Support Your Local! | Why You Need To Use Your Local Bike Shop

Local bike shops are an essential part of cycling culture. They're always on hand to help riders in need, and are a gold mine of skills, tools, equipment, knowledge, and experience. It's important to support your local bike shop whenever you can and, in this video, Alex tells you why! Experienced mechanics, bling bikes, top end tools - what's not to love?

#Cycling #GCN #GCNTech #RoadBike

Give your local bike shop a shout in the comments below!

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[Livlifetaistdeth]

GCN: Buy from your LBS!
Also GCN: CHECK OUT MY NEW CANYON!

[gabibbo_]

I opened my black market bike shop in my garage. Thanks GCN for the training. JK.

[mieserpeter]

I only had bad experiences with bike shops and decided buying my own tools and maintaining myself. Saved me hundreds of dollars and frustration.

[michaelseifert]

I've found a great LBS here in my little town in Germany. They're extremely nice, helpful and don't overcharge. Best thing: They work with disabled people and don't go for profit 100%. The bosses are also alright in saying "I can't get a thing cheaply or in time. Buy it online or 2nd hand and I'll fix it to your bike." - a thing most LBS don't do. Atmosphere is also great. So I'm really lucky with the shop.

[BioD]

I'm split on the questions. I want to have local bike shops around. On the other hand fixing and upgrading my bike is part of the appeal, especially since I use it to commute to work. I get the point that often special tools are required. But I can buy the tools, learn the repair through great GCN Tech videos, still save 60% over the local bike shop and keep the tool in the end. LBS need to focus more on the whole experience. Have a coffee or a pint, host workshops on repair or upgrades, training lessons, give guides to the best bike routes, etc.That's what the Homebrew Markets, Scuba Gear and Surf shops do in San Diego.

[oOoACFREEMANoOo]

Here in Austria they told me this: -Gravel and Cyclocross bikes are the same kind of bike. - "Your a size 53", I saw it when you walked in". -That is a standard size stem. There are no other ones. -There are no bikes in your size, you need to buy a womans bike. Most shops here dont even have jerseys and bike shorts. Idiots, watch GCN, Park tools, and learn how to fix your own bike. Order online for the best prices and selection.

[jbratt]

I got out of the bike shop business in the early 90s. It was obvious at the time the mail order was killing the top end of the business and the cheap bikes from the department stores were getting much better. I felt the squeeze from both ends. There was no way to compete on price and this was before on line sales were a thing. It almost hard for me to believe a brick and mortar shop still exists. It’s a tribute to the ability of these shop owners to adapt to the market. I support them often.

[martinstaveley]

After 25+ years since I rode a bike, I found technology had moved on a bit. My local bike shop (Rides on Air - Wallingford) have been invaluable helping spec my new bike. Yes, the wait is a pain, but that's life in these troubled times. Plus, using your LBS means you can speak to real people should you have a problem.

[jasonfenech]

I recently bought my bike online. The reason why I bought it online is because my LBS is far too expensive and I still had to wait for the bike to arrive. Plus, l feel like they see me as money and not a person in their eyes.

[isaacbrascoupe]

I started going to Dicks’s bike shop, Tonawanda, NY, since the 80’s, now its a stop for three
We even talk about life, family and Cancer.
Dicks advice ROCKS🤟🏼

[kevinconner]

I was on a ride and came across the owner of my LBS, Goose Creek Cycle in Louisville, KY. He joined up with me on the ride. As we were going, I told him about an annoying little shifting issue. We wound up riding to his shop after hours, he threw my bike in the work stand, fixed the problem in a few minutes at no charge and we set off for another 10 miles home without any issues. Amazing!

[whatsdougupto]

I support my local bike shop because they are my friends and they share a wealth of knowledge on bike and trail tips and tricks.

[DD-qqsn]

I need to stop taking my LBS for granted. I thought all LBS were like Yellow Jersey in Billericay, but from reading the comments, clearly not. I've been in with all sorts of random issues (on bikes not bought from them) and they're always helpful. Obviously prices are higher than online, as their overheads are too - but there is no pressure to buy stuff and the advice is free. Never had a bad experience, and would recommend them.

[unfab]

I visit and buy constantly from my LBS because I want to develop a great friendship between the owners and me. I want to sometimes get a cheeky discount, go on group rides, meet like minded people but most importantly why buy and support - because I always always learn something new and its fantastic. I have never left LBS without a new piece of information.

[lionreza]

Last time I visited my local shop they tried to sell me 50 quids worth of cable sets. Went online at home and got a full kit for 15 quid

[michaelhughes]

Great show and advice from GCN yet agai. Have used my local bike shop “ The Bike Shop Dungannon” since I took up cycling about 3 years ago. Great service, keen prices and always willing to help. When you get people like Johnny, Kieran and Scotty giving you the benefit of years of experience you get a sense of being valued rather than just another customer. Important that we keep using local bike shops, if we don’t they will go the way of the local post office or corner shop. Motto is use them or loose them.

[Refridge]

I agree! I support my local shop! They look after me and my bikes very well. I want them to be there tomorrow and in the future. Westwood Cycle in Westwood, NJ. Good staff and mechanics.

[austinhoekstra]

My shop is owned by a couple who I've seen riding trails a few times around the city. Every time I go in, I end up chatting about everything bike related for ages. On top of that, I've never had to wait more than a day or two for a repair (even when my rear derailleur snapped off recently and needed parts from another shop in the city) and they always do little extra things for free to make my bike just a little bit nicer to ride. They even spent a full season talking me out of a new bike, making me feel great about the one I already have. It's such a wonderful place.

[Kingjay]

Epic Cycles in Clermont, FL is where I got my beloved Orbea Gain and they've been amazing.

Orange Cycles in Orlando, FL has supplied me with almost every part I've needed when it came to rebuilding my used Cannondale. They've also tackled a few jobs that I couldn't do on my own.

[kibbee]

Getting stuff repaired at my local bike shop took over a week, even before the pandemic. Most issues are easier fixed at home. Still love my local shop, but as someone who relies on theri bike for transportation, the bike shop just isn't quick enough.