Support Your Local Bike Shop (Part II)

Support your local bike shop (LBS) is a kind of mantra on bike blogs, message boards and websites.  The idea is that you should patronize local businesses rather than shop online.  I divide, or rationalize, this into two parts:  bicycles and almost everything else.  For my thoughts on buying a new bike go to Part I.  In this post we will address the options for buying other cycling related items.

Mirror, Custom Stem Cap, Computer & Bell

Cycling is like an other hobby.  While it is not necessary, it is very easy to spend a lot of money on accessories, clothing, parts and tools.  Recommendations for what to buy will be covered in other posts; this will be an overview of where to purchase items and why.

While I always recommend buying a new bicycle from a local bike shop (LBS),
I am definitely not as particular when it comes to other items.  The three main reasons for shopping online are:  availability, convenience and price.

There are some items that should be purchased in person rather than on-line.  These would include helmets, gloves and shoes.  You want to be sure they fit correctly, and it is more convenient to get it right the first time rather going back and forth with an online seller.  Definitely try on more than one brand if you can, because each brand will have it's own fit characteristics and one may be more comfortable than an other.

If you find something you like at the LBS, buy it there.  If the LBS helps you determine what you need, buy it there.  I absolutely don't condone the practice of "showrooming" where one tries out items at the LBS and then purchases them online to save a few bucks.

Wheel Truing Stand, Repair Stand & Floor Pump

If you don't have the correct tools, you will need to buy any upgrade or replacement parts from the LBS and have the shop install them.  (Will do a post on some basic repairs and tool recommendations later.)

The major bicycle brands have their own lines of parts and accessories available through their respective dealers.  The most comprehensive offerings are from Specialized, Trek (under the Bontrager brand) and Giant (which only sells through dealers).  For Specialized and Bontrager the prices will be the same at the LBS and on-line from their dedicated sites.  Other brands which don't allow online discounts include Serfas and BikeSmart.

You can buy just about any accessory or tool you want or need from your LBS.  So why buy online?  

The availability of specific items is the first reason.  A Trek dealer will tend to stock a wide range of Bontrager items, and fewer offerings from other brands.  The same will generally be true for Specialized and Giant dealers.  You can get a generic bottle cage at any LBS, but if you want a cool PDW Bird Cage, you will find it much easier online.  There is also a much wider selection of clothing on-line and one of the brands we like is not sold through shops.  When buying cloths on-line be sure to check the manufacturer's sizing chart.  While each chart tends to be accurate, they can vary across brands ( i.e. a Medium from one company may not be the same size as from other brand).

I also find it much more convenient to shop online than in person.  I have never been much of a conventional "shopper", but really enjoy doing online research.  As they say, "your mileage may vary."  If you don't need something right away, you can order online and have it delivered to your door in a few days.  The LBS can also order items that are not in stock, but you will have to go back to pick them up.  We always carry spare tubes, and plan ahead for any maintenance projects, so immediate availability is usually not an issue.

And finally, I won't lie - price is an issue with many items.  Two of the most common upgrade items on bikes are saddles and clip-less pedals.  (Higher end bikes don't even come with pedals because they are a personal choice for riders.)  Both of these items, which can be relatively expensive, are available at the LBS, but can be purchased online at significant discounts.  The most common wear items on bicycles are tires and chains which are also more expensive at the LBS.

I don't mind spending an extra dollar or two on the odd inner tube or bottle of chain lube, but the online savings on a saddle or a pair of pedals or tires can easily come to $30 or more. That's a case of craft beer or a couple bottles of decent wine.  It's about priorities. :)

Over the years we have purchased at least 16 tires, six pairs of pedals, six computers, five saddles, and four chains.  Numerous other bags, bottles, cages, pumps and a collection of tools can add up to a considerable amount, and a decent savings through online shopping.  (As mentioned in the earlier post, we have also bought at least 10 bikes, all from local bike shops.)

To see where we buy our cycling stuff, go here.  If you are in a hurry to spend some money, you can go to the LBS or order through Amazon.  Whether fulfilled by Amazon or a domestic partner, we have never had an issue and you can find some good prices.  There are some crazy prices on items shipped from China, but I would not recommend that option.

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