What Do You Expect From an LBS?
- ValleyForge
- Posts: 1831
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:37 pm
- Location: Brisbane
What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby ValleyForge » Tue Jul 12, 2016 12:48 pm
First was a replacement tube for the son of a good friend. Walked into the LBS and told the bearded assistant I needed a 28-406 tube - with a presta valve. He looked at me and said -"that's a bit odd, but I'm pretty sure we've got a few". And indeed about 60 seconds later I was on my way with the correct tube.
And then I went to a different LBS looking for a upgraded FD for my GF's bike. I told them the brand, model, mount and cable-pull I was after, and I was passed among the counter staff, then to the workshop. Frank, the workshop guy was franticly busy and the counter staff were wanting him to somehow clarify the part, see if there was one in stock, and if not order it! It took nearly an hour and they are unsure of the price! I can order the FD online from OS for about half what they "think" it will cost at the LBS. And do it in 5 minutes. And not need to repeat what I wanted to 4 different people.
- open roader
- Posts: 3642
- Joined: Tue Jul 28, 2009 7:05 pm
- Location: Dueling Banjo Country, Otway fringes, Victoria
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby open roader » Tue Jul 12, 2016 1:36 pm
The bicycle retail sector in this country is no doubt being squeezed hard with buyers having easy online / overseas shopping. But I know exactly why this is in many cases.
I was always prepared to pay plenty more to the LBS for parts as the person behind the counter was not only the salesman but also actually had some experience with riding/owning/building and buying/selling bike parts (and actually running a business) Now my closest LBS employs people in 'sales' and a mech. behind the scenes (who is treated like a 2nd class citizen BTW) which for me is simply not good enough - I applied the three strikes and you're out policy and alas it took only a couple of months for three strikes to tally.
So to answer the question - I expect a LBS to have staff with experience and knowledge as well as slick sales methods. I received rolled gold LBS service and sales from a bloke who started as the shop jnr mechanic, worked his way to the front desk and then purchased the business and was proprietor and operator. So I expect old fashioned service, a bit of banter and the person on the otherside of the front desk to know more about the business than I do.
-
- Posts: 385
- Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2009 4:11 pm
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby chill » Tue Jul 12, 2016 2:08 pm
-
- Posts: 195
- Joined: Tue Dec 17, 2013 7:17 pm
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby Newcastle Dave » Tue Jul 12, 2016 3:44 pm
1) Wanted a Saris Bones rack for my wife's car (and bike). LBS said, yes we are the local dealer/agent. Pay us the full price up front and we will order one, should be about 2 weeks. So I order one from England, for $50 cheaper and its delivered in a week, (no postage charge)
2) Wanted a Wahoo kickr snap, rang around 4 LBS and the difference in price was $300 between cheapest and most expensive. Was at the cheapest picking it up that afternoon (one of the shops in the middle of the price didn't have any but were getting some in. Took my number, next day called me to say they just got some delivered, so good service but $50 more and a day late)
Will be visiting the shop with the most expensive kickr on Thursday to drop my bike in for a service - they do a good job at a reasonable price.
So my advice, shop around
-
- Moderator
- Posts: 1001
- Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:42 pm
- Location: sydney
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby timbo » Tue Jul 12, 2016 5:20 pm
My only gripe for LBS's is when it comes to sizing, be it shoes, clothing, or indeed, bikes. These are things you really have to try before you buy, and if they don't have them in stock for the right size, they steer you towards something that SHOULD fit, but in reality, doesn't.
For me, it always seems to be a 10mm longer stem to the handlebars than standard, a wide fit shoe which is often not in stock, and a change of saddle which agrees with my body shape.
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:17 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby bigfut » Tue Jul 12, 2016 7:14 pm
As others I don't mind paying extra if they are any good.
I have had terrible services from store chains.
Bicycle centres seem to be good, as they appear to be individually owned franchises (actually care)
- Ross
- Posts: 5742
- Joined: Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:53 pm
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby Ross » Wed Jul 13, 2016 8:59 pm
Makes you wonder If the internet didn't exist and everyone went to LBS for parts how they would cope with the extra customers...ValleyForge wrote:
And then I went to a different LBS looking for a upgraded FD for my GF's bike. I told them the brand, model, mount and cable-pull I was after, and I was passed among the counter staff, then to the workshop. Frank, the workshop guy was franticly busy and the counter staff were wanting him to somehow clarify the part, see if there was one in stock, and if not order it! It took nearly an hour and they are unsure of the price! I can order the FD online from OS for about half what they "think" it will cost at the LBS. And do it in 5 minutes. And not need to repeat what I wanted to 4 different people.
-
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 4:01 pm
- Location: Bass Hill, NSW
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby r2160 » Wed Jul 13, 2016 9:53 pm
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever" Lance Armstrong
-
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2016 6:52 pm
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby Velt » Thu Jul 14, 2016 1:26 pm
-
- Posts: 1916
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:21 am
- Location: Perth
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby mitzikatzi » Thu Jul 14, 2016 2:31 pm
-
- Moderator
- Posts: 1001
- Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:42 pm
- Location: sydney
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby timbo » Thu Jul 14, 2016 7:18 pm
This seems as much about the bicycle industry as anything else. A lot of things seem to go in 3 year cycles for bicycle parts, so if your bike is ten years old, it is obviously way out of date, if only accordingly to the bike shop. My favourite bike is my 1998 model Miyata 1200, which has just needed regular servicing, and not replacing, and in fact the LBS will look for stock replacement parts to keep it original.mitzikatzi wrote:When I ride in on a good condition 10 year old bike. I don't like it when they look down there nose at it and tell me that it is not worth replacing the part I am after. If they don't say something positive about my bike I rarely go back.
To quote, if the part you are after is a Shimano part, it is always available, just maybe on order. If your bike shop doesn't want to replace it, I'd replace the bike shop.
-
- Posts: 825
- Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2015 10:57 am
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby Trevtassie » Thu Jul 14, 2016 7:48 pm
-
- Posts: 456
- Joined: Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:14 am
- Location: Shoalhaven
Re: What Do You Expect From an LBS?
Postby GAV!N » Wed Jul 20, 2016 9:02 pm
Return to “Buying a bike / parts”
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- MTB
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross and Gravel Grinding
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Cargo Bikes and Utility Cycling
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Cycling Brands
- Cannondale
- Garmin
- Giant
- Shimano
- Trek
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+11:00
- Top
- Delete cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The Australian Cycling Forums is a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.
Bicycles Network Australia
Forum Information
Connect with BNA
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.