[Closed] LBS,my arse!

Used to be, you had 1 1/8" headsets. Now you've got loads of different types

But before that, there was 1", 1 1/8", 1 1/4", threaded or not. Industry found a level, the extremes died off and and 1 1/8", ahead style and everyone(ish) was happy. Fingers crossed that'll happen again.

My guess is that it's unlikely to, as there's more money in the whole pot to sustain lots of standards. A bit of rationalisation would be nice though, just so long as it's stuff that fits my bike that stays!

Woah, this stirred a hornets nest! The LBS in question is in USA and it is NOT their fault! Just had a rant out of frustration. I was absoulutely being impatient for a very specific part (@bencooper-yes, tapered headset, lower cup-1 1/8th steerer to 1.5 bearing!), they were happy to order it in and i'm happy to put up with the delay (it's raining, so the trails are closed!)

Nowadays we (wrongly)expect everything instantly, in my work we call it 'expectation management'

Perhaps the only future away from the internet is to offer what it can't-physical work, ie fixing/repairing stuff. You can't order that online.

I always thought of having a 'showroom' where you can go to 'touch and feel' items, then order online in the showroom (from any vendor-links provided). The vendors would collectively pay a small fee(%?) to exibit the items in the showroom.
Lets face it, that's what happens anyway most of the time. Why not [s]legitamise[/s] profitise it?

my lbs is Bad Ass Bikes 🙂

had my road bike worked on and Box the owner wouldn't let me have it back with out doing a test ride in addition to the one the mechanic had already done. he leapt on the bike weaved through the shop and off up the combe before i could blink. never seen my bike move so fast! when he came back a few more little tweaks and off he went again, weaving between the displays in the shop like there was no tomorrow. when I did get to ride it myself the bike was like new, setup perfectly.

the bike was like new, setup perfectly.

The very best service my Turner Sultan has ever had was by Box at Bad Ass Bikes. Can't say enough good things about that place.

I guess the only option is to vote with you feet, if you get bad service then go somewhere else. Eventually they will either get the message and change or close down.

I like to support anything local, pub, butcher, village shop etc but I will only give them so many chances to get it right. My LBS has had its chances...

cookeaa - Member

For the likes of us I think lbs will end up being treated as workshops/distress purchase places.

+1

TBH I don't see less "Serious" cyclists or new commuters bothering with the "traditional" LBS for much longer, first place anyone looks for anything these days is google, which will take them to CRC/Wiggle/Evans/Halford's websites and that's where they'll buy bikes and kit from 90% of the time... The Web has pretty much done for the LBS, this ain't news.

What makes more sense is something more like a "service centre" but for bikes...
No glad-handing yuppies into buying a composite ego chariot, no working for biscuits, no glass fronted cabinet full of XTR at full RRP (Which no bugger will ever buy), and no row upon row of bikes that you can't sell at a profit....

Keep it simple, middle aged woman called Sue who does the bookings, fella called Mike or Dave who runs the workshops and a couple of underlings who have yet to earn the right to be called by name...

They don't care if you order the parts or pay their exhorbitant markup (to reflect their costs in obtaining your desired parts at short notice), the only stock they might hold should be cables, inner tubes and lubricants.

But they'll do a quick, professional job of changing pats, doing a full service, full build up of a frame, true a wheel, bleeding brakes... Basically whatever jobs people traditionally use an LBS workshop for, they'll even come round and pick up your bike in a Van if you like...

I can see it now; small business unit on an industrial estate, opposite an MOT testing centre, No frills...

The workshop is the only element of an LBS left that is even potentially profitable really, do away all the shop front bollocks and loss making overheads and you might make reasonable business out of it.

All IMO of course...

You're close.
I can't see an industrial unit working though. In my experience local visibility makes a huge difference. When I moved from a backstreet location to village centre my takings doubled instantly. A sizeable proportion of my customers ride bikes because they do not have cars.
It is still worth having a selection of bikes up to £400 as there are plenty of peple who regard a bike at that price as a luxury item to treat themselves to or want to distance themselves from toyshop bikes.
A selection of accessories is worth the investment too with lights, locks and pumps being the fastest movers.