Harris cyclery is closing
06-11-21, 01:27 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Harris cyclery is closing
I stopped in at Harris yesterday, and found out that it will be closing its doors this coming Sunday. Why? They can't get any bikes to sell, and you can't make enough money to pay the rent unless you sell bikes. I've been going there for years, so sad.
Likes For ironwood:
06-11-21, 01:54 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 4,077
Bikes: Velo Orange Piolet
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2228 Post(s)
Liked 2,009 Times
in
972 Posts
That is sad. Hopefully they can survive online and maybe open a physical store in the future.
06-11-21, 02:08 PM
#3
Senior Member
The Bike Industry is going to have a completely different and almost unrecognizable (for some of us) landscape very soon. Many Brick & Mortar shops will be disappearing as the new business model of selling online, grabbing all the money upfront through electronic means, and then delivering whenever, will be a new norm.
The corps have seen that people will adapt to this new and ridiculous business model. People will buy, unseen, $4500 bikes and then wait months for them to arrive. They will go 'all in' with the credit card monies and then sit and wait for delivery. The industry will be consolidating locations and is already making it harder for independently owned locations to get bikes.
This is not good news for LBS or most consumers.
The corps have seen that people will adapt to this new and ridiculous business model. People will buy, unseen, $4500 bikes and then wait months for them to arrive. They will go 'all in' with the credit card monies and then sit and wait for delivery. The industry will be consolidating locations and is already making it harder for independently owned locations to get bikes.
This is not good news for LBS or most consumers.
Likes For Cpn_Dunsel:
06-11-21, 02:48 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 1,985
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 774 Post(s)
Liked 1,836 Times
in
888 Posts
Wanted to upgrade my brakes on my MTB and was told by the owner he would not be getting any new Shimano parts for awhile and to look online. Felt bad because I want to do business with this LBS.
Likes For CAT7RDR:
06-11-21, 02:52 PM
#5
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 21,144
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Hybrid
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2991 Post(s)
Liked 5,912 Times
in
3,458 Posts
__________________
Cold-hearted orb that rules the night / Removes the colors from our sight / Red is grey and yellow, white / But we decide which is right / And which is an illusion.
Likes For cb400bill:
06-11-21, 03:07 PM
#6
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 443
Bikes: 1978 Raleigh Competition-1974 Raleigh Folder-1983 Austro Daimler-198? Fuji Monterey-Surly LHT-Surly Karate Monkey-Surly Cross Check
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 97 Times
in
54 Posts
Likes For fettsvenska:
Likes For icemilkcoffee:
06-11-21, 03:50 PM
#8
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 16,156
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9268 Post(s)
Liked 10,411 Times
in
5,298 Posts
The Bike Industry is going to have a completely different and almost unrecognizable (for some of us) landscape very soon. Many Brick & Mortar shops will be disappearing as the new business model of selling online, grabbing all the money upfront through electronic means, and then delivering whenever, will be a new norm.
The corps have seen that people will adapt to this new and ridiculous business model. People will buy, unseen, $4500 bikes and then wait months for them to arrive. They will go 'all in' with the credit card monies and then sit and wait for delivery. The industry will be consolidating locations and is already making it harder for independently owned locations to get bikes.
This is not good news for LBS or most consumers.
The corps have seen that people will adapt to this new and ridiculous business model. People will buy, unseen, $4500 bikes and then wait months for them to arrive. They will go 'all in' with the credit card monies and then sit and wait for delivery. The industry will be consolidating locations and is already making it harder for independently owned locations to get bikes.
This is not good news for LBS or most consumers.
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
Likes For genejockey:
06-11-21, 04:19 PM
#9
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,359
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1529 Post(s)
Liked 1,599 Times
in
940 Posts
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2howud
Last edited by tcs; 06-11-21 at 04:23 PM.
Likes For tcs:
06-11-21, 04:26 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,523
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1843 Post(s)
Liked 2,013 Times
in
1,230 Posts
There is a bike garage in our area. Almost all they do is work on bikes. They do sell a few tools and some consignment. They are situated in an industrial complex and have been there for a number of years.
I can see that becoming an alternative for mechanics who don’t want to deal with upset customers who bought bikes from the shop. And being unaffiliated with a mfg, they can pick and choose.
John
I can see that becoming an alternative for mechanics who don’t want to deal with upset customers who bought bikes from the shop. And being unaffiliated with a mfg, they can pick and choose.
John
Likes For 70sSanO:
06-11-21, 04:41 PM
#11
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 16,156
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9268 Post(s)
Liked 10,411 Times
in
5,298 Posts
You make an appointment with an app on your phone. A bike mechanic comes in a van.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2howud
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2howud
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
06-11-21, 04:44 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 575
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 88 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times
in
98 Posts
This is very bad news indeed. It is nearly impossible for any small business to survive these days and even more so for the LBS given the fact complete bicycles and parts and accessories have been in very short supply and nearly impossible to purchase for the last 12 months. The independent LBS can not compete with larger chains much less corporate owned stores such as the rapidly growing number of independent LBS turned into Trek owned stores. Add the growing number of Internet-only brands like Canyon and many others. Finally when people buy bikes on any of the major bike brands and select their LBS as the dealer where the bike will be shipped, built and made ready for customer pick up the margin given to the LBS is cut to an unsustainable level. The more the masses give their business to internet and corporate owned businesses the less is going to the LBS. If we are to see our LBS survive people will have to support them or more of them will close.
Likes For ARider2:
06-11-21, 04:50 PM
#13
Master of the Universe
That sucks. I live in Utah but my daughter lives near there. I stopped in a couple years ago just to see where Sheldon worked. Nice old shop. It is a multi generational business. Rent is probably very high there real surprise he does not own the building out right.
I picked up a souvenir Water bottle and the owner gave me sticker with Sheldons picture on it.
I picked up a souvenir Water bottle and the owner gave me sticker with Sheldons picture on it.
__________________
06-11-21, 05:05 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,669
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 103 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2209 Post(s)
Liked 2,567 Times
in
1,406 Posts
probably offset by higher prices and it might not be on demand same day service but, scheduled based on load and geography so van/tech hits people close to each other.... i.e like UPS delivery route planning
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
06-11-21, 05:39 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,892
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1061 Post(s)
Liked 665 Times
in
421 Posts
That sounds INCREDIBLY inefficient. Not saying it won't happen, but let's say it takes the average wrench a couple minutes to true a wheel. Now add in the door-to-door time, which would probably be half an hour at least, what with finding the place, parking, walking to the house/apartment, etc. This would hugely reduce the amount of work each wrench could do in a day.
There's a person in my locale, don't know their name, but they do a thing where they spend all day at a fixed location, e.g., in a residential neighborhood, and just do tune-ups.
Likes For Gresp15C:
06-11-21, 05:51 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38,124
Mentioned: 209 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17757 Post(s)
Liked 14,106 Times
in
6,695 Posts
The Bike Industry is going to have a completely different and almost unrecognizable (for some of us) landscape very soon. Many Brick & Mortar shops will be disappearing as the new business model of selling online, grabbing all the money upfront through electronic means, and then delivering whenever, will be a new norm.
The corps have seen that people will adapt to this new and ridiculous business model. People will buy, unseen, $4500 bikes and then wait months for them to arrive. They will go 'all in' with the credit card monies and then sit and wait for delivery. The industry will be consolidating locations and is already making it harder for independently owned locations to get bikes.
This is not good news for LBS or most consumers.
The corps have seen that people will adapt to this new and ridiculous business model. People will buy, unseen, $4500 bikes and then wait months for them to arrive. They will go 'all in' with the credit card monies and then sit and wait for delivery. The industry will be consolidating locations and is already making it harder for independently owned locations to get bikes.
This is not good news for LBS or most consumers.
Likes For indyfabz:
06-11-21, 05:55 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38,124
Mentioned: 209 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17757 Post(s)
Liked 14,106 Times
in
6,695 Posts
That sounds INCREDIBLY inefficient. Not saying it won't happen, but let's say it takes the average wrench a couple minutes to true a wheel. Now add in the door-to-door time, which would probably be half an hour at least, what with finding the place, parking, walking to the house/apartment, etc. This would hugely reduce the amount of work each wrench could do in a day.
Likes For indyfabz:
06-11-21, 06:23 PM
#18
Hack
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,205
Bikes: TrueNorth CX bike, 88 Bianchi Strada (currently Sturmey'd), 90's Giant Innova (now with drop bars), Yess World Cup race BMX, Redline Proline Pro24 race BMX Cruiser
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 329 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
110 Posts
We have a few of the van-mechanics here in Ottawa. No shortage of bike shops either though. The overhead on the mobile shop is so much less, and you can easily show up at locations where you'll get drop-ins - They'll often sit and park at popular bike spots during the weekend (parkways that are closed to cars for Sunday, especially).
Really too bad to see Harris Cyclery closing. I would echo the hopes that SheldonBrown.com is able to stay online.
Really too bad to see Harris Cyclery closing. I would echo the hopes that SheldonBrown.com is able to stay online.
06-11-21, 06:41 PM
#19
Senior Member
I tend to agree with one exception: In very large cites I think LBS will continue to exist because of service needs. There are so many people who, for various reasons, don’t work on their bikes. I am one of them. I’ve spent a lot of time in shops and wish I had a dollar for every person I’ve seen who has come in for a flat tire or to have other relatively simple work performed.
I suspect/fear that it will be an REI type experience for service, if not REI itself. In the (mid size) city in which I live the 'local' REI has access to Cannondale bikes that the local Cannondale distributor cannot get. That's not a good thing.
I don't think the bike manufacturers are concerned with the service end of the business. Eliminating family owned and single proprietor shops in favor of corporate stores serves the large bike corporation very well.
06-11-21, 06:58 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 3,708
Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Gen 3, Soma Fog Cutter, Focus Mares AL, Detroit Bikes Sparrow FG, Volae Team, Nimbus MUni
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 827 Post(s)
Liked 1,902 Times
in
996 Posts
Sad to see, though I've never been there. Between web competition and COVID, there's been a thinning. Like restaurants, the ones that survived either had deep pockets or had the agility to adapt.
06-11-21, 07:16 PM
#21
Dirty Heathen
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: MC-778, 6250 fsw
Posts: 2,177
Bikes: 1997 Cannondale, 1976 Bridgestone, 1998 SoftRide, 1989 Klein, 1989 Black Lightning #0033
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 882 Post(s)
Liked 898 Times
in
528 Posts
I don't think it's a deliberate corporate attempt to eliminate the indie shops, rather than just an industry-wide lack of supply. Without supply to sell, you can't do a whole lot of business.
Bigger chains will fare better because they can amass more stock as it's available, and move it between locations as it's needed. An independent shop is only going to be able to afford a certain amount of stock, and then it's at the mercy of the supply chain.
Even a juggernaut like W@l M@rt is having trouble getting stock of something as basic as innertubes.
In my area, my local chain had a flagship an a couple-three 'retail outposts' Last summer, they moved all their stock and staff to the flagship, and I noticed today, that the sign was gone off the 'outpost' nearest to my house.
Bigger chains will fare better because they can amass more stock as it's available, and move it between locations as it's needed. An independent shop is only going to be able to afford a certain amount of stock, and then it's at the mercy of the supply chain.
Even a juggernaut like W@l M@rt is having trouble getting stock of something as basic as innertubes.
In my area, my local chain had a flagship an a couple-three 'retail outposts' Last summer, they moved all their stock and staff to the flagship, and I noticed today, that the sign was gone off the 'outpost' nearest to my house.
06-11-21, 08:15 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38,124
Mentioned: 209 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17757 Post(s)
Liked 14,106 Times
in
6,695 Posts
I’ve had great service from the REI in Missoula when I have toured out of there. Here in Philly we have many independent shops that provide good service. The REI outlets are in the ‘burbs. No need to take my bike there when I can ride to several shops in little time. Sound like your knowledge is limited to certain markets. Having several major universities in the area certainly helps things.
06-11-21, 08:24 PM
#23
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,359
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1529 Post(s)
Liked 1,599 Times
in
940 Posts
Likes For tcs:
06-11-21, 08:26 PM
#24
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,359
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1529 Post(s)
Liked 1,599 Times
in
940 Posts
06-11-21, 08:30 PM
#25
Member
I suspect/fear that it will be an REI type experience for service, if not REI itself.
Why is that a bad thing? The primary REI mechanics at the one I frequent are trained and experienced. Yes, a less experienced associate may help out with a flat tire repair or a minor task, but the more technical work is done by accomplished men and women. I've never had a repair problem with bikes bought at REI or else where.
In the (mid size) city in which I live the 'local' REI has access to Cannondale bikes that the local Cannondale distributor cannot get. That's not a good thing.
It may not be good, but it's just business. If you're a manufacturer, would you rather sell 300 bikes to a large retailer or 5,10 or 20 bikes to a local single shop?
I don't think the bike manufacturers are concerned with the service end of the business.
Of course they are. Those cyclists that neglect their bikes will blame the brand and not themselves for repair service problems and will possibly go to a different brand when N+1 occurs. Even those that take good care of their bikes may be affected by poor repair service when buying their next bike. Years ago, the owner of a local shop that sold Specialized, Cannondale (primarily) and another brand or two told me that Specialized and Cannondale would send reps occasionally to verify the quality of the work and parts inventory to assure quality sales and repair service for their brand. Whether this practice stopped or not (pandemic aside), I don't know.
Eliminating family owned and single proprietor shops in favor of corporate stores serves the large bike corporation very well.
Why is that a bad thing? The primary REI mechanics at the one I frequent are trained and experienced. Yes, a less experienced associate may help out with a flat tire repair or a minor task, but the more technical work is done by accomplished men and women. I've never had a repair problem with bikes bought at REI or else where.
In the (mid size) city in which I live the 'local' REI has access to Cannondale bikes that the local Cannondale distributor cannot get. That's not a good thing.
It may not be good, but it's just business. If you're a manufacturer, would you rather sell 300 bikes to a large retailer or 5,10 or 20 bikes to a local single shop?
I don't think the bike manufacturers are concerned with the service end of the business.
Of course they are. Those cyclists that neglect their bikes will blame the brand and not themselves for repair service problems and will possibly go to a different brand when N+1 occurs. Even those that take good care of their bikes may be affected by poor repair service when buying their next bike. Years ago, the owner of a local shop that sold Specialized, Cannondale (primarily) and another brand or two told me that Specialized and Cannondale would send reps occasionally to verify the quality of the work and parts inventory to assure quality sales and repair service for their brand. Whether this practice stopped or not (pandemic aside), I don't know.
Eliminating family owned and single proprietor shops in favor of corporate stores serves the large bike corporation very well.
Please delete this. I wrongfully incorporated my response in the quote except for the last response. My fault of course...very long day.
Last edited by MAK; 06-11-21 at 08:42 PM.
