fogrider

https://reviews.roadbikereview.com/bl...son-wisconsin/

there has been at least a few times when I'm out at 8am and no shops are open and needed a tube or power bar...why can't we get something like this all over town? should we be talking to our LBS?

weavers

if you get a flat, you need to buy a new bike. thats the only way to fix flats. do these vending machines sale trek road bikes too?

rizz

Synopsis: Isn't the idea to purchase those items before they are needed so you're ready when the time comes? This seems like a tool for the lazy.

Machka 

I buy my tubes in bulk ... 10-20 at a time. I've currently got 13 in stock, I believe. I'll check the stock come spring again to see if I need to reorder.

As for "powerbars" ... most convenience stores stock what I eat on a ride, and are open 24 hours a day. But most of the time, I've got a good stock of granola bars and cookies on hand ... they are better than any powerbar.


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So ... ummm ... are they putting these "Trek Stops" out in the country, 50 kms from the nearest town? That's where I ride ... and if I needed assistance, that's where I'd need it.

Sprocket Man

Once you factor in the cost to build it, the cost of electricity, maintenance and repair and the space requirements, I bet it's a money loser. Where I live, Powerbars and other energy bars are so ubiquitous, you can get them at a 7-11 if you need. And for the other things, I already have an ample supply, as most cyclists do. And since many of us ride in groups, you can usually borrow whatever you don't have from a friend.

fogrider

sure I have a stock of tubes and bars...I had it all prepped and in the backpack...and I left it all there. I got all my other stuff, cell phone, wallet, multi tool, water, but I forgot my bars and tubes as I headed for west marin. I did get some bars on in store, but did not find a tube...go thing I didn't need the tube. there has been times when I see a guy with a seatbag open and their tube is gone.

I just think its a great idea for those early rides and you forgot something.

iab

You do realize you are in America, don't you?

Also, I believe the Dutch have used kiosks like this for a while. But the Dutch actually ride bikes all of the time so for them it makes more sense. I think botto posted a picture of one once.

Machka 

Sounds like you need to install a rack and trunk bag so that stuff is always on your bicycle when you head out for a ride.

And you do know that you can eat stuff other than power/energy bars on rides, right ....... in fact there are a lot nicer things to eat.

Eltanin

On the other hand, the vast majority of cyclists don't ride in such well stocked groups. This kiosk is right on the major MUP that runs through downtown Madison and is probably much more popular with the recreational cycling crowd. That said, whenever I ride by it isn't as if people are lining up to use it...

NYJayhawk

....so all I need is a hacksaw and a ski mask, and I can pick up a new clamp for my work stand? Cool.

urbanknight

Wasn't there a thread on this same exact article 3 months ago?

botto 

that was also a pilot scheme. no clue how it turned out.

DataJunkie

Unfortunately, around here it would be vandalized in no time.

mattm

there's one LBS in seattle with a tube/patch/powerbar/etc vending machine in front of it.

i just stock up like machka does.

Motman320

Where are they when you need them?

fogrider

I have a ritchey road bike that I use for my commuter bike, sometimes I put a rack on it, but for my go fast bike, I have no rack. I don't even have a seatbag. today I rode by a guy with a seatbag...I told him that it was open and everything was gone.

I found out that one of the better LBS has a vending machine with tubes and stuff in it.

there has be a few times when I had to bum a waterbottle because I forgot it on the counter.

mr handy

Good thing you had a bike rack!

umd

Yes