There are over 200 bicycle shops in South Africa. But while they may differ in some ways, all are a place where you expect to be able to spend your money and feel content with your purchase. But because it doesn’t end with just buying a bicycle, modern bike shops need to offer a whole lot more. Here are the key features of a good bike shop.
Welcoming environment
For many, especially newcomers to cycling, a bike shop can be highly intimidating. This is where a welcoming environment is important. Easy-flow store layout, good lighting and a friendly consultant to guide you through what might seem like a maze, can make all the difference to your first impression. The best bike shops are where you pop in for a quick visit but stay for a couple of hours because you feel comfortable enough to take your time to look around and are consistently engaged.
Knowledgeable consultants
Many customers do online research before visiting a bike shop, so often know what they want when they arrive. So, the job of the consultant has changed from being an educator, to being a guide. But there are still customers that need education; so, the best bike shops employ consultants that can give sound advice and can guide the customer to the right bike, based on his or her needs and budget.
Products across the price range
Once you have your new bike, you still need to purchase clothing, gear, spares and consumables. The best bike shops stock all of these across the price range to ensure that cyclists with limited budgets are still able to afford to keep pedalling throughout the year.
Bike set-up
When you’re investing large sums of money on a bicycle you expect to be able to leave the store it ready to go for a ride, right? But you can only enjoy that first ride if you feel comfortable and in control. The best bike shops will include a basic bike set-up as part of the deal. There are more advanced bike set-up services too. The best bike shops have invested in scientific bike-fit technology (which includes specialised training of staff) to offer all cyclists the option of an advanced bike fitment.
After-sales support
The best bike shops will make sure you don’t feel alone. They’ll be sure to give you information on local group rides and skills clinics. They’ll send you a reminder that your bike should be brought in for its first tune-up. They’ll add you to their email and/or WhatsApp database to send you information on local rides, special occasions and great shop deals. Some will even have a club, which you can join and enjoy numerous benefits.
Reliable workshop
Bicycles need to be washed, lubricated, serviced and kept in good condition in order to consistently give you what you paid for – for months and even years. This is only possible with regular servicing and, when necessary, repair. The best bike shops will invest heavily in their workshop, with sufficient, appropriate tools to be able to repair any bike (old or new) and employ properly trained, experienced technicians.
Ride support
Good bike shops have regular shop rides that you can join. At least once a week a guided ride (road, mountain bike and gravel) should be on offer to give you a chance to start what should be a close relationship with your bicycle. And the best bike shops also have a cycling club https://www.club.lynnwoodcyclery.co.za. Yes, this will require a membership payment, but it’s essentially an investment in your health, fitness and happiness. Clubs hold regular, safe group rides, offer members a list of benefits and also arrange social gatherings where you can connect further with like-minded people.
Skills improvement
If you don’t become more skilled, you won’t feel confident to ride as often. Yes, you achieve a certain level of confidence by just riding regularly, but certain trails are more challenging and in order to embrace these, you need to raise your skill level. You don’t have to become super-skilled, but it does help to feel more in control. This can also apply to road cycling, where bunch riding and cornering smoothly are very ‘upskillable’. The best bike shops will offer clients skills clinics, either through staff or through an association with a skills coaching business.
Information and inspiration
Riding your bike is just one part the cycling journey. In order to add increased depth and fulfilment, you need information and inspiration. The best bike shops will ensure this is offered to their customers on a regular basis. This can take for the form of email newsletters, social media engagement and talks/presentations by expert coaches or bicycle technicians or successful athletes.
Lynnwood Cyclery offers all of the above. And more!
Author, Lynnwood Cyclery