When I first heard of John’s association with Postal, his wind tunnel work, and then his store’s surprising expansion, I was excited for him. But I am excited for… and a fan of… nearly all entrepreneurs. They are the difference in America, they are the underdogs, they are my heroes… even though most are not successful.
But when I got the glossy catalog in the mail with all of the usual stuff, all priced at retail, I though, ‘oh no’. To me, it was an immediate signal of mis-directed resources.
People buy mail order for one of two reasons. A) they do not have a bike/run/swim/tri store that services them well locally, or B) they know what they want, have time, and can save some money. The bicycle sport catalog did neither and was a waste… just like the Nytro catalog.
Bicycle Sports staff provided me with some great insight into bikes and parts whenever I called… not knowing if I was a customer or not. It is a shame… and I am anxious to hear the rest of the story.
A compelling reason to purchase from them. Was I saving money or time? Getting better stuff? Was I getting to touch or try the stuff? Where is the incentive?
I live in Kansas, they are located in major cities. Why would I pay full retail and wait a week or so for the product when I can ask my local shop to do order it for me? There is NO benefit to paying retail from a mail order source, catalog, web site, or otherwise unless I live where there are absolutely no bike shops. Even Kansas is not that isolated.
I thought their San Diego store was terrific during its short lifespan. I heard that B & L wasn’t happy with their arrival, and while I’m still fairly loyal to B & L, I thought Dave and crew created a great atmosphere with their store. They were friendly, quick, inexpensive (for service) and always willing to chat. I was sorry to see them close their doors, and I’m intrigued by Dan’s story that he has running.
I think Rich was very much in flux a year ago in Glen Ellyn and he has things much more put together these days. I think you probably caught him during one of the worst periods of the whole BicycleSports saga (which is every bit as interesting as Dan is making it sound in his article). While I can understand your justified frustration a year ago, I think you’d hopefully find a different operation today.
John Cobb is fine man who I greatly respect and like. He has always been kind, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful to me and that goes for his crew too.
This is a very small industry best served by very small retailers with only a few regional exceptions (R&A, Nytro, etc.).
The sport will expand and contract as it has done over the past three decades. With it, gross sales will do the same.
Some of these huge retailers are bringing an aircraft carrier to a bass fishing contest. It doesn’t fit and it is too big to manuever quickly. And the bigger they come…
The irony is that some big box guys have (are) taking down some good vendors too. Quite a few bike companies have been burned by shops big and small. but the big ones hurt the most.
Time will tell what works in this industry. For the tme being, I am in favor of a doctrine of light, fast and highly adaptable.
I think Rich was very much in flux a year ago in Glen Ellyn and he has things much more put together these days. I think you probably caught him during one of the worst periods of the whole BicycleSports saga (which is every bit as interesting as Dan is making it sound in his article). While I can understand your justified frustration a year ago, I think you’d hopefully find a different operation today.
What Bicycle Sports shops are still open? Who’s still with John (and Cody), and who have gone their own ways? Is Chad still in Tyler? Is Ben Popp now with Blackwell, but not Bicycle Sports? Is that a Cobb venture?
"The irony is that some big box guys have (are) taking down some good vendors too. Quite a few bike companies have been burned by shops big and small. but the big ones hurt the most. "
What big box guys are you talking about? Last I checked, Wal-Mart and Target weren’t in Triathlon markets…curious to know where you are going with that.
But couldn’t your complaint be addressed to any tri catalog store? I mean, you can get some cheap deals from Performance or Nashbar et al. but you’re not going to be able to buy any high-end stuff. I don’t disagree that it would be better to buy at a shop if you have one available, but some don’t so they’ll order from BS, Nyto, etc. At least BS will (I think still) throw in a free fitting with a bike purchase if you can make it to one of their locations.
I would think the fact that the BS staff had been very helpful over the phone even when you weren’t buying would make you inclined to give them some slack, rather than creating unrealistic expecations for their catalog business.
While I am sure your experience is true, reiterate, Rich was in a tough position last year. Not to mention the week before Mrs.T’s/Accenture is a joke. Any bike shop of any worth near Chicago is packed w/ last minute requests.
Now that Rich is on his own and things seem to be going well for him. Contrary to your belief, BC was holding Rich back, not the opposite. His stock is better then ever and I know of no other shop that can get ahold of stuff like Rich. He has gotten frames and built them up like on one I have ever heard of. He had a stack of the Vision base bars and carbon clip ons, sets of Zero Gravity brakes, shit you usually only read about, in the store. Not to mention he is one of the nicest guys in the industry. A honest gentlemen to say the least.
There is a lot of drama in Triathlon shops here in Chicago and w/ Bicycle Sports. That’s too bad, most of the shop owners I’ve met are real good people. It’s just a small market still and there is a fight for share. From what I know John Cobb meant well, but intentions are only so good. I can’t wait to read about Cody coming into the story.
The Austin location opened in February and they have taken over the local tri market. Much better customer service than their competitors, prices are about the same. Jack & Adam seriously rock! They put on a couple of races without any other sponsors and have workouts 5 day’s a week.
It’s not that you came off vindictive. I absolutely believe you. Rich and Drew (his wrench) are good guys. Because of this they are in demand. I just don’t won’t people to get the wrong impression. Rich is a asset around these parts.