I am baffled by the poor level of service from the Tri specific bike shops in my area. It seems these guys just have NO business sense whatsoever. It amazing that these shops can be profitable let alone sell anything. I cant help but wonder how well a shop with quality customer care, competitive pricing, a fit process that isnt caveman style would do…
Obviously from this post there are some good shops around the US. However, I would assume that most are disorganized like those in my area.
That’s surprising. Unless they’re the only game in town giving them a captive audience, it’s a wonder how some of these places stay in business.
My problem is the opposite. The LBS is very nice friendly folks but totally clueless about triathlon or high end road bike stuff. They’re basically a recreational “family biking” orientated shop that sells lower end bikes. I have to drive about three hours to a decent knowlegeable shop. Consequently it’s forced me to become my own fitter/mechanic, etc.
That’s what I get for living in a rural area.
Don’t name names. People will flip.
Sometimes it seems like the most successful businesses are the worst at customer service. Look at the bike industry, I bet Walmart and the like sell more bikes and make higher profits off them than any other retailer. But those aren’t “real” bikes you say. OK, then for real bike I bet Nashbar and Performance are biggest. Virtually no fitting or personal service, just good prices and efficient transactions. Its a shame but in any business the most profitable people will be the businessmen. Their will always be room for a small boutique with a lot of expertice. The middle will get squeezed out.
Styrrell
We have the same problem in my area. Keep thinking that a tri shop with good product, knowledgable staff and great customer service would make a killing - no competition despite three bike shops in a town of about 200,000. I wonder what my wife would think if I quit my day job and started a bike shop. I’d probably free up a lot of training time as I’d no longer be married. hhmmmm??!
Mike, is Tri-It Bikes in Orange Beach now gone because of Ivan? If so, I’m sad to hear that. I had a very positive experience there when Rob sold me my bike.
Hi Jill,
As far as I know, Tri-it is still there. Although for some time their website and phone number were both down (perhaps due to the storm???). I have not tried to visit their site or call recently, but someone told me they got through to them b phone recently.
I wasn’t really counting them as I’ve not had much contact with them, (I bought my Ironman wetsuit from them back in the spring with no problems) and, they are a solid hour+ away from Mobile.
I bought a bike from them and I live in CA. Rob was super helpful and generous with time on the phone for questions. Even recommended him to a friend who bought a bike as well. - E