London doesn't need another bike shop!

... But I'm going to open one anyway.

So what would you like to see in a bike shop? - I'm thinking in terms of products or services or 'owt that comes to mind.

I'm not really trying to compete with mosquito for bling, BLB for charm, or Evans for volume.. I'm mostly aiming towards a city-based workshop so retail stock is sort of a secondary consideration. This gives me flexibility to carry a small but interesting(?) stock beyond the obligatory locks/lights/toobs.

I have my own ideas (good job - eh?!) but I'd love to hear your say.

...And before anyone asks, yes - there will be a Minutemen cover band* and free beer at the opening.

*If I can't get the mexican guys from the Dorito's ad

I'm not really trying to compete with BLB for charm,

very sensible, it would be silly to be over ambitious here

Where is the shop going to be? Will it specialise in any particular type of cycling like commuting or mtb or road?

It always feels like its hard to find good deals on hand built wheels and wheel building, maybe shops do it but don't advertise it or maybe its not profitable now that everyone rides factory wheels.

I'd also rate Sigma computers/lights and Ekoi glasses/helmets which are hard to come by in the UK.

Not sure if any of that will be helpful or profitable mind! Good luck!

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

oh yeah, this ^ too

Muffins

yes - there will be a Minutemen cover band

Serious? This would be cool!

Cheers for the great ideas guys.

As mentioned, The main focus will be 'sensible' - commuter servicing and ancillary products.. But I'd like to spice things up with some cool stuff.

Not roadie, not MTB, not "commuter" in a day-glo altura jacket sense .. more 'Urban Cyclist' ..

I have a very very good wheelbuilder - and will be doing some seriously nice stuff.

No cafe though. Soz. Not yet.

good. if i want coffee i'll go to starbucks a coffee shop

I like Swrve clothing ... and rapha is nice - but I'd rather bring something new to the party .. something cheaper - but with the same kind of style.

Location isn't confirmed yet but - Just south of the river is likely

I'd pretty much steer clear of selling bikes, the competition is fierce, and with the internet, ultimately doomed.
I would maybe sell frames that people could get built up to their spec, this would give you a nice edge and a reason for people to come to you.
Maybe even strike a deal with Mielec and get them to make you some frames to your own geometry and with your own lug designs.
I would certainly stock plenty of things like lights, locks, and consumables like tyres and tubes. Have a nice range of items from low priced (not shit) to higher priced, so that you can always try the upsell on punters looking at the cheaper items :)

Things I want in a bike shop:

Cheap simple repairs (charging £20 to tighten a bolt takes the piss)
Service packages, something like £5 a month and you get a service each year and things like free fitting of parts bought instore and free tigtening of bolts etc.
Friendly approachable and knowledgeable staff
Good selection of tools/oils/degreasers etc
Somewhere to lock up outside

Things that are awesome in a bike shop:

Coffee
Cake
Chairs
Music

Fantastic! Thanks Titan.

Service packages is something I was toying with.

Music will be of the highest quality - From (A)mon Tobin to Frank (Z)appa.

;)

Mosquito for bling? Mosquito is ok but for more bling, Sigma Sports and Condor, for most bling Cyclefit.

I like the idea of coffee cake etc, would make a nice hangout too.
For me a nice vibe is really important too.

If you dont want to do proper coffee you could always just buy a Tassimo and sell people the cartridges.
Coffee is important!

I don't like tassimo.its the modern day equivalent of Nescafé.

Get a glass cabinet with loads of rare nos campagnolo and a few
Vintage bikes / jerseys hanging and people will come just to oogle at the stuff.

They probably won't buy anything mind, just oogle.

People love that stuff.

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.

...And before anyone asks, yes - there will be a Minutemen cover band* and free beer at the opening.

*If I can't get the mexican guys from the Dorito's ad

This is enough for me.

However, I live in Australia.

My friend opened a bike shop a few years back. He pretty much cornered the market when it came to SS/FG stuff, "hip" commuters, and uni students that want their old bike made servicable to they can ride it.

A lot of bike shops here don't really offer any of that, they'd rather sell you a Giant / Trek / Merida / etc, than service your old steel bike, replace the cables and chain and tape the bars.

He seems to be going pretty well. He only sells a few complete bikes, a few frames, but is flat out with services and selling parts, lights, helmets, locks, bells, etc.

location?

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

Not that it's comprehensive, but if you've not seen this it's a good start on where you are in relation to other indie shops. http://www.lfgss.com/shops.html

In your position I'd push the wheelbuilding, I spend far more on wheels than anything else. Perhaps look at what http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk/ does and see if you can offer a similar product. Chinese parts (Carbon rims, Novatec hubs) handbuilt in London but with some bling options as well (Royce, Chris King etc).

A UK source for FarSports etc chinese crabon could be a very lucrative online venture, although not without its risks, dealing with warranties etc.

The most crucial things in a bike shop are:

A) Staff who are friendly, helpful and not patronising towards the customer (especially if they come in with a bike which is 'off brand').

B) A range of parts - not just the cheapest and most expensive options.

C) careful mechanics. I have all but stopped taking my bikes to bike shops as I've had quite a few bad experiences with mechanics, who were either lazy or just not very good. The good bike now only goes to the Bike Whisperer and I try to do everything else myself.