[whistlerbrk]

I have spoken with many bike store owners and employees, they know they can't compete with the prices you can get for parts and accessories from online retailers. But very few have an alternate plan.

The ones I see who are being smart about this reality are instead focusing on having absolutely excellent mechanics and experiences like shop rides to get groups out on amazing day trips / overnights. There is a huge value add in teaching people skills and thus converting them into more advanced cyclists who'll want better gear.

[curun1r]

One other thing that I wish more shops would offer is fit tests. The one I did was over an hour of adjustments to a stationary bike that was designed to be adjusted (i.e. the frame measurements could be changed) and them watching me ride it with a slow motion camera. At the end of it, I now have exact measurements that let me order a custom bike or know whether a stock bike will fit me if I order it online. It simplifies the online shopping process immensely because I know there are specific brands that simply don't work for my body type without extensive modifications once I get the bike.

It's probably not applicable to people who are looking for a $100-$200 bike, but for people that are looking at $2k bikes, getting this kind of test done is well worth the $100 or so that it costs. Having a bike that isn't just adjusted properly but is the perfect size for your body makes such a big difference in how enjoyable it is to ride. It's funny to look back at the first few bikes I bought and the buying experience. I basically looked at features, reviews and aesthetics to arrive at the one I wanted and then had the shop adjust it for me. And while I could ride it, it was never anywhere close to the comfort I feel on a bike that I've selected based on my exact dimensions and riding posture.

If people are going to buy their bikes online, shops should lean into that fact and try to provide services that facilitate the customers preferred buying experience. This kind of ~$100/hr service is both a money maker and a way to enhance the online shopping experience.

[china]

This is spot on - the shops that will survive will be the ones that provide knowledge, service, and experiences. Group rides, classes, free espressos while your bike is being serviced, etc.

[NicoJuicy]

Well, actually, a cook and kitchen shop in a big city just closed. They did all that and still people just ordered from the web