CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!

Online v. Local Bike Shop

(4 posts)
  • Started 13 years ago by Wilmington's Cow
  • Latest reply from kaputnik

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  1. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Meeting up with Mr Mark from the Bike Chain last night I confessed to having recently bought a pair of tyres from Wiggle. Guilt washing over me I started pondering why I went online instead of initially trying an LBS, which inevitably ends up in a list.

    Online

    Pros
    Just order things from the desk at work
    Being just a warehouse potential for huge stock
    Which gives buying power and low prices

    Cons
    Returns are a pain, having to be posted back
    Sometimes send the wrong thing
    Can't get something in your hands to check it out first

    LBS

    Pros
    That personal service
    Getting to try things out (especially trying on clothes)
    Getting advice on alternatives

    Cons
    Sometimes just difficult to get to the shop itself (time constraints and so on)
    In some places the staff can be seen as a bit superior and off-putting, especially to a novice (though I was once told the type of brake I wanted most certainly wouldn't work with the type of lever I wanted, despite running the same setup on another bike for years previous)

    In truth I'm getting a bit 'meh' about Wiggle (happened with ChainReactionCycles a long time ago, and I've only occasionaly dipped into SJS or Parkers - but I do love Hubjub, which is the closest to an online LBS I've ever found - just a touch niche for regular shopping).

    Any more for the list?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  2. Arellcat
    Moderator

    I think the issue is possibly wider: "online or local shop?" Go to the big warehouses for the bulk buy, cheap price thing; go local if you want to see what you're buying and 'to support the little guy'. Where do we buy eggs and milk and meat and veg? Tesco? Not me, if I can at all help it.

    Some things I will not buy online: clothing, shoes, cables and housing, light spares, and perhaps accessories like a rack or handlebar grips or bar ends or a stem. Mostly that's to ensure that x or y will fit me or my bike. And there's the instant have-it-in-your-hand of buying locally. But for components where fitment is standard, like brakes or derailleurs or rims, or when time isn't a factor, I'll look online for the widest choice, the reviews, and the price.

    If we're doing (predominantly online) retailer reviews, then:

    ChainReactionCycles - I like the uncluttered simplicity of the website, the reviews pages, and everything-in-one-big-list layout. The sheer size of the operation is probably why the prices are generally excellent.

    Wiggle - I'm actually not sure when I last placed an order with them. The current website seems overly fiddly to use, and there's a lack of photos of items just too often for my liking. But it stocks a lot of brands CRC doesn't, and the prices are usually quite good. I was going to buy a pile of Cateye multi-fit clamps but found them at The Bicycleworks instead.

    SJS Cycles - I look to SJS for the more obscure stuff like ISO406/369 rims and tyres, short spokes. Their prices can be sky high, though.

    Stif Cycles - Not another behemoth, more like a bricks and mortar shop with a big website. Great for mountain bike stuff like brakes and lights, and based in Yorkshire for excellent customer service.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  3. wingpig
    Member

    EBC recently told me to buy a new crank from CRC then just come in to get it fitted rather than buy one straight from them as it would work out much cheaper.

    Except where a shop has offended me in the past I usually visit some of them first to poke at things (though usually only after checking online to see if they have anything I might benefit from poking at) and only buy elsewhere online if there's a significant saving or if I'm in no rush for whatever it is if the saving is insignificant.

    I'm torn on the 'personal service' thing... being shy, I prefer shops to just sit there and display stock which I can go and poke at unharassed but with the option of having people there of whom questions can be asked if required. When staff pounce and require speech I get flustered unless I know exactly what I'm after, whereas if I'm idly browsing in the early stages of purchase-planning I generally end up leaving before having looked at everything. CRC's relatively easy-going returns policy makes it easier to make speculative trial-purchases or even to order a couple of sizes of a target item, especially when it's something not available locally.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  4. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Mechanical components I usually buy online at the cheapest price I can find once I've done my research and know what I'm after. I've just found it to be a lot, lot cheaper. Shopping comparison sites are very useful for this.

    I got a 105 double crankset and BB from Merlin Cycles recently for £75. If I'd bought the same item off the shelf from EBC I would have been double that (give or take 5p). I've found Merlin to have patchy stock availability, but if they do have it it's generally at a very generous price and it arrives fairly quickly.

    I used cycling bargains for some 105 brake callipers. Again they were very cheap compared to off-the-shelf price (and to other online retailers) although they were a bit sluggish on the dispatch I felt it was a price worth paying for the discount.

    Again I ordered my Otlieb panniers online to get the colour I wanted at a price that was a good 20% lower than I saw on the shelf. I got them from rock and rescue who I've used in the past for hiking / camping gear. They've not got a massive range of cycling stuff but their prices are competitive and they have good customer service and great response times.

    Most other things I generally like to poke at and "feel" the quality (or otherwise) and get an idea if it's what I really want by comparing it to other ones alongside. And with clothing I always like to try it on as you never know what a medium really is between different manufacturers. I also like an excuse for a natter about bikes if the opportunity is forthcoming.

    I've found the LBSs in Edinburgh that I frequent to be honest and helpful even if it means they talk me into buying something slightly cheaper than the one I picked off the shelf and then went to ask "is this the one I need?". I don't hold any particular loyalty.
    TBW is very close for me and if I need something pronto after work it's too convenient for "consumables" (brakes, tools, nuts, bolts, spokes, lube etc.)
    EBC has a decent range of stuff but I find myself going there less and less now I've got a good range of essential tools and kit. I haven't used them for repairs for a long time. It can be hard to get served when it's very busy as the layout of the store is not conducive to queuing. They generally got things fixed, but it took a while and they weren't always right first time. The price wasn't competitive either
    VE has nice things aimed at roadies with a price to match - but I found wherever you buy Assos or Giordana or Castelli it costs pretty much the same (A LOT!)
    TBC is in a strange and mysterious part of town but I made it out there yesterday and what nice chaps they are. I was impressed with the range of nice stuff in stock and the cruiser bikes were nice to look at.

    Posted 13 years ago #

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