the gearing with a derailler set up and still keep the practicality.