stocking up my garage workshop. Thinking about things like allen bolts (i’m always stripping these suckers), brake/shifter cables, etc.
parts for small bikes or bike parts that are small?
.
ha ha. the latter.
stocking up my garage workshop. Thinking about things like allen bolts (i’m always stripping these suckers), brake/shifter cables, etc.
http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi
parts for small bikes
That would be my garage.
Chris
Tell your shop what you’re looking for and they should assemble a small kit for you of the basics. Why do people always search things out online when they could go to thier lbs and get everything they need?
Already thought of that Dave…thanks. 'preciate the advice though. Why do people always question the motivation behind someone’s question instead of simply answering the question.
Why not just buy a torque wrench and a tube of lube. That might help all thise srtipped bolts 
already have a torque wrench…and its not just stripped bolts. I have several rusty bolts on my old bike that i want to replace as well.
Geez people, its like twenty questions around here. Thanks IronDad for the link, that’s exactly what I was looking for.
Why not just buy a torque wrench and a tube of lube. That might help all thise srtipped bolts
How is masterbating to a torque wrench going to help stripped nuts? 
Chris
My appologies, I didn’t mean you you just were on the receiving end of something thats been bothering me for some time. It seems on ST (and in real life) that everyone is always looking for the best deal. We have several people that come into my shop who pick our brains for our infinite wisdom then turn around, walk out the door, and buy it online, then 1 but week later they have their widget and save a few bucks. Not substantial savings, generally less than 10% and they have to wait for their new toys to arrive when they could just get it from us, after we recommend it, and play with it that day. I’ll admit it, there are things we don’t stock and can’t order so I seek out the best deal online.
Sorry, rant over.
So, did you just think of asking them or did you do it? What did they say? We give away most small stuff with tune-ups / repairs and we’d even give the regulars whatever they want for their home shops. Cables and stuff like that we charge for but its practically nothing for the generic stuff.
No offense, but maybe you need to train your sales staff better.
Even in retail, one needs to know how to close a sale.
I could come and train you guys if you want? I’ve developed of of the best retail sales approaches one can use. I’ll be cheap, I swear
Settle down, we’re just F’ing with ya!
I could come and train you guys if you want? I’ve developed of of the best retail sales approaches one can use. I’ll be cheap, I swear
Do you work for small bike parts?
no harm done…
I did go in there and ask about replacement bolts and they pointed me to home depot. Kind of pissed me off, but maybe I got the wrong guy, maybe I wasn’t clear about what I wanted. In any case, it seemed odd to me that a place would sell every tool under the sun (the entire Park catalog), but not the basic bits and pieces to do simple repairs and maintanence.
Like I said, maybe I got the wrong guy…this is not a independant shop, but part of a chain…not all of the employees are invested in the shop’s success if you know what I mean.
The shop i prefer (which is an independant and where I bought my bike) is a bit further away which is why I didn’t go there…And I certainly don’t want to drive 30 minutes to buy $10-$20 worth of parts.
I hear you regarding being a retailer and battling online stores for business. Of course, people ARE always looking for the best deal…but the best deal should also include a determination of value that factors in service, not just price.
Your post reminds me of a electronics retailer called The Good Guys. Well-known for having very knowledgable staff (who were well-trained, they had to take a lot of training as part of their job). Their prices were higher, but the service was good. They ended up being bought by CompUSA and most of the stores were closed in 2003. THey couldn’t compete with retailers like Best Buy and other discounters.
my PI is off the charts today. crap, I need to go for a run.
Well, you’ve got Third Hand/Loose Tools. The other biggie is Bike Tools Etc:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com
These are also sometimes useful:
http://www.oddsandendos.com/
http://www.bikeparts.com/
http://icyclesusa.com/
Lightweight:
http://hyperbolts.com/catalog/