I think Mud Dock and Soho Bikesare rather good at blending a bike shop with Joe public cafe.
Mud Dock separates them and they are probably run as separate establishments, but it works seamlessly. Soho bike is more half bike shop, half coffee shop. Given the space, Soho has done really well.
I think they succeed because:
– Nice cycling staff
– Lovely kit on display
– Quality food and drink
– MTBS & Road Bikes
– Involvement/support of local community/cycling scene
But they both lack:
– Secure bike racks with locks
– Dedicated tools for customers to use (take a deposit, etc.)
– Outdoor seating
– Mud friendly (doesn’t really apply to those two as their in cities).
– Have some big screens playing cycling related things- DH/XC streaming, TdF, films (Soho does do some deputes films).
Possible nice to haves:
– Discount/free drinks or food for customers of the cycling shop
– Discount for club riders
– Local ride map wall, or possibly a tablet/computer that you can download GXP files from onto the Garmin.
– Demo/rental of bikes/gear (inc. ShockWIz, Garmin, GoPro)
My LBS (Banjo Cycles & Chapeau Coffee and Cake) does a nice blend, but it’s squarely aimed at cyclist and don’t think Joe public would ever wonder in for the cake. They do some nice coffee and cake, but no hearty meals, and the bike shop is great with lovely staff.
I guess it’s a difficult blend, but maybe a hybrid between all of the above 😆 .