while it is good to support small suppliers due to the fact they can offer a different business model to larger internet based stores they actually have to offer something truly different and competitive
my favorite small bikes stores are the ones where you can chat to the owner about your bike problems and hang about for a bit using tools he/she lent you to install the bits you just bought, maybe with a few helpful hints from them
tokyo just doesn't do it for me its to hipster-cool, busy and a little intimidating It offers me nothing I couldn't order from a specialist website at the same or cheaper prices without the trip up to hellish east (although i'm sure they are good to there regulars and time will prove if they are a good shop)
case in point the other day my house mate was given a free quick release skewer when he broke his at our local bike shop tightening it after fitting an awkward derailleur for touring (he was leaving on a plain the next day so didn't have time to spare) and thats what keeps us coming back
while it is good to support small suppliers due to the fact they can offer a different business model to larger internet based stores they actually have to offer something truly different and competitive
my favorite small bikes stores are the ones where you can chat to the owner about your bike problems and hang about for a bit using tools he/she lent you to install the bits you just bought, maybe with a few helpful hints from them
tokyo just doesn't do it for me its to hipster-cool, busy and a little intimidating It offers me nothing I couldn't order from a specialist website at the same or cheaper prices without the trip up to hellish east (although i'm sure they are good to there regulars and time will prove if they are a good shop)
case in point the other day my house mate was given a free quick release skewer when he broke his at our local bike shop tightening it after fitting an awkward derailleur for touring (he was leaving on a plain the next day so didn't have time to spare) and thats what keeps us coming back