London doesn't need another bike shop!

If this was a service for private transactions this could expose the shop owners to charges of handling stolen goods.

Imagine a wall of lockers where every door revealed someone else's Brooks.

I advanced a similar idea a while ago, the idea being that one would pay a small monthly fee - similar to the buy the server a beer thing- that would allow use of the "customer" tools at the bike shop, and also allow members to have bike parts delivered to the shop and stored until the member could arrive and fit them.

So, for example, I have purchased a new crankset on eBay, I have it delivered to the bike shop and then go there after work to use their press to fit it.

Being a member I have signed off on the "your break it you bought it" rule, so if, for example, I ruin the BB chase/face tool I know I am liable for £500.

I might, in that instance, pay the mechanic to use it for me.

Good coffee, clean toilet, free advice, comfy chairs, water.

That's a cafe not a bike shop. >>>

Repost ^

Wanker ^

Did I forget the Mars bars, mustache wax and a little something for the WE?

lol

Scottmac; some good points - most of which I agree with.

I spend a lot of money and time building my own bikes - and having seen the haphazard ways many shops hang/pile/lock bikes together - I wouldn't want to find a scratch along the toptube of my colnago inflicted by a wayward brake lever. Not that I own a colnago.

In terms of teaching people to mechanic bikes.. It's a nice idea but plenty of places offer it already/ it isn't really a revenue generator/ many bike jobs require expensive tools which is why shops exist. I can show someone how to adjust their threaded headset - but would they want to spend 60 quid on headset spanners and crown race pullers?

Never cater just for the racing crowd and nobody else, otherwise you will soon live to regret it.

Didn't seem to do Sigma Sport any harm considering where they are now.

What do I want from a bike shop?

Someone whom can actually fix a feckin' bike would help!

I gave up using bike shops a long time ago because they are 99% shit. I remember taking my pride and joy to the LBS and when I went to pick it up, it was thrown in a pile with a load of other people's repairs. After I had checked the bike (thankfully there were no scratches) the bike shop owner found himself upside down amidst the pile of said bikes.

Stack customer's bikes correctly, out of view and don't leave them in the shop. Also, clean the bike before giving it back. Believe me, it works wonders for customers returning.

Fuck coffee. I like coffee, but I go to a coffee shop for that. I want my bike fixed, end of. If you have coffee drinkers hanging around the shop all day talking bollocks, then you will sell fuck all and will soon close.

That's a cafe not a bike shop. >>>

This and this. Fuck coffee. If someone is coming for a fitting or something then offer them some, but generally don't bother - it will most likely just intimidate some customers. The coffee-drinking, Rapha-buying crowd is already well catered for.

I think that you'll find that the average forum user is not going to be that similar to the average punter you'll get through the door. Generally people like bike shops that are reasonably priced, staffed by friendly people who know their shit and smell like fresh tyres (this is important).

I go into a store and 80% of the time there's someone who has just had a puncture.
Then I hear the shop say "leave the bike and get it back in 24 hrs or whatever, and it'll cost £XXX."
I see their little face crushed, and the furrow as they determine how to get home/work and then back to the shop.

Each time I think of saying "buy a tube, step aside and give me 5 mins". Then I think, "I'm late, can't stop and help."

1. Mega-express puncture service - if you have the capacity. I'm sure those who wouldn't know how to, would pay a premium price. Ignorance is bliss...

1. Like an "off-the-menu-burger" offer something cool for the forum peeps... LFGSS secret store - tshirt/caps?
   

Didn't seem to do Sigma Sport any harm considering where they are now.

Could a new bike shop compete against the giants of commercialism?

Sigma and the like started at the beginning of the boom and have advertised themselves to the masses via the internet. They buy in bulk and I expect mail order is the biggest earner for their business.

I have visited cycle stores that are more akin to a *Next *fashion shop. They are usually staffed by people whom have knowledge of the bike industry that stretches back three years or less.

Hence I look for someone over the age of forty when I visit a store (which isn't often) and if I say the name Mercian they know what I'm talking about.

Hence I look for someone over the age of forty when I visit a store (which isn't often) and if I say the name Mercian they know what I'm talking about.[/QUOTE]
the shop i work in staffs 2 x over 40s, 3 x 30s, 1x 20, 1 x teen, we cater for all and do ok roadies and commuters alike bmx , brompton, tricycle or tandem we have a go ......we have a coffee machine , a garden , a toilet , free tools, open workshop , membership deals and turn work around very fast , repairs and servicing the bulk of our business . punctures are £15 but you can do it yourself for a fiver and use our tools . sales of bikes are thin on the ground you cant compete with the big boys .....

BLB for charm,
[/QUOTE]

what charm ?

this^

RE: BLB ... I mean the 'retro charm' of the old skool components .. I know some people find the staff a bit frosty

i would rather buy from ebay than brick lane ......

Recently I have been unable to find lights with fittings that don't break. Cateye plastic fittings, and all similar ones, don't last. A proper fitting that bolts on, metal to metal, with no need for quick release, is strangely hard to find.

The Knog bliders have great fixtures, look good and have thus far stood up to all the weathers I've ridden in for 10 months. USB recharger.

I'd like to be around Borough ideally - Nice vibe there

I live there and it is DULL AS F**K. It shouldn't be hard to make a good imprint.

^^really? anything that bends is going to have a very limited life.
what's wrong with something that just bolts on? why this obsession with easy to use, disposable shite?

No. Not fuck coffee.
le Cunstomer likes to hang around in le bike shop looking at all the other stuff while the professionals fix le broken shit.

I am not suggesting he sells coffee and cake like a starbros, its a courtesy thing like a courtesy bike if yours is fucked. "would u leik a cffee m8?"

[I never do this, I never get professionals to fix my bikes]

BLB for charm,

what charm ?[/QUOTE]

this^

RE: BLB ... I mean the 'retro charm' of the old skool components .. I know some people find the staff a bit frosty

and there was me thinking you were being sarcastic and i even lolled a bit when i read it :(

#fail

good luck otherwise. sounds like a nice plan.

#subscribed

I go into a store and 80% of the time there's someone who has just had a puncture.
Then I hear the shop say "leave the bike and get it back in 24 hrs or whatever, and it'll cost £XXX."
I see their little face crushed, and the furrow as they determine how to get home/work and then back to the shop.

Each time I think of saying "buy a tube, step aside and give me 5 mins". Then I think, "I'm late, can't stop and help."

1. Mega-express puncture service - if you have the capacity. I'm sure those who wouldn't know how to, would pay a premium price. Ignorance is bliss...

This seems like it ought to be a standard procedure for any indie shop - 'my' go to shop as it's on my commute is East Central Cycles on Exmouth Market and they are like an F1 pit stop for punctures. I've never seen turnaround like it. It is my mission to change a tube as quickly.

Good luck with yr shop!

^^really? anything that bends is going to have a very limited life.
what's wrong with something that just bolts on? why this obsession with easy to use, disposable shite?

It's a rubber fixture. Rubber comes out bent. Give it a go.

It's a rubber fixture. Rubber comes out bent. Give it a go.

And cuz you can put it anywhere. Fun! Dem blinders are brill. And the rubber is so soft.

It's a rubber fixture. Rubber comes out bent. Give it a go.

Um, thanks, that was my point. Rubber is shit. It cracks and weakens under strain and changes of temperature. I have had 2 knogs, both useless. Design fail.

Thanks again for the feedback guys. I'm looking forward to working with the cycling fraternity to make this venture a worthwhile one - It can't be all things to all people, but I'm hoping to shape it around people's needs/ wants/ expectations.

Lezyne do a nice nice light that I'm currently using .. £12.99 and pot-hole-shock-proof as yet

http://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/5360074942/lezyne_femto_front_comp.jpg?w=1800&h=1800&a=7

I haz them; there is a design flaw on those as well. you can unclip the rubber from the wrong side and the thing flies across the road.....

how long have you had it?

My bottle cages, racks, and saddle bags all last for years. I expect the same from my lights.