Hello there STers. Seeing that some of us haven’t gotten all of the 2007 toys yet. Lets discuss where your favourite place to shop is. So, STers from all continents do reply.
One of the bigger tri-specific stores here in Canada is Endurosport. Although it seems a little pricey for my blood. I’ve only had a bike fitting there, but they sure know what there doing. All of my other tri gear I’ve ordered online from the US or get from one of the LBSs. Please don’t hate me Canadian brethren.
For browsing around, Nytro in Encinitas, Ca. is really fun. I also like Tri Sports wharehouse retail store in Tucson. Bike Barn in Penticton isn’t so much a Tri spcific store, but has good energy, and an excellent inventory.
A great new addition to the tri store scene here in Canada is Velocity Bike & Multisport in Orillia. The owner is one of us - a bike junkie, that really loves the sport - and it’s those types that you really want to support. He’s also a great fist fitter.
eBay (have had nothing but good experiences but have also been very careful about who I am buying from, what I am buying (size/fit), etc.
I have been to SBR in NYC and bought a wetsuit from the, but they were priced very high (close to MSRP). Though I try to support our LBS the fact is money (price) is also very important, Secondary, I have seen some products at my LBS with dates from 2003/2004/2005 (even though they are a pretty big bike shop).
The best tri/cycling store i’ve seen is my LBS, Cadence Cycling and Multisport in Philadelphia. www.cadencecycling.com
it was started by 2 guys who didn’t like the way they were treated by bike shops, so they started Cadence with the goal of treating everyone who walks in the door like a World Champion. Also, they ‘Multisport’ aspect is run by a Canadian, Brian Walton. And I DO hold that against him ;^)
“Where’s your fav Tri-Store?”
Here’s what I tell my local tri club members: LBS only! (Lot’s of bleeding hearts in my tri club that feel the LBS owner is starving.)
Here’s reality:
Which ever on-line store has the best price + shipping combination. I’ve used just about all of the big ones at one time or another. (Reality is that I’m starving too and just want to ride.)
Not just selling bikes, but connecting people to the bike lifestyle with quality services such as bike fitting (FIST certified), bikeLodging™, bike rental and bike TLC.
Any USA based athlete comming out to any of races in Asia, The Bike Boutique is available with FREE mechanics services at most races in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
We don’t have one where I live but Front of the Pack is just up the road in Palo Alto. Darrell is a great guy, FIST-certified, and a frequent contributor on ST.