Is This The FUTURE of The BICYCLE INDUSTRY??

[@GCPerformance18]

Just a rant, but I was wondering if anyone else in the industry has experienced

[@reecedawson6113]

I from the UK and I've just started my career in the bike industry as I'm 19. I worked at a local bike shop for a bit sell everything but mainly sale E-bikes or high end stuff. Now I got a job with Ribble which is the British equivalent of canyon being directed to consumer however they have a couple of showrooms across the country so now I'm selling there. It mainly sale bikes or the high end, our average cost per bike for us is like £2500, 30 bikes a week or so being sold. Some showrooms are in wealthier areas so they sell more higher end but I just see the current state of the industry continuing for a while.

[@pmbsuspension]

Suspension workshop here, similar evolution, compared to 6 years ago, price and complexity of services went 1.5-2-3-4x, more questions asked and lot of bias: customers want to know everything down to details that have zero impact for them, and bias can be so strong that some products stand zero chance

[@iamacyclewarrior9962]

I do believe that contrary to popular belief, a lot of people DO want the rim brakes and the mechanical drivetrains back! The simple service features and convenience and reliability of inner tubes and other " retro technology " is still very appealing for most people. Simplicity, reliability, lightweight fun and speed AND affordability .Facebook marketplace is loaded with super bikes of old for fractions of the new sometimes mechanical nightmares. This is just the opinion of myself and the local cyclist in our area. The bike industry forced this upon themselves sadly, and are avoiding taking responsibility. Look at the number of followers of "old school" or "vintage" bike promoters and influencers. Facebook marketplace is the G.O.A.T.! For 2 to 4k You can find world tour bikes that far exceed the limits of which most people can and will ever ride them. The new bikes are too much money & too much maintenance. Too little heart and soul 💔

[@travispyle2905]

So what are YOU going to do about it? Adapt or die. Time to be the panda podium for the USA. You have the fan base and the connections. I've had an idea for an old school / modern online co-op, where people pay to be members of the co-op, then get things for nearly at cost and at the end of the year the members get a bank deposite for their share of the profit after all things have been paid (YOUR Salary with bonus for amount of product moved and all your costs). Your co-op could have 3 purchase stream options: 1) from the brick and mortar location in person, 2) shipped to within the USA/Canada/Mexico as a customer spec built bike by your co-op workers (with exact parts chosen from the list of products provided from the co-op website and showcased by your youtube channel); or 3) have products shipped directly from OEM manufacturer (china) to the customer and the co-op is the intermediary website with the pre-negotiated costs. This would allow customers to get what they want... like you said disc fully integrated electric shifting modern bikes at an inexpensive price point. Or you could do the co-op just online as a separate thing from your store. I think the conditions are ripe for this sort of venture.

[@PolyglotBikepacker]

You did well man, I appreciate your openness and honesty. Obviously this is something close to your heart. The cycling industry is def ruining it for great LBS like yourself, hang in there bro 💪

[@mathrocks7591]

The bike prices are crazy. People are keeping the bikes longer .

[@xclent1975]

Sounds very similar to the car industry

[@joshuaelundberg3333]

I remember buying a Specialized S-works (full Dura Ace) 22 years ago, think Cipollini branding. The price for the top of the line Specialized road bike was MSRP $4,000. That same model range is now 4x the price from Specialized.

[@Wds__99]

Charging 15k for a bike made in china for 2k is crazy greed. Bike companies have themselves to blame for slow sales.

[@Datboyvideo]

This is certainly something to talk about when looking at bottom line, but blanket statements like this don't take R&D into account. You're not paying ONLY for the manufacturing costs. You're also paying for what it cost for these companies to develop the bike you're buying. Not so black and white.

[@doggdemuro]

@@Datboyvideo Ridiculous comment. Never understood why people defend large corporations.

[@mitchhorton9178]

@@doggdemuroHe didn’t say anything that wasn’t the truth. There are other costs besides just manufacturing. Didn’t sound like he was defending but rather having additional input into the subject.

[@billyk2011]

​@Datboyvideo they cant even manufacturer a bike with a truely round bottom bracket so theres no creak, not sure about the R&D.

[@Veloman1957]

How do you know the bike cost $2k. Just a guess?

[@davidnicholson6680]

1. E-bikes have taken over recreational cycling. I live near a big bike path network and all you see are helmetless rec riders on e-bikes. E-bikes are tons of fun, I get it. 2. The Lance-era enthusiast has aged a bit, has a bit more money and has moved from the Comp to the Pro or S-Works. A 50 year old who rides 200 miles a week is getting the S-Works or Lab71. 3. DTC is very popular in the mid range. If you compare a $5K Aeroad to a $5K SL8, it's frankly not even close in terms of spec. 4. True bike nerds are getting really into the Chinese stuff. Chinese wheels are already dominating in racer group rides. Winspace and Yeoleo frames are still rare but starting to creep in.

[@cup_and_cone]

Agreed. Though I'll say I find it interesting that the age bracket of Lance-era cyclists (late 40's into 50's) are mostly holding out on road eBikes, meanwhile that same age bracket on the mountain bike side have fully embraced them. I cannot explain this. Especially since road biking is much more a social sport where you want to keep up with your peers, whilst mountain biking is almost always individual sport done alone.

[@LoscoeLad]

Amazing how the human race is actively producing tech to replace us!

[@bonbonflippers4298]

​@@cup_and_coneemtb here has become the "new" standard. Every serious mtber will want or eventually become emtbers no exception. Once a friend has one the temptation to get one and ride 20mph on pavement which i have seen becomes a no-brainer.

[@keit273]

@@cup_and_cone More specifically, trail and enduro style mountain bikes are suited more towards having fun on technical descents and climbing is not on a enduro rider's list of fun. Another way to think about it is, the more enjoyable it is to climb or ride flats, the less likely a rider will choose an ebike. On the other hand, the more enjoyable it is to descend and the more climbing feels like a chore, a rider will prefer an ebike. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference though.

[@slowcyclist4324]

Perhaps another perspective. I rode off-road because it is fun, and road for the training. Hands down now if e-mtbs were readily available, I’ll get an e-mtb to flatten the climbs so I can focus on the downs and single tracks. This also gives me the advantage of preserving my stamina for the road cycling interval trainings. But as it is, given the current regulations on e-bikes, I’ll resigned to having to work for my downhills for the foreseeable future 😢

[@aragorn318]

I just bought a used road bike 3 mos ago off Buycycle from a seller in Italy for $1475, and it turned out to be the best bike purchase of my life. It's a 54 cm 2019 rim brake Giant TCR Advanced 1 with Ultegra R8000 groupset and 62 cm DTSwiss Arc 1100 wheels. He even included Elite bottle cages, Look Keo 2 Max pedals, and the bike owners manual. I used the free international shipping promo code to deliver to Chicago, and the total with tax came out to $1610 USD. The bike is in perfect condition and I'm 52 y.o. I don't need a power meter, electronic groupset, integrated cabling, and hydraulic disk brakes!

[@TrailerYacht]

Aussie, middle aged, getting back into road cycling after decades away from the sport. I was flabbergasted by sticker shock with how much quality road bikes are priced at now. I want rim brakes, tubes, 25mm tyres, external cables, simplicity and FUN. I don’t want to be terrified if my bike falls over. Base model new bikes are all over $3000 AUD. So I bought a second hand bike - aluminium frame, full 105 componentry, rim brakes & aluminium rims for $350 AUD on FB marketplace. I’ve since spent another $400 AUD getting it serviced, and new GP5000 tyres all from my LBS. I am soooooooo far ahead of buying a new bike that it’s not funny. A new road weapon is over $16,000 AUD here - decent motorcycles are waaaaay cheaper. There’s your problem. Over-priced new bikes.

[@MrAntiShill]

Great comment! Glad to hear you didn’t fall for the trap of getting a heavy, overpriced disc brake piece of JUNK with proprietary parts and integrated cables… We need more people like you in the sport. The fat dentists, overpaid lawyers and rich Chinese are destroying the sport. Not to mention clowns like GC who constantly promote these unnecessary overpriced garbage bikes on KZbin

[@imrevadasz1086]

​@@MrAntiShillI wouldn't blame GC for his only talking about those super- expensive, often massively overpriced bikes. It's what he mostly sells, and he is completely transparent about that.

[@kbd13-n9c]

You don’t want 25mm, at least not if your roads suck like mine. I’m 36 and just ordered 35mm tires

[@TrailerYacht]

@@kbd13-n9c - I'm in Newcastle NSW - our town has a long history of coal mining. As a result of the mine subsidence, the majority of our roads are pot-holed & cracked. I'm running 25mm Continental GP5000's at 123 PSI as recommended on the tyre. Despite having an aluminium frame & fork and aluminium rims, I'm loving it. I would have bought 23mm tyres but they were not available in my LBS. I'm 6' & 105kg, so maybe that makes all that aluminium compliant - LOL !

[@nellyx1x493]

My roads suck, and 25c is fine on a supple rim brake frame with parts chosen for compliance.. carbon bars, post etc. run 85/95psi fr/r. Disc braked bikes need bigger tyres to achieve the same suppleness. A nice simple mechanical pre-disc era road bike is the nicest bike to own and live with.

[@brockjennings]

In the early 2000s I worked at a software company and a high-end bicycle shop was a couple of doors down. I was heavy into the sport and it was the peak of the Armstrong dynasty. The owner had a seating area and would play a VHS recording of the day's Tour de France stage that was broadcasted on Outdoor Life Network. I also miss the days of going to Barnes & Noble and getting the latest issue of Cyclesport. Fun times!

[@jahairl227]

The bike industry killed itself. When the Pro area of bike shops took over the intermediate through advanced areas that is where the problem began. I remember when I went into my local shop for service, and to price my next bike but could not find anything under $1200 worth my hard earned money. I knew then it was a problem. It’s all kind of sad.

[@carl1427]

You liked the retail experience, because it is and it creates, an experience. Online shopping is mindless. It was so great to walk into a store thinking you knew what you wanted, but then walking out completely stoked with something different that you never expected to like but now you love. Online shoppers will never feel that experience. It is sad.

[@johnsenior478]

I’ve cycled for 54 years. In terms of how much riding I do and how fit I am I could justify a new gravel bike and a new road bike but I’m retired and just can’t justify the cost so I’ll be sticking with rim brakes and my CX bike for gravel. I guess the number of people with money to spend on what is only a hobby is going down and down.

[@jamesfearn]

Mid-Tier bikes aren’t selling because for $3000-6000 you are getting low level components and an 18-20 lbs bike. Spending $6000 and getting 105 or Ultegra after shelling out that much is painful.

[@vanhelmen3168]

Got into road biking three years ago. After some research I ended up with being ready to spend around 4000. Then I did a test ride on a bike with electronic shifting and was fascinated. So I had to strech my budged up to 5 to 6 k to get that e-shifter too. Then I got curious about S-Works: What in the hell is justifying 12000 for a bike? 😅 I ended up buying an S-Works second-hand, only one year old like new for 7000.

[@zerocool675]

Exactly, $6000 for 105 is insane. Love 105 but my $1100 bike came with 105 in 2017. The industry brought it upon themselves.

[@mmurmurjohnson2368]

You can definitely build a 8k$ machine for around 2k$ if you know what you're doing, but new riders get intimidated by the physical and mechanical learning curve plus price, and just opt for tacky entry priced e-bikes

[@jamesfearn]

$8500 for a Tarmac SL8 with Ultegra is insane. Somehow can’t feel that you are getting taken to the cleaners. Not sure how you can build a proper respectable non-china bike for $2K when even the Chinese frames are $1500-3000 and even decent Chinese wheels are $1000-1500 let alone the need for a decent group set and other peripherals like tires, a seat, bar tape, pedals, etc…..assuming all are new and sourced and not spares or your own take-offs.

[@jayobannon5359]

Get a custom built frame and put your desired components on it. I have built a Ti and steel and have cone out at around 6k for exactly what I wanted and built exactly to my fit.

[@liquidSpin]

When you said "The bike shop that my dad once owned is not there anymore" hit me in the feels. This is the saddest video you've made but I believe your shop will persevere and continue to do well. Just don't stop selling Scott bikes.

[@rg807]

8 years ago i went to France to ride Mt Ventoux. Until then, i looked down at ebikes. When i got to Ventoux, where there are 4 bike shops in a town of 2500, i saw tons of people on ebikes, and it hit me, none of these people could dream about riding Ventoux if not for being on an ebike. I still don't own one, but I'm an ebike supporter. More people ride because of them.

[@bikeman1x11]

ebikes are foe weak and lazy

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Went for a 20 mile roll through DC yesterday. 1963 Schwinn, 1968 Raleigh, ...and a Bullitt. The only tech we needed was behind the counter at that fancy Tatte Bakery & Cafe tHanks for the update in the bike shop world. Have a great week

[@Thesaltymaker]

Congratulations, you are a top end dealer. For the rest of us, is the used market. 3 years post boom is a great time for the used (more affordable) market.

[@Shadowboost]

I bought six road bikes last year. Just too many insane deals

[@DCPEvo]

I’m now in my mid 40s, fortunate in my career and in a position to purchase the top end bikes, but as a matter of principle refuse to pay what they are now asking, So I’ve been buying used, building my own bikes and trying wheels and other parts from China for fun.

[@Flashback_Jack]

I walked into a Trek shop and pre-ordered a Madone SL7 that never materialized--I repeately visited them and even had a bike fit in the store in preparation for the bike. The whole experience was straight up vapour-like. I ordered an Aeroad direct from Canyon, didn't even have to pay import duty and the experience has been perfect. Got all my own tools and I'm resourceful enough to do my own repairs and that's good enough for me. Direct to consumer is the future and even the idiots at Trek recognize this.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea that is the thing that sucks I am sure the guys at the stores want to make it happen but they are on an ordering system that they have no idea when it will come in, where as the people who are direct fell the pressure from the consumer directly and get the sale done

[@bengt_axle]

Yes, I've experienced some of the things mentioned. To begin with, there are fewer bikes on the floor and the last time I went to my LBS, I was invited to a special pre-sale for clients on a mailing list (they created it from past purchase history). Discounts were deep, free food, and the manager had more time to get to know individual clients and tell them about the new products. I think this is the future as the same thing happened when I went to an optical shop. During covid it was by appointment only, but after the pandemic, it stayed that way. The shop owner told me that it was actually better this way because those who took appointments were there to really buy, while browsing customers rarely did and occasionally they would lose stuff to theft. By appointment only solved both of these problems. People can browse on-line and look at YT channels to learn about high-end bikes. Often they know what they want better than the sales rep. So I think this is the way of the future for LBS. Waiting on walk-in customers can be wasted time.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

One of our LBS did an invite only for a new bike brand. The owner/manager did a full on go over on the bike brand and spent an hour answering Q&A on the bike. Key here: The brand is about 1/2 the price for value of the other US brand the shop carries. TL;DR it's going to be brutal for brands this and next year.

[@thatprcrawlerguy187]

During Covid bike shops (I’m not saying yours) maybe yours as well maybe not. But I went to take my bikes to get serviced and they wouldn’t because it wasn’t brands they carried. They were riding high on their horses selling them overpriced bikes. They messed up because it forced me to go and get my own tools. I know many many others that did the same, now I need nothing from a bike shop. And if I break something I’ll order online and patiently wait. Call me disgruntled if you want, but I learned my lesson, be self suficiente. I know many people have experienced the same in the past. Now bike shops all over advertising “come get your bike tunned up for the season, no matter if it’s from Walmart”. 😬

[@SuperAnatolli]

Lots of entry level bikes in my local bike store. Online: Due to the ever expanding diversity it gets more and more impossible for a shop to have everything in stock. So they have to order. And if the customer has to wait for the bike shop to get the stuff, they simply buy it online.

[@rafaz28]

So true, more often than not, when I go to my local bike shop, I have to wait longer for them to get the parts than I would if I ordered online myself. Its too bad.

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

2023 was our best year ever and 2024 will probally beat it. Ebike sales really have kept us going...it's seems to really be popular with the +60 crowd out here (generally an older population).

[@brokeduece1691]

I wanted the Trek Marlin 4 as a entry, cheap mountain bike. Turns out no bike stores carry that model becuase it is not considered a real mountain bike at $599😅😅😅

[@perfectzero84]

Bikes stores screwed themselves, they got greedy. Right before the pandemic really started I was looking to get a new mtb. I contacted the store that I’d purchased at least 3 bikes from and asked if they could cut me a deal, they denied me because they weren’t having issues selling them thanks to pandemic. Shops aren’t loyal to their customers, why should a customer be loyal to them. The bikes shops back in the early 2000 also offered free basic bike tuneups when you bought a bike, now you are lucky to get 1.

[@ntiempo]

I’m not sure that demand exceeding MSRP should be considered ”greed” especially not in the moment you are mentioning. Also, for what it’s worth, my local shop still offer as a tuneup and unlimited minor adjustments with every bike purchase. Poorly run businesses exist, but it’s unfair to say that the current status is due to greed on a blanket scale.

[@perfectzero84]

⁠@@ntiempo not sure how you don’t see how charging more for bikes simply because they can, isn’t considered greed. They say they raised the prices due to “inflation” and that’s not the case. The prices got raised because of supply and demand, there was a huge demand for it because of covid which allows bike shops to charge more for a bike which then allows bike manufacturers to start to charge more for their product. Now that the supply is no longer in demand they are stuck at these stupidly expensive prices so they have to basically discount everything to what they originally were selling the bikes for or even cheaper. Nobody forced bike shops to charge more. Just because your 1 bike shop is run well, it doesn’t mean the other 20k are. My experience is based on living in a major city and from going to about 30 different shops over the years because it’s impossible to find a good shop that wants to show any sort of loyalty to their customers.

[@ntiempo]

@ Your statement was that they wouldn’t give you a deal on 3 or more bikes. If they were charging a “market adjustment fee” like the car dealers, I’d agree with you. Matching and sticking to MSRP as the manufacturer has set it, isn’t greed though.

[@perfectzero84]

@@ntiempo no, I’d purchased 3 or more bikes from them in the past and was looking to purchase a new one. The point of the comment is to show store loyalty doesn’t exist.

[@ntiempo]

@ I misunderstood. My apologies and sorry your local market is so poor. Ride on!

[@mostyles328]

I want mechanical rim brakes back. The capital industry doesn’t want to sell them because…. They just work for decades!

[@fogsmith]

Grant, love your videos - honest and educational, can't wait for you to release new ones. Best to you and your dad - miss riding with him up and down A1A. BTW, I remember when you were going to be a first time dad and your dad shared that with us on a group ride - he was so proud of you and becoming a grandfather! Be safe out there.

[@GCPerformance18]

thanks so much!!! yea I miss riding with him too, he is pushing 70 and i dont think hes getting back on a bike but yea it is always nice out there, look forward to riding out there soon aagin

[@lamarcdesign]

speaking for a random town in germany. As a kid ive seen the rise of the big bike store companies and that was kinda exiting. So much to see and choose from. And then the internet came and these stores, for me as a customer, turned into a logistic bike storage you can have hands on experience. Fast forward a little and there are only some larger bike stores left alongside with some manufacturer exclusive stores. This had some terrible sideeffects. Try finding a "shop" that is willing to do fork/damper service, upgrading components, sidegrading components etc etc. its only mandatory service for the specific bikes they sell with parts that came on the bike or they have laying around. There is no "lets figure something out that helps the customer" anymore, or lets say its difficult to find. I found a shop that admits they cant have everything but may have customers who want specific things so you can discuss partselection with em, you order > they install. Thats pretty good for customers who know what they want. Im still searching for a shop that is willing to help me upgrade my daughters mtb because i cant know everything and professional would have much easier time knowing what would be the most economical way forward. Anyway i know years back when small to mid sized bikeshops where the norm they would do and order everything that had a productnumber if customer is willing to pay. now you need to know how to do stuff yourself or go through the painful search process of asking around in quite a large radius distance

[@AJXOXO-vz1pn]

We are all here because we love bikes. We love going outside and having time for ourselves. We love riding our bikes. But let’s face it. Cycling is full of stuck up people justify8ng is exclusivity and expense. Cycling is too expensive. It’s been the new country club sport and it has been for awhile.

[@cup_and_cone]

Cycling was already way more expensive than golf when I started riding in 1996. A full set of high-end golf clubs was maybe a thousand bucks back then, but high-end bikes were still $2,500+ at the time. It's not just bike vs clubs, it's all the accessories that go with cycling. Multiple bibs, jerseys, helmet, shoes, indoor trainer, pump, GPS, nutrition, lights, subscription service, car rack, tools, spares, etc.

[@slowcyclist4324]

It’s a hobby, not a necessity. If you told me that access to food and medicine was expensive, I’d agree with you. But cycling? You don’t need it to survive. So nothing wrong with it being the new country club. Don’t like it? Feel free to just pick up barefoot jogging then. Hope that’s “cheap” enough for you.

[@cup_and_cone]

@@slowcyclist4324 Does that same logic also apply to eBikes/eBike riders, or only when it's a convenient argument? It is not a god given right that everyone is entitled access to every bike trail, climb every summit, or hang with every other rider faster than them.

[@davetravis8994]

@@cup_and_cone Not a great comparison. You neglected to factor in greens fees. A bike is a one time investment

[@cup_and_cone]

@@davetravis8994 Lol, no. You think the average golfer is playing a $10,000/year club membership? They're playing public courses with $20 green fees.

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

I was going to buy a new bike, but the prices for a serious endurance road bike are absurd. So I thought I would upgrade components on my current bike to make it better for my purposes. I took it to a well known shop and had them do a little work to get started. The tech told me my bike was inferior to the quality of other manufacturers. I thought “yeah, whatever…” but I had them do a brake pad change and adjustments to the derailleur. When I got it back, there were a number of things wrong with the work, from chipped paint to poorly setup brakes. And I couldn’t shift smoothly. Since then I buy all my parts on line and buy the special tools to do my own work. It is cheaper and I know the job is done right.

[@rg807]

Suggestion: start selling ebikes and escooters. If that's what people want, sell it. You'll still sell bikes, but you can also sell the other stuff people want too.

[@drill_fiend1097]

There are plenty of dedicated eBike shops as well.

[@Biker.Adam22]

🤮

[@CompuCycle123]

I do not think shops will ever disappear, but much business will be in the form of service.

[@escgoogle3865]

$100 an hour at the apt. shop. During the cx season don't even bother trying to get one. I still use him if it's that once every 3 years BIG job.

[@adambarlev8992]

No one needs a bike shop more than entry level bikers

[@GCPerformance18]

This is a really true and interesting statement. This makes sense

[@littlemrdrummer]

And entry level bikers need bikes that cost less than 1000 for a road bike. I can't imagine getting into cycling now, going to a bike store and being told a decent road bike is $1700+. I would have looked for another hobby.

[@adambarlev8992]

@@littlemrdrummer my first road bike was 1700... In 2004! Cannondale caad8 with campagnolo veloce. Shout out to the pedaler in El Sobrante!

[@zed625]

At 3:02 you say $5000 was the most expensive s works bike in 1995, however 5000 adjusted for inflation is over 10k today. 2k adjusted for inflation is over 4k. We've had a lot of inflation since then, including 10% inflation caused by excessive spending a year or two back.

[@kaiserpuppydog7174]

Information is so easy to access now, it's remarkable there are as many shops as there are. In the 80's i went to one to learn and then buy. Not so much of that needed any more.

[@CarlosMartinez-rx9vk]

I really enjoyed this video! I bought my first bike, a 2009 Fuji CCR3 with a triple crankset. This was a nice entry level bike but a couple years later I stop by my local shop and I saw a Tarmac Expert SL3 (full Ultegra components). I went home, applied for a 0% interest credit card and a couple weeks later I called the shop and negotiated it for 2700 out the door. I love this bike and still own it. Fast forward to 2024 and I just purchased a 2024 Tarmac Comp! 105 DI2 spec and I added carbon wheels and aero handle bar. When I first started looking post pandemic I had sticker shock of how expensive entry level bikes have gotten. So I did the whole transaction online where I was able to find the color I wanted for a good price

[@Whoadayson]

Always enjoy your takes and experiences in this changing industry!

[@GCPerformance18]

😀😀😀

[@cup_and_cone]

The mid-tier bikes are not selling because the used market is so strong. Why would an intermediate cyclist looking to upgrade pay $3500 for a 105 mechanical bike (i.e. Tarmac SL7 Sport) when they can buy a slightly used Dura-Ace or Ultegra bike with carbon wheels, albeit a couple years older, for the same price off their local FB marketplace or cycling club? The entry-level bikes are not selling because the people who previously wanted a cheap bike for commuting now either buy a cheap Chinese eBike or scooter.

[@arthursosajr.2031]

I sold all my rim brake bikes during Covid when they had a bike shortage(thanks to a friend telling me that bikes were in high demand). I got way more money than I even expected. I had 4 bikes(2 road bikes, a TT bike and a MTB bike). I then proceeded to buy used disk bikes. Both the bikes I bought were used but they looked brand new! Everybody thought I bought brand new bikes. But like you said the savings are substantial. I don't know if I will ever by a new bike again. Both bikes were just one year old. Not only that they were updated with custom upgrades that I really liked and they saved me thousands of dollars! It is really hard to compete with the used bike market right now. The only problem I see is you have to try to find the bike you want in the size you want. But they are out there.

[@cup_and_cone]

@@arthursosajr.2031 I did the reverse and got burned...built an ultralight climbing rim brake bike a month before Covid and stupidly held onto it during the pandemic despite the fact I never rode the thing. I could have sold it for way more than I paid. Now it's worth nothing and I still haven't ridden it (mostly because 28c is largest tire that fits). 😂 It's probably the last rim brake bike I'll ever own, so it's just a token at this point. For me, 30/32c is perfect for casual riding. I also should have sold my previous MTB during the pandemic, but I grudgingly held onto it. Hindsight is always 20/20.

[@TrailerYacht]

@@cup_and_cone - Are you in Australia by any chance? She sounds like what I'm looking to be my next bike - if the frame is aluminium, steel or titanium. No to carbon fibre ! I ride 25mm 700c on my daily ride (giant with aluminium frame & forks) and LOVE it ! I'd ride 23mm Continental GP5000's if I could buy them locally.

[@Goenzelsen]

Absurd prices made me start flipping bikes instead of buying new ones. Plenty of gems waiting to be found and it’s a lot of fun. Plus, you learn a lot.

[@Daniel-yf9iy]

I went into my LBS to buy a part and he was working on a Canyon. I think the bike shop will be around but it has been forced to change. I do miss the old bike shops. I’ll never forget buying my first road bike when I was 15 in 1987… what a great experience, I worked all summer for that bike.

[@Cycle.every.day.]

It's now high end new , or 2nd hand , leaving a big hole where entry or even mid-range new used to be.

[@cup_and_cone]

For the hobby grade bicycle, I agree. The enthusiast bike market is closely following the automotive market... A handful of people buy brand new and the rest buy used.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

​@@cup_and_coneits because of marketing and exposure to media/KZbin reviews. People either want high-end or used but was high-end during its purchase. So much comparisons before buying and everyone wants something to show off or "worth" their money. I have a neighbor who was really into cycling during the Armstrong era and he told me that he would rather buy a used bike that was high-end back in the day(10years old or older) than buy an entry level bike brand new.

[@prof_writer]

Also thinking back to bicycle shops and motorcycle shops in my past... It was important to hang out there and be identified with a certain store. You liked the mechanics and shop owners. Now it seems much more is transactional. Not about the relationship.

[@marcvb3364]

No wonder tough, only 1 in 10 bike shops is even worth stepping into these days

[@aaronhamlen8215]

I have all my bikes serviced every year by my local shop. I try & purchase items from local shops if I need it today. If I can wait I'm checking online.

[@NickRees-z8u]

As a 76 year old UK male, I love your KZbin channel. I am so sorry that the bike industry has gone is this direction. My view is that the income demographic is mostly divided into 2 camps: Those on high salaries with large disposable funds, who possible have 2 or more high end premium bikes and those struggling to make ends meet who can scarcely afford a second hand bike. I also, think that many don't realise that the Group Set and other components on 2 very similar looking bikes can be a difference of £100's or even £1000's. I'd love a Tarmac SL8, but this decrepit old body is about 40 years too late. Good luck for the future.

[@mattdog1982]

I’m also from the UK. Bike theft is a massive problem too. I wouldn’t buy an expensive bike because of that alone.

[@traversecitysufferclub]

I remember those summer weekends working at the bike shop. Good times! I was that high performance roadie guy, but the bread-and-butter was selling entry-level mountain bikes, hybrids, and kids bikes. I was the first salesman to ever sell a bike that was over $10,000. Cannondale super six evo black inc. Crazy "halo" price point at the time. EVO ultimate 2012 actually. $12k MSRP.

[@Shadowboost]

I have one of those :) still a sick bike. Didn't pay anything close to that

[@nellyx1x493]

The bike industry did this to themselves. Used to work in it, saw the prices going up and up, chasing the elitist sale, fewer young riders coming through. It used to be a sport one could get in to on a budget, build a really nice bike without it costing a fortune. Now we have every brand pushing its usp with all the 'must have' (but don't really need) gear, so now even mid-range bikes are overpriced for the performance that the rider needs. Even the keenest most obsessed amateurs do not need pro-level performance. There needs to be a return to decent well-made affordable products, it may be a nice steel frame, rim brakes (don't need disc for road), simple mechanical gears, no gizmo's - all the bike most people will ever need if they're being honest, and it would bring more people in to the sport. I almost never see young riders out on bikes in my area of prime riding, this should be the biggest concern for businesses.

[@dankinney4911]

I also live near the beach. I’d say most of the people I’d previously see on beach cruisers are now riding e-bikes.

[@cup_and_cone]

Same here. It's either retirees that buy eBikes to get around or tourists on eBike rentals.

[@nataliestenger8427]

I think for me the blame lies mainly with private equity manufacturers and corporate stores. Where I live I also blame the shops some for making a focus towards bikes with higher profit so they can have less staff. They don't build a community for the everyday rider. Rather than making bikes easier to ride with easier gearing, many new bikes require one to be fit. They use influence-rs that are experienced to push product and they complain when the bike is geared slow. They also do that to push into less serviceable higher margin e-bikes due to the higher cost. That double edge sword brings other e-bike makers into the mix with lower prices as people feel they need an e-bike when they don't. I've had to re gear /change out the chain rings for smaller on all of my newer acoustic bikes. Not some, all.

[@jonathanreedy8095]

I flip bikes on the side as a hobby/ side hustle. My main customers are families looking for a quality used bike that has been serviced and tuned up. I hear it all the time, families don't even go into bike shops anymore because they just assume they are not the target customer. They are not "cyclists, just recreational riders". I love my local shop, but the entry level customer is such an overlooked market right now.

[@savagepro9060]

GC: "Is This The FUTURE of The BICYCLE INDUSTRY?" Every Dentist in Florida: "Yes"

[@cup_and_cone]

"I don't care what it is, it's on the cover of the brochure, load it up."

[@tomahoks]

What?@ savagepro

[@danielchavez70]

I see a day when you talk to the finance person after you've chosen your bike, Specialized and Trek would love to get into the loan business. "This interest rate is only offered with a 2 year service contract"

[@petesjk]

1996, I bought an S-Works frame 105 gruppo, 3t bar and stem, with custom hand built wheels, $2100. I was one of the first on the block to have Shimano brake lever shifters.

[@derekallen4344]

Great video! I was working in bicycle retail at the same time and it’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had from an experience point of view! Regulars coming in all the time and making great connections. Been out of the sport since 2010 and just got back into it this year and was shocked when I went back to pick up a new road bike.

[@prof_writer]

Mr GC loved your opinion on bike tests and reviews. In the early 1980s I was a motorcycle racing reporter for cycle news in Atlanta. My boss would never let me do bike tests. We did impressions. He said you're not a good enough rider to do a bike test. Much as you said I only had an opinion with my limited riding skills.

[@threeonamatchventura]

5K, 10K, 18K for a bike in a store. No thanks, bro. My 2K dollar bike can fail and I’ll just buy another one . My cheap , garbage, Chinese made e bike for 2 K is thoroughly ridden and enjoyed for 5 years now. Still a better value to buy 2 bikes at 2K than one bike for 5K. Competition is a B. Adapt or die.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea I mean people have there priorrites always even myself we figure out what in life is value to us, and what we want to splurge on even myself as a shop owner I do not care to own the nicest bike out there

[@keith_cottongim]

This video was playing as I replace the fork on my road bike with hydraulic brakes. I had to replace fittings, run hose through the fork and bleed the system. The whole time I was thinking this was be much quicker with cabled rim brakes. Bikes may be better, but not simpler. I like to ride and when it comes to maintenance I want it to be least time possible, since I have 2 kids and other obligations. I have no gripes about disc, I believe bike companies are making bikes better and more complicated. In turn it drives up the price. Make them simple in IMO

[@joekipper1531]

I work in a bike shop as a salesperson and it's really hard for us. We make our "bread n butter" off cruisers and service. We struggle to even keep the lights on anymore, and business has really fallen off in the fall.

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea you’re not alone if that makes you feel any better. It’s like this for everyone. It is very hard to locate any leads for sales and to keep everything going.

[@amf1990]

OMG I absolutely love what you said around 9:00 about reviews now vs the old days where reviews were done by owners of the bike and word of mouth. "I'm just a person with an opinion". Where reviews are written by someone with an opinion but written as though it's objective. Such a good call out. Let's call a spade a spade and make a anti-bike review industry call. All bikes are pretty darn good now when used for their intended purpose. When reviewers have their pros and cons lists at the beginning of a written review, they're usually about things that have nothing to do with the bike's performance. It's usually around things like cost vs spec, or that it doesn't have clearance for a certain tire width etc. It's (almost - saying this to cover my ass) never something like: the geometry on this bike is all out of whack messing up handling. Or: this bike is so stiff that it rattled my teeth out of my head.

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea the reviews back in the day actually use to mean something

[@joshuahoover]

The bike shop owners I've talked to this year tell me that 70% of their bike sales are e-bikes.

[@cup_and_cone]

This is true, because the bulk of cyclists are aging-out. The median age today among participation rate is like 15 years older versus what it was just two decades ago. Most people get into cycling during their middle age, so as the sport grows and ages, so does the median age of rider.

[@LoscoeLad]

Sad..​But I wonder if sales of pedal bikes are still high, or if they have been replaced? Pretty sure I'll feel like kicking someone off their bike if they overtake me on a climb 😅

[@bonbonflippers4298]

​@LoscoeLad depends on the area. My area pedal bikes has been completely replaced by ebikes. The new generation of cyclist are ebike commuters and will eventually overtake pedal bikes in 20years. I see alot of escooters maybe equal amount or more than ebikes. Pedal bikes are a dying breed to the young people.

[@Shadowboost]

Same

[@pandemicratparty2277]

I do 5,000 miles each year on my road bike. I think I most love the post-training 'taco run' miles on my e-bike! :)

[@PilotReidB]

There are a few shops in my area. College down. TREK has a shop, there is a performance oriented shop that really does not stock a single bike, or many parts. Then there are like 4 shops that just do ~$1000 eBikes. I see people walking out of REI with cheap bikes though. My friend bought an entree level cannonade gravel bike at REI. Rarely see someone my age (24) on a bike. My local group rides are all 45+. There is one girl who's my age and one like 28 year old guy. Kids aren't riding bikes, they're on electric scooters or on an eBike doing 30mph with no helmet with a cell phone mount on their bars. I don't really see kids riding around on bikes like I used to do. I used to ride my bike to friends houses. Now they're on a golf cart their parents let them drive or they're inside on their computers/phones.

[@196592]

This is happening in retail in general, not just bike shops.

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea I see it everywhere. Look at all these big box stores going bankrupt

[@DCPEvo]

Auto industry parallels bikes right now. Inflation has squeezed the average consumer and they are forced to prioritize needs, not wants. Hasn’t affected the high end consumer, which is why top level bikes are still doing well and I still can’t order a Porsche GT3. Too much demand.

[@TheRickysee]

Yes. I enjoyed hearing your take on this topic. I hope you are able to find your niche and evolve with the times. Evolve or die.

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea I think we are working that way. We have always done a good job at adapting being in business for 40 years. And I think with the KZbin presence we are working a little more into the right direction

[@ShawnIsBatman]

Thanks for the video, I always appreciate your take as an industry insider. For me (living in Omaha, NE), I do a lot of shopping online, however, that is primarily due to the lack of local access for the products I am looking for. For instance, the brand of bikes I prefer (Pinarello) are not available locally, thus, I have bought online, in addition, the shoes I wear (Lake) have very limited local availability, thus I am forced online. I am not blaming the local shops for not being able to maintain the local stock, it is just the dynamics of the markets and the reality of online availability. I am very loyal to the shop I use for service as I feel that they are awesome, however, they have transitioned from an independent store to a Trek corporate store. For me that means that the selection of accessories and bikes at the store is more limited, however, their service is still outstanding.

[@shawn-stuff]

Endless trails bike store on park street is an excellent independent owner operator in omaha.

[@leslie7922]

I tried to be a walk in customer but the stores had no road bikes so I walked in and straight back out again even though I had $5k to burn on a bike. Don't want to buy online without a test ride so for now I'm keeping my 2012 giant tcr until things change.

[@JonathanWDuvall]

Fun video, I live in Atlanta and just realized your shop is where I bought my first road bike in 2004! Specialized carbon roubaix comp. Rode it until this past December when I built an sl7 s woks. Super small world! You on your brother may have played on my brother’s hockey team town the street

[@acckids]

Just bought a new bike. Tempted to buy online but went local because I don’t know how to service hydraulic disc brakes …… also before I purchased it, I could have bought a 2022 Trek Emonda SL5 with 200 miles for $1500. This is where the entry\mid range sales are going. Unridden COVID bikes

[@paulzweers784]

Ride high end carbon road and gravelbike., won't buy new bikes anymore. Cycling for over 50 years, bike prices are insane. Just rebuild a Giant Cadex CF2 with with Ultegra 600 tricolore 8 speed. New 32 spoke wheels with 10 speed Tiagra hubs, summer tires Rubino's pro, for the winter Zafiro's 25mm. New down tube shifters shimano 400, old fashioned Sunrace 52/39 at the front and 11-25 in the back. Rides like a dream. Square JIS bottom bracket, doesn't break the bank. 8 or 9 speed is enough for the recreational cyclist. Next project is a Pinarello from 1990 with 10 speed Centaur groupset. Neo classico, repaint, new logo's, new wheels at the fraction cost of a carbon bike.

[@chrisgunter9901]

I always enjoy your videos. Keep them coming. Do you see shrinking your retail business and expanding your internet sales?

[@GCPerformance18]

We def seem to focus more on e-commerce and making our brand more known online. The store luckily has the local consumers that we have on lock because of the 40 years we been here. So no it’s time to grow but sometimes companies have dealer agreements that stop us from selling or shipping products online because to keep it fair for smaller dealers in the middle of the country. Kind of like dealer protection

[@jaymorin7131]

My generation (I'm 60) grew up on bikes as kids. My parents did not have bikes growing up. My kids only kind of rode bikes. Cities and towns have gotten busier making it dangerous to ride. Things have changed over the last 40+ years. I recently retired and just got around to taking my bikes out of storage. Since I'm capable of tearing down and rebuilding my stuff, I don't have to go to a shop. All the tools and parts I need, I can order. I grew up across the street from a bike shop and my family was very friendly with the owner and his family. I get where you are coming from and it sucks as to how things change. It is kind of funny that the Infrastructure Bill did have some regulations in it to try to boost biking efforts. Those will likely get squashed now. My intent is to get on the rollers for the winter and then hit the streets in the spring. For what I can find for ridable locations. For the record, my rides are a 1984 Tommaso SL Shimano 600 ($400 new) and a 2008 Cervelo Team Soloist Ultegra ($1000 used). My neighbor was a gravel/MTB guy and went through three bikes in the last 10 years. Finally got a steel framed bike that he loves. From talking to him, he also did all of his own work on his bikes. Back in the day, as kids we had to rely on the shop to do things. As adults, people just are more capable unless the industry throws the monkey wrenches in. The last time I was in a bike shop was to buy my current bike shoes. The next time will be to buy a helmet. Things that need to be tried on for the purchase. It does kind of suck that it is not the 1990s anymore! But in the same sense, it is awesome that I am not limited to what the guy across the street can get me for product.

[@junlorenzana4493]

Because the bicycle industry just like the car industry got greedy... Can you imagine why bikes are much more expensive than a motorbike??? The bike industry needs to wake up because it is just going to keep going slower and slower.

[@Corkyramano42]

Got back into Mx after 15 years. It’s about the same money. Just way more mechanical maintenance than my bicycles. Really puts things in perspective for me.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea it is wild from the difference of time

[@echtogammut]

Back in the day, Fuji was some of the most criminally underrated bikes. Some of their entry-mid level frames were the exact same frame Colnago was using for their entry frame. My local shop is a semi-boutique shop that has stopped putting high spec builds on the floor and just has Apex-Rival builds on the floor and then only builds up the rest of the stock to custom spec. The people willing to spend $8k+ on a build don't mind waiting a bit for a custom build and the people who "want it now" have a decent selection of lower priced bikes.

[@WilyTuber]

I have a Fuji roubaix Pro 105 groupset 9 speed from 2003. What a beautiful well made bicycle this is! $1600 new in 2003

[@clarkmenough2235]

The issue I see is the costs have gone up and the quality of the products have gone down. Trek was selling its Verve 3 comfort bike for $1000 and it didn't have name brand brakes.... That might be why its hard for stores to sell bikes. The consumers talk and they know the bikes are junk. That's my simple take. Also having Trek make training videos talking about maximizing shop productivity time meanwhile the new verve has internal cable routing through the headset. How can we be fast in the workshop when the bikes are getting more complicated down to the entry level bikes. An entry lever rider doesn't want to pay high end labor rates.

[@monkmchorning]

The Trek-affiliated shop where I used to work is doing a fine business with families, commuters, and enthusiastic road and gravel riders. The market for high end mountain bikes is softer, but Trek is OK with that. It's about understanding your market and providing friendly, expert service.

[@mountainbikingaz7261]

I'm sure a lot has changed, but personally I find myself going back into bike stores and retail in general much more often. The main reason is that I don't trust the authenticity of products online. A lot of what I buy has a personal safety component.. that could be a bike, bike equipment or nutrition bars. I'm not going to risk my safety buying a helmet from your favorite big online retailer.. and definitely not from a third party. I'd rather take a few minutes out of my day and go to the store where I believe the supply chain is a bit safer.

[@sccxvelo]

As a tall person that doesn't fit well on most frame brands sizing geometry. So one of thoes people who makes sure my drivetrain and wheels they works well at a good mid level price of replacement if needed then transfer to a new frame when the time comes that years to over decade of use. So have to go local builders or even custom one day. Then use the local shop for service, parts, and accessories. In SoCal heavy traffic hours with inland hills/ mountains affects getting around in general so sometimes easier to order online.

[@joshuasosa5168]

Not at all my guy! You're in all your right to give your opinion and feel the way you do. That's what makes us human and far from perfect. Sometimes ppl love more the lies and phoniness instead of the realness you could bring to the table.

[@GCPerformance18]

:)) I try to be transparent and relatable, everyone always glorifies the up beat happy stuff. But at the end of the day we can all relate to the struggle sometimes

[@joshuasosa5168]

@@GCPerformance18 straight facts!

[@tonyvitiello9897]

I see the bike shops around me finding their niche. One told me he sells some mtb but mostly e-bikes. He had nothing for road in stock. Another shop sponsors weekly group rides with huge turnouts and gets a lot of road sales but also has people in the neighborhood shopping for kids bikes, hybrids etc. Others focus on youth mtb racing (NICA). I feel for the struggling shops but you have to adapt. Good service helps to keep people coming back.

[@Raymond-Farts]

The bicycle store concept is over. About 6 years ago one if the most elitest, high end, and expensive stores in the Northeastern quarter of this Country closed. They carried Colnago, Pinarello, Scott, Trek, and more. Anything new that came out, bikes or accessories, I could go there and see it in person. Anything I ever needed the manager of that store would accommodate me. I spent on average $200 to $400 a month for many years. Every Christmas I took the employees food and wine baskets. One day Glen said he was done and the store would be closing. He saw the writing on the wall I guess. I've never found another shop here in Pittsburgh that ever has come close and now everything I buy is online only.

[@10OZDuster]

to see the future of bicycles observe/look at what the genz millenials like....1. they don't want to sweat or pedal 2. they don't want fixed gear/fixy anymore[because you have to pedal and an e-scooter is the same price. 3. you can buy kick e-scooters from $150 to $300 and prices still dropping. 4. e scooters doesn't need lock accessories and are are pretty much disposable as majority are no name brands with no customer support[china brands]. ..basically just buy another one....no repairs/repair shop needed as labor/parts cost more than buying an new one....no flats airless tires, no lights accessories they all have lights. don't need expensive clothing helmets jerseys clipless shoes panniers riding e-scooters....the futre is bleak for cycling the NEXT GENERATION is used to electric everything they dont' want to pedal. they don't fancy electric bikes because its a hassle when you get a flat and you have to lock it and all the hassles....there will be no bicycles when the genz takes over. Juiced bikes Sondors the pioneers in electric bikes went into bankruptcy and many others and bike shops are closing here and there....isn't it obvious? whats going on ?

[@joepak123]

I’ve just decided to put together a rim brake bike with Dura Ace 9100 mechanical which is awesome and light. The frame. I just get a used frame in great shape that I have a nostalgic connection with. I have a Cervelo soloist SLC SL, RCA and Indy Fabrication Titanium. I don’t have all the electric Groups or 35 tyre clearance but I put together those bikes for less than 3-4k each. More fun.

[@Spiritdiver]

They do make entry level bikes just direct from China and brands unknown to most. They also perform very similar to the old school brands.

[@goldenretriever6261]

You can't buy an entry level car anymore too.

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

From my experience in retail, I feel the internet made the shop front presence close to redundant. Shopping on-line buyers could immediately access a wider range of goods and at price levels I couldn’t compete with. If you’re operating in smaller towns or regional areas it’s even tougher. Nonetheless, I suspect a strength you may still have is product knowledge and mechanical services. I think if you want to have your bike running optimally you need to get regularly serviced and the bike shop is still needed for that. There are a myriad of wheels, tyres, lights, group sets etc and while you can suss out what are best for you having the guidance of the LBS is reassuring. I believe bike fitting is also a growing requirement and of course the bike shop ride is important. For me I’m fine with purchasing the bike I want on-line, but I prefer to do so going via my LBS to get it set up. My nearest bike shop is a Trek and they won’t deal with any other bikes and only sell bontrager products. I have to by-pass it and going to one more accommodating.

[@TheJohnbjunior]

When you can buy a used 1000cc motorcycle for less than a bicycle, prices are too high !

[@MrBrianareed]

People really want the high end stuff in my opinion.But the reality is you have to pay tp play .I love the boutique items.Loved the video Grant.This is Polo

[@GCPerformance18]

Thanks so much!!!

[@leapnlarry]

I bought my first real bike from you guys in 1996, a trek y frame carbon fiber, I think it was around $2000, spending that much on a bike back then was insane to me, but that would be nothing today. I freaked out when this video came up, “that can’t be my bicycle generation from Deerfield”. Good to see at least you are making KZbin money, haha

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahhaha the trek y foil frame is amazing i love that bike we had good road and mtb like them, but thanks for reaching out

[@leonnekrotiuk3607]

There are a lot of department stores that sell decent entry level. Walmart and Canadian tire, and they do this with sheer volume buying and subsidizing with the sales of other products. The consumer fuels both high and low.

[@me12722]

From afar it seems to me that bike companies had to go for selling those premium bikes because less people were using bikes for transportation. In my part of the world more people appear to be using their bike to run errands again. I think this can only be a good thing for the future of the bike industry. Bikes are not just for leisure.

[@jkotsche7035]

The last two bike frames and wheelsets I bought came from China. The groupset, crank etc. are bought online. I use the bike shop to put Humpty Dumpty together. Is that what you are seeing?

[@stevelausmann6490]

I live and ride in the Sacramento area. This area has always had a large number of cyclists. One of the best paved bike trail in the country. In the last few years I have noticed that over half or more of people I see are on the large and heavy fat tired e-bikes. Many times the riders of these machines are young. Economists would call the e-bike a disruptor. The market is forever going a different direction.There will still be a shrinking number of cyclists looking to challenge themselves on analog bikes. But the younger generations and their children are having more fun on the motorized bikes.

[@CarsandBikes]

I've worked at 3 different BIG chain bike shops here in Silicon Valley for 5 years since 2008. Most of what we sell is like the stuff we sell today in terms of carbon road bikes. Really no beach cruisers are stocked since the shops were no where near the beach.

[@chrisaraujo4634]

“Hold on a second, I gotta switch my camera” the camera angle gets worse 😂😂😂

[@gregbianchi2689]

My nephew is 13 and cannot ride a bike. It is insane how kids just want to play on their phones. Not good

[@jacsonwall]

You necessarily didn’t have to keep an entire inventory back then because if you didn’t have it, you could order it and they would wait. They didn’t have another choice to go to a website online and buy it direct. Where now if you don’t have it 80% of thetime you don’t make the sell. Sadly they order it and it get shipped most of the time from the same place the online source does. So the money doesn’t go local which means less revenue for in store inventory. Support local if you want local to have inventory.

[@mrwhiteshorts]

You are correct. But as you say your clientelles income, weather and geography dictates which inventory sells. Here in NE Scotland, the leisure cyclist doesnt want to spend and £ on repairing/maintaining the bicycle. There is though, the DH space and the online & auto store E bike space, neither of which are my specialties, but they will disappear too. Its Very hard to know which subject to learn about, and to equip ones-self to know how to fit and to stock spares. Repairing bikes was much easier in the early 2000s right upto 2019.

[@ItsMeHammie]

From my experience casual new fitness riders don't want to spend more than $100-200 for a bike to try things out. The issue is a bike at this range can be questionable quality and one bad experience may turn them off from it for good, BUT if the bike survives the try it out phase I do think they will upgrade eventually. I don't work in the bike industry, but this is my experience in trying to get my friends to buy bikes. Maybe there's a pivot for bike shops to offer cheaper used bikes for entry level riders? Not glorious, but I think it's a potential pipeline

[@DipBuyer83]

I want to try the bike before I buy, and a bike fitting! In store is better

[@GCPerformance18]

agreed

[@sco0tpa]

All retail has changed. Everything from cars to clothes. It seems like a good service department with prices that are relatively high is a also necessity. I see that at my local shop.

[@marcinstyle85]

This makes sense because cycling is no longer a hobby of the masses, companies have killed this beautiful sport at their own will

[@slowcyclist4324]

It still is, it’s just that the “masses” they cater to now no longer includes the stingy folks who only upgrades when parts break down and think that working on their own bike is a badge of honour.

[@CycleXplorer]

I love my local bike shop, especially if you need a quick repair or a spare part. I try my best to use them. But sometimes I have to buy elsewhere in part due to price. If I had unlimited funds it would all be brought from that bike shop. Unfortunately like many I have bills to pay 😢

[@S4R1]

I wonder how well BMX bikes, cruisers, and cheap mountain, and entry level bikes, would sell nowadays. Maybe they would sell like the old days

[@GCPerformance18]

they are selling so slow, my shop sells entry level mtb and also cruisers and they are moving so slow