Local Bike Shop closes it’s doors.

[Stihldog]

A LBS has closed its doors a few days ago. The store/shop opened about 6 years ago and I was their first customer. They specialized in MTB’s, wheel builds, components and services. It was one of three in our immediate area. (Imby Cycles, Trek, and Kinetic Cycles.

I don’t really understand what happened but I suspect that on-line shopping may have played a part. Also they were not an Anchor store for bike brands and were more of a boutique store which catered to the Mtb community. Maybe about 6-9 employees affected. It’s tough to start a small business.

There are a few other well established bike stores 20-80kms away.

 

[Tonybro]

A LBS has closed its doors a few days ago. The store/shop opened about 6 years ago and I was their first customer. They specialized in MTB’s, wheel builds, components and services. It was one of three in our immediate area. (Imby Cycles, Trek, and Kinetic Cycles.

I don’t really understand what happened but I suspect that on-line shopping may have played a part. Also they were not an Anchor store for bike brands and were more of a boutique store which catered to the Mtb community. Maybe about 6-9 employees affected. It’s tough to start a small business.

There are a few other well established bike stores 20-80kms away.

That's sh!t, sorry to hear it.
There will be a lot struggling...

 

[Stihldog]

That's sh!t, sorry to hear it.
There will be a lot struggling...

I’ve noticed that inventory or selections are slightly lower as well when I wander into a local Bike Shop.

 

[The EMF]

A LBS has closed its doors a few days ago. The store/shop opened about 6 years ago and I was their first customer. They specialized in MTB’s, wheel builds, components and services. It was one of three in our immediate area. (Imby Cycles, Trek, and Kinetic Cycles.

I don’t really understand what happened but I suspect that on-line shopping may have played a part. Also they were not an Anchor store for bike brands and were more of a boutique store which catered to the Mtb community. Maybe about 6-9 employees affected. It’s tough to start a small business.

There are a few other well established bike stores 20-80kms away.

Sad to hear………
A sign of the times I fear

 

[sethimus]

A sign of the times I fear

nope, at least not in switzerland. its not booming, but also not bad. i sold lots of bikes in the last 3 months after a slower summer, we are growing slightly again

 

[Stihldog]

nope, at least not in switzerland. its not booming, but also not bad. i sold lots of bikes in the last 3 months after a slower summer, we are growing slightly again

On-line part must take some sales away from local Bike Shops. I must admit that I am guilty of that sometimes. I also understand that I must support my local Bike Shop(s).

 

[Stihldog]

Sad to hear………
A sign of the times I fear

Too bad really. A number of us have become friends with the owners and employees. They were also very active in sponsorship, trail building, race organizing …and sharing advice. (Lacing my first wheel)

 

[RustyIron]

I’ve noticed that inventory or selections are slightly lower as well when I wander into a local Bike Shop.

I totally get that. How much does it cost to stock a store with high end bikes, mid range bikes, beginner bikes, kiddie bikes, roadie bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, townies, cruisers, BMX's, in a variety of sizes, and all the pats to go with them? It's got to be over a million bucks! Nowadays, there are distribution centers all over the place, and shipments can be delivered in a few days, often overnight. I think reduced in-store inventory is just the way it has to be done in the 21st century.

 

[The EMF]

Too bad really. A number of us have become friends with the owners and employees. They were also very active in sponsorship, trail building, race organizing …and sharing advice. (Lacing my first wheel)

At the very least friendships have been made and long may they continue.

 

[Weeksy]

My LBS doesn't stock bikes now. No point, not enough money in them and too much capital. He just does repairs and carries stock that's purely for that reason. With people wanting bikes for 50% off and expecting big discounts, there's just nothing in there for him.

 

[JP-NZ]

I’ve got 10 bicycle shops within a 2km radius of my house. My smallish very cycle friendly city of 460,000 people has 22 bike shops. Kinda feel a bit spoiled now.

 

[WatermanJim]

There is no real money in selling and repairing bikes. My LBS buddy said profit is generated with sales of parts and accessories. Tubes tires t-shirts. and yes hard to beat online shopping with free shipping so that has taken a toll.
Trek can't even keep a store open and most my LBS's are part of a nationwide chain -Incycle. Only a couple independent shops left around me.

 

[Kepa]

There is no real money in selling and repairing bikes. My LBS buddy said profit is generated with sales of parts and accessories. Tubes tires t-shirts. and yes hard to beat online shopping with free shipping so that has taken a toll.
Trek can't even keep a store open and most my LBS's are part of a nationwide chain -Incycle. Only a couple independent shops left around me.

Parts and accessories generate the profit, that’s true I guess. I asked my wife to pick up a pair of brake pads for shimano Grx brakes. Last time I’m shopping on that shop: the price was double compared to online bike shops in Germany. The only LBS I trust is 2500km away… still, if I’ve some suspension related issues, he’s my go to guy. Everything else I’m sourcing online.

 

[steve_sordy]

The LBS I used to use refused to run a booking in service because they were always busy. When told "leave it there, we'll get around to it in two weeks or so" I asked "what if I brought it back in two weeks, will you see it straight away?" "Now you are jumping the queue!" was his reply. So I went elsewhere and never went back. That LBS was extremely busy during the pandemic, but closed soon after when everyone stopped riding cheap bikes.

The LBS I moved to because it had a booking system was absolutely great in all respects. He responded to urgent stuff whenever he could but I didn't abuse it and used the booking system at all other times. However, I didn't think then and now, that they charge enough for the labour. I always refused his "freebies". For example, I took in my son-in-law's bike to sort out the rear brake calliper because I couldn't do anything with the stuck pistons. The LBS guy told me that not even his kit would shift them and he didn't have any callipers in stock to fit. He said "no charge because I didn't fix it. Where would I be if I kept charging for stuff I coudn't fix?" was his response. I insisted that he be paid for his time at least and he reluctantly agreed to take a tenner.

They too, were very busy during the pandemic. But about 18 months ago they halved their floor space and stopped stocking brand new bikes. Instead they concentrated on servicing and components. I told him one day that I was selling my emtb on eBay (when it was allowed), he offered to have his shop as the collection point and then the buyer could quiz him as to the genuine nature of the bike, while I was out of the shop. The sale went through along with some extras. The buyer told me that the ability to talk to the LBS was a clincher. I paid the LBS £50 for that service. I did it again for my grandson's bike, paying a similar proportional tip. It was a great service and I plan to use it again.

Two months ago my mate was in there and reported that the owner was looking and sounding depressed. A week or so later I called in just to say hello as I was passing, buy a magic link, whatever. But the shop was closed for the day "due to a family emergency". I haven't had cause to return so I am uncertain as to what's happening. I hope all is well. I do not want to lose this LBS "Newark Cycles" in Newark, UK

 

[sethimus]

There is no real money in selling and repairing bikes. My LBS buddy said profit is generated with sales of parts and accessories.

BS. With all the bikes sold during the pandemic, there is a huge market in keeping them running. If you can’t make a profit on repairs you should close your shop, yesterday.

 

[Hawk13]

BS. With all the bikes sold during the pandemic, there is a huge market in keeping them running. If you can’t make a profit on repairs you should close your shop, yesterday.

I would imagine that most bikes sold during the pandemic have not been ridden enough as to require a basic service let alone new components. And if not gathering dust are being sold cheaply which takes away from new bike sales

 

[sethimus]

I would imagine that most bikes sold during the pandemic have not been ridden enough as to require a basic service let alone new components. And if not gathering dust are being sold cheaply which takes away from new bike sales

if i had the means to open up a shop these days, it would be one concentrating on repairs, bikefitting and building up custom bikes and mailorder bikes from canyon et al. so much untapped potential in that segment. just two work spaces here in zurich can generate about 15-20k Chf revenue per month, just with repairs. just simple changing of a tube costs 48chf at our place, including the tube. material costs are some 3chf for the tube. there are so many lazy/unskilled people here with too much money…

 

[The EMF]

BS. With all the bikes sold during the pandemic, there is a huge market in keeping them running. If you can’t make a profit on repairs you should close your shop, yesterday.

I bought my first brand new bike from Newark, from a cycle shop called Mariots (next to the Palace Theatre. )
I was only 13 bought with cash earned from beet singling, potato picking and saved pocket money.
The bike was a Falcon racer with Campagnolo brakes and gears with 10 speed levers on the down tube. It also had small chrome guards front and back. Bright metallic red frame. I thought I was the dogs do dahs riding this bike and so began properly my life on a bike……..writing this it’s seems like yesterday

 

[The EMF]

The LBS I used to use refused to run a booking in service because they were always busy. When told "leave it there, we'll get around to it in two weeks or so" I asked "what if I brought it back in two weeks, will you see it straight away?" "Now you are jumping the queue!" was his reply. So I went elsewhere and never went back. That LBS was extremely busy during the pandemic, but closed soon after when everyone stopped riding cheap bikes.

The LBS I moved to because it had a booking system was absolutely great in all respects. He responded to urgent stuff whenever he could but I didn't abuse it and used the booking system at all other times. However, I didn't think then and now, that they charge enough for the labour. I always refused his "freebies". For example, I took in my son-in-law's bike to sort out the rear brake calliper because I couldn't do anything with the stuck pistons. The LBS guy told me that not even his kit would shift them and he didn't have any callipers in stock to fit. He said "no charge because I didn't fix it. Where would I be if I kept charging for stuff I coudn't fix?" was his response. I insisted that he be paid for his time at least and he reluctantly agreed to take a tenner.

They too, were very busy during the pandemic. But about 18 months ago they halved their floor space and stopped stocking brand new bikes. Instead they concentrated on servicing and components. I told him one day that I was selling my emtb on eBay (when it was allowed), he offered to have his shop as the collection point and then the buyer could quiz him as to the genuine nature of the bike, while I was out of the shop. The sale went through along with some extras. The buyer told me that the ability to talk to the LBS was a clincher. I paid the LBS £50 for that service. I did it again for my grandson's bike, paying a similar proportional tip. It was a great service and I plan to use it again.

Two months ago my mate was in there and reported that the owner was looking and sounding depressed. A week or so later I called in just to say hello as I was passing, buy a magic link, whatever. But the shop was closed for the day "due to a family emergency". I haven't had cause to return so I am uncertain as to what's happening. I hope all is well. I do not want to lose this LBS "Newark Cycles" in Newark, UK

See my reply to this further down the post Steve

 

[The EMF]

My LBS is Team Cycles on the Team Valley ind est Gateshead UK. They have recently taken over a long established cycle shop that operates from Kielder Village. The shop has had a makeover and increased hire capacity to cater for more family oriented cycling activities.
I purchased my Whyte E150 RS in 2020 and still own it and I’ve ridden the arse off it and it still comes back for more.
I’ve had great service from Team Cycles. So hopefully it’s not all doom and gloom in LBS World.

 

[Scott_123]

The post COVID crash is going to change the bike business model substantially. I live in a town with over one million people. Road and MTB are extremely popular. You can ride year around and the city has a 120 mile road bike dedicated loop for the roadies out there. MTB trails are everywhere around the city. Despite all this popularity almost every bike shop is struggling. The few that are doing well mostly do repairs and maintenance as their main business. People are hanging onto their bikes instead of purchasing new ones creating a higher demand for maintenance and repairs. I think this shift caught a lot of bike shops off guard who mostly focused their business on sales and to a lesser degree for maintenance/repairs. This led to long lead times on bike turn around and people took their business to places who had ample mechanics for timely turn arounds.

Direct to consumer sales is the direction it’s going for new bikes. For better or worse this is the way bike sales have evolved and it’s only going to grow.

 

[The EMF]

Personally speaking I’d have no qualms at all about returning to Team Cycles for my next EMTB…..I know it won’t be for a little while as I regard my 5 year old Whyte RS 150 as just “ run in “ and so happy with it.

 

[RustyMTB]

People are hanging onto their bikes instead of purchasing new ones creating a higher demand for maintenance and repairs.

This is the thing isn't it? The bike industry has a residuals problem. You give $$$$$ for a bike & a couple of years later it's worth $$$. There's always a cohort chasing the latest & greatest but plenty of riders see that bikes are mostly evolution than revolution & are willing to hang on to them for longer, safe in the knowledge that their bike is still a competitor in the scheme of tihngs.

I gave £4500 for mine at the height of the bike drought & 6000 miles later, I reckon I'd do well to get £1000 back on it. However, I maintain it well, given it a few key upgrades; angle set, better suspension, quality bearings and so on & don't feel the need to move on to what would largely be marginal improvements but a big hit in the wallet. I doubt I'm alone.

 

[Scott_123]

This is the thing isn't it? The bike industry has a residuals problem. You give $$$$$ for a bike & a couple of years later it's worth $$$. There's always a cohort chasing the latest & greatest but plenty of riders see that bikes are mostly evolution than revolution & are willing to hang on to them for longer, safe in the knowledge that their bike is still a competitor in the scheme of tihngs.

I gave £4500 for mine at the height of the bike drought & 6000 miles later, I reckon I'd do well to get £1000 back on it. However, I maintain it well, given it a few key upgrades; angle set, better suspension, quality bearings and so on & don't feel the need to move on to what would largely be marginal improvements but a big hit in the wallet. I doubt I'm alone.

Agree 100%. Especially in the MTB world they have basically hit a development wall and a good MTB from 2018 is still 98% on par with a 2025 offering, so why not keep it, maintain it and ride? However with EMTB this is a different story with motor and tech advancements. However at the end of the day the local bike shops are in a world of hurt these days.

 

[Planemo]

However with EMTB this is a different story with motor and tech advancements

I think I would have to differ on that, the Bosch Gen4 in my 2020 is still a good drivetrain (I've had zero problems in 4 years) and although I agree the new stuff has nice features like gear changing without pedalling etc the cost of upgrading to such a bike just isn't worth the £ for most riders when you bear in mind my Haibike is virtually mint yet prob only worth about £2k at best and as Scott_123 alluded to, will prob do what 98% of ebikers will actually need. It's certainly why I can't see me getting another bike until this one refuses to work eg the battery is kaput and I can't get a replacement/repair.

Re LBS's, I think it's really down to what marques they supply and of course location. My LBS seems to be doing pretty well but then again he's one of few (if not the only one) in my county who deals with the more established brands such as Haibike/Trek/Scott/Cube/Lapierre/Mondraker. That said I deffo wouldn't want to be a small, independent LBS doing lesser/no name brands and servicing bikes for what? £25 an hour? Far better off with a coffee shop when you take into account the crushing costs of running a bricks and mortar business.

 

[irie]

Have had no problems whatsoever on my 4 year old January 2022 Trek Rail 5 (L) with Bosch Gen 4 (non-smart) about 5,000 miles. Substantially upgraded with Vorsprung Smashpot V2 coil forks and Ohlins coil shock. Battery still good.

Same applies for wife's January 2022 Trek Rail 5 (M) which has the same upgrades. Always upgrade both bikes at the same time.

Can't see any good reason to change for new bikes, only downsides to be honest.

Edit: in spring 2026 they'll go to the ebike motor centre to have the motors serviced - last service was August 2024. (About 80 minutes drive).

 

[Dax]

My LBS is Team Cycles on the Team Valley ind est Gateshead UK. They have recently taken over a long established cycle shop that operates from Kielder Village. The shop has had a makeover and increased hire capacity to cater for more family oriented cycling activities.
I purchased my Whyte E150 RS in 2020 and still own it and I’ve ridden the arse off it and it still comes back for more.
I’ve had great service from Team Cycles. So hopefully it’s not all doom and gloom in LBS World.

Team Cycles are one of the smaller online retailers that I’ve found after the demise of CRC/Wiggle. Been great service and great prices on everything I’ve had from them.

 

[The EMF]

Have had no problems whatsoever on my 4 year old January 2022 Trek Rail 5 (L) with Bosch Gen 4 (non-smart) about 5,000 miles. Substantially upgraded with Vorsprung Smashpot V2 coil forks and Ohlins coil shock. Battery still good.

Same applies for wife's January 2022 Trek Rail 5 (M) which has the same upgrades. Always upgrade both bikes at the same time.

Can't see any good reason to change for new bikes, only downsides to be honest.

Edit: in spring 2026 they'll go to the ebike motor centre to have the motors serviced - last service was August 2024. (About 80 minutes drive).

Ebike motor centre?……
Tell me more please

 

[RustyMTB]

Ebike motor centre?

What? You've been here this long & never heard of @Bearing Man ? Shame on you.

 

[irie]

Ebike motor centre?……
Tell me more please

Www.ebikemotorcentre.com