On Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 9:53:51 AM UTC-7, Evan Baird wrote: > > Peter, that's already happening. The problem is that the traditional LBS > model is failing, and moat comminities don't have access to coop > workspaces. As a "veteran" shop rat, I have a dewp affection for the LBS > and the culture surrounding it, but I've also seen first hand how the > chevanism, zenophobia and elitism that people encounter in many shops can > turn them away from the "sport". Those of us who are deciples of Sheldon > will get along regardless, but the average dealer isn't going to be able to > compete with ecommerce. If the industry insists of pushing products that > are increasingly not user servicable we're going to see a lot more Circut > Cities and Comp USAs in the bike world. Shops need to be welcoming > community spaces. There'sno room for mediocre service in this economy.
This is really good advice. However, things are going to get worst and/or harder for the LBS. OK, people here aren't into the "racing" bike thing. But, many shops who cater to those folks are about to get a rude awakening as another new business model is going to be launched! *Canyon * <http://www.bikeradar.com/us/tags/canyon/>bikes, established in 2001 and headquartered in Koblenz, Germany. has adopted an internet based direct sales strategy, effectively cutting out the ‘middle man’, allowing Canyon to build bikes that represent exceptionally good value. I have at least one friend who has the latest in bikes - 2016 Trek Domane SLR with Sram Etap wireless shifting - can't get any fancier than that! - is drooling over the soon to be Sram Etap wireless with hydraulic brakes and has already stated that his new bike will be a Canyon SLX with Sram Etap hydro disc brakes! In his case, he has a nephew who is a "Trek U" trained mechanic who services his bikes. He basically ignores LBSs, even thou we have some very good ones in the SF Bay Area and only orders things online. For him, the Canyon is the most logical and really only way to go. Now, you may say, yeah that's one guy. But there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of guys like this. Personally, I prefer to give my business to my LBS. He is fine with me bringing in my own parts and only charges me labor for his time spent on my bikes. He's been in business for over 40 years. He's had his shares of ups and downs and more than once has said his accountant told him that he could make much more money doing anything else. But his love for cycling is second to none and he just happens to be one of the best mechanics around. If I'm not doing the work myself, I go to him or another one-man shop to help keep these guys in business. I also recommend my LBS to everyone especially for fitting. It's hard to be a LBS....Good Luck! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
