Local Bike Shop closes it’s doors.

[The EMF]

Www.ebikemotorcentre.com

Thank you

 

[Stihldog]

I haven’t been in the market to replace my 2020 Trek Rail 9.7, purchased late 2019, with any of the similar models or brands. My reason for that purchase was to get a decent mountain bike with peddle assist.

The only thing original on that bike now is the frame, motor and battery. Every thing else is upgraded, changed or replaced in the first 2-3 years. The Motor Centre has serviced my motor once during that time. (Cyclochrome in Hull Quebec). Now I only replace broken or worn out components.

The local Bike Shop’s (3) have been my goto for those items. I try to spread the love between those 3. But I am guilty of purchasing some on-line items that I need, and that is rarely. I’m fortunate that I haven’t had a warranty issue, yet, and I’m able to service and repair almost anything on my bike(s). Road, Gravel mtb etc. I understand that not everyone is able to do that.

Family and friends let me tinker on their bikes. It’s kinda therapeutic for me. . But I drag them into our local Bike Shop’s for parts or a new ride. I need the support of our local Bike Shop’s.

 

[doochenozzle]

What shop was it that closed? You're in Coquitlam area? Any reason to not say the name? I'm genuinely curious.

 

[ehfour]

I know this shop and based on their business model, there was no way they would be able to keep their doors open. Nobody would set foot in the door there unless they had there twice annual sale. Once that precedent is set, most people will wait for their crazy stupid blowout pricing- it was a race to the bottom for them

Imbybikes is the name of the shop

The main difference between this shop and the other big one in the Coquitlam is how they treat their customers.

Walk into Kinetik and get friendly hello's from the staff and service department
Walk into Imby and you get weird WTF are you doing here vibes

 

[Stihldog]

What shop was it that closed? You're in Coquitlam area? Any reason to not say the name? I'm genuinely curious.

IMBY Cycles. Probably 5+years in business. Location was ok, but not a high traffic area. They specialize in high-end mountain bike components and eventually expanded the store and started selling some mtb’s . A few brands of EMTB’s after that. Wheel builds seem to be a global business also.

They were very active in the community and strived to be involved and recognized. The only thing negative I heard about them was that the labour fee was a bit high.

Edit; now that I think about it, besides the on-line competition, hours of operation. They were only open 5 days a week. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open 11am-5pm most days. Repairs started at 8am -5pm.
Not a good recipe imo.

 

[sethimus]

Edit; now that I think about it, besides the on-line competition, hours of operation. They were only open 5 days a week. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open 11am-5pm most days. Repairs started at 8am -5pm.
Not a good recipe imo.

outrageous, the audacity of these people, wanting to have a weekend too like normal people

 

[patdam]

outrageous, the audacity of these people, wanting to have a weekend too like normal people

and want to be paid for workshop services

 

[jbrown15]

IMBY Cycles. Probably 5+years in business. Location was ok, but not a high traffic area. They specialize in high-end mountain bike components and eventually expanded the store and started selling some mtb’s . A few brands of EMTB’s after that. Wheel builds seem to be a global business also.

They were very active in the community and strived to be involved and recognized. The only thing negative I heard about them was that the labour fee was a bit high.

Edit; now that I think about it, besides the on-line competition, hours of operation. They were only open 5 days a week. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open 11am-5pm most days. Repairs started at 8am -5pm.
Not a good recipe imo.

Their Google reviews over the last six months kind of painted a rough picture.

In a way you could kind of see it coming, they would buy a ton of inventory and then have huge sales and blow stuff out at basically cost. I work at one of the local shops in your area. I can remember some of their sales when they were blowing out forks at near cost. And you are correct their labor costs seemed a little on the high side for things like basic repairs and tune ups.

 

[dotcodotuk]

The main difference between this shop and the other big one in the Coquitlam is how they treat their customers.

Walk into Kinetik and get friendly hello's from the staff and service department
Walk into Imby and you get weird WTF are you doing here vibes

Feels like this is always the case for a good LBS vs a poor one.

I'll drive 40-minutes to go to my shop of choice, where I'm always greeted by a friendly face and a warm welcome, often with the offer of a mug of tea while you wait for someone to become available, if they are busy. And this seems to be the reception for anyone they meet, as all my friends I send there remark on how nice everyone is.

Their actual local (to me) 'competition' closed down last year, which was a surprise to practically nobody as everyone I know thought they were arrogant and unwelcoming, if not outright rude.

Shame, as the mechanics there were thoroughly decent folk, but the owners and the shop-floor staff were imbeciles.

 

[Stihldog]

Their Google reviews over the last six months kind of painted a rough picture.

In a way you could kind of see it coming, they would buy a ton of inventory and then have huge sales and blow stuff out at basically cost. I work at one of the local shops in your area. I can remember some of their sales when they were blowing out forks at near cost. And you are correct their labor costs seemed a little on the high side for things like basic repairs and tune ups.

I think you’re right about the many blow-out sales. I attended only two. Bought nothing once. The lineups were long and the crowds were big. Forks and tires were sold for very cheap.

The owner(s) and staff were very nice. I preferred less busy hours for visiting but those times were not always convenient for me.

Trek store has lots of bikes and good service. Kinetic cycles has lots of bling, and a decent apparel section. I only know one staff member there (helpful mechanic). Steed Cycles is good also but it’s further away from me. I could live in that store.

Squamish store once and Whistler never. Dunbar cycles, on-line only.

I don’t know what the secret formula is for a small business …I’m only a consumer.

 

[dotcodotuk]

I know this shop and based on their business model, there was no way they would be able to keep their doors open. Nobody would set foot in the door there unless they had there twice annual sale. Once that precedent is set, most people will wait for their crazy stupid blowout pricing- it was a race to the bottom for them

Imbybikes is the name of the shop

Dale Stone must be devastated!

 

[Stihldog]

Dale Stone must be devastated!

Hard to say what the future holds for Dale. I follow his videos and reviews. I’ve only met him a few times in passing (barely remember) but his skills are amazing. I think he’ll be fine.

The camera likes him.

 

[dezzracer]

I live in Las Vegas Nevada. My local bike shop closed about 2 years ago after 30 years in business. I was told by manager primary reason were so many non bike people bought bicycles during pandemic then most stopped riding when it was over. There was a used bicycle glut and you could buy one barely used for less than half. Also because of supply chain issues at the time bicycle shops overstocked when it was over and nobody was buying. Manufacturers over produced too and were selling direct at heavy discount. To make matter worse six months later, he was riding his motorcycle and was killed by a car.

We have other shops but my sense many are struggling and hanging on by a thread. The pandemic changed everything and in many ways is still not over. In my mind it changed society behavior forever too.

 

[Stihldog]

I live in Las Vegas Nevada. My local bike shop closed about 2 years ago after 30 years in business. I was told by manager primary reason were so many non bike people bought bicycles during pandemic then most stopped riding when it was over. There was a used bicycle glut and you could buy one barely used for less than half. Also because of supply chain issues at the time bicycle shops overstocked when it was over and nobody was buying. Manufacturers over produced too and were selling direct at heavy discount. To make matter worse six months later, he was riding his motorcycle and was killed by a car.

We have other shops but my sense many are struggling and hanging on by a thread. The pandemic changed everything and in many ways is still not over. In my mind it changed society behavior forever too.

Pre-pandemic (2019?)I sold my road and gravel bikes and purchased our EMTB’s. The used bikes sold within days …for asking price too. My timing was good I guess.

A local Bike Shop popped up shortly after that (Imby Cycles) and did quite well. The amount of parts and bike inventory was huge for most local Bike Shop’s. Now things are starting to taper off.

The next factor might be AI.