tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943563221520693631.post670958031656947263..comments2023-05-24T05:05:49.488-04:00Comments on family//bike//words: Shopping for a Bike ShopDerrickPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09034165897877375002noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943563221520693631.post-90503319002082055452013-03-16T16:06:11.356-04:002013-03-16T16:06:11.356-04:00I'd love a good co-op!I'd love a good co-op!DerrickPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09034165897877375002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943563221520693631.post-43315168142747259592013-03-14T22:25:38.250-04:002013-03-14T22:25:38.250-04:00There are two shops I try to support (there were t...There are two shops I try to support (there were three once upon a time, but they blew it with their pricing). However, I only use them as an occasional courtesy preferring instead my local bike co-op. They are the sweetest deal (and secret) in town.<br />Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15394464208622993678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943563221520693631.post-32091281837072589212013-03-14T16:23:50.102-04:002013-03-14T16:23:50.102-04:00I spend most of my bike money at one particular LB...I spend most of my bike money at one particular LBS, but I've purchased accessories and other bicycle stuff online when it was cheaper or more convenient or the shop didn't carry it. I'm also planning on spending some time at other shops in the area to get a feel for each one a little better -- because I'm planning some big, upcoming purchases and want to walk into it with my eyes open to all the possibilities with multiple LBSs in the area.<br /><br />I would never buy a complete bike online. I'm also partial to buying any type of bike clothing in-store, so I can see/feel it and try it on.<br /><br />If the price difference is big enough, and I know I want something specific, I feel no guilt buying something online (for example, I purchased pedals online that were over 50% cheaper than buying at the LBS, but I bought my shoes at the store because the pricing was the same). That was an extreme case of price difference -- normally it's pretty close and I'll either wait for the LBS to have a sale (to help my bottom line) or go ahead and get it locally to support their business.<br /><br />I think loyalty to a shop is important, but THEY need to earn it by being respectful, helpful, etc. And you shouldn't have to buy multiple bikes or spend thousands of dollars to get their respect. I feel like I am finally "known" at my LBS, but that has only been recently and because I've spent a lot of time there and made an investment in them. Thankfully, they seem as open to being helpful to me (one guy even offered to let me ride his personal bike to make a better decision on one I was considering buying). That was an above-and-beyond moment for me.tdurbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03938525864918841570noreply@blogger.com