Ben Fischler

+1 for Cyclepath. Hate to perpetrate a super goofy thread here, but Bill & Gang routinely go above and beyond the call, which IMO is a key reason to support your LBS aside from being able to get the quality of service and selection you want.

...but the truth is we in OR, and in Portland in my case, are blessed with a superabundance of great shops, as well as great local mail order outfits. Let's all keep up the support for our local cycling businesses whenever possible!

On Mar 20, 2013, at 12:58 PM, grantcollins@ymail.com wrote:

> Always try Cyclepath first! They carry a lot of stock, especially the cool new bits.

-Ben

AnimationMentor.com
[ ben.fischler@gmail.com ]

grantcollins@ymail.com

Always try Cyclepath first! They carry a lot of stock, especially the cool new bits. You'd be surprised how fast they can get you the parts you want. Also they are willing to work with all types of people and their budgets. They are not exclusive high end only. My 2cents.

And the famous last words from most LBS's is...."I can order that in for you" as if my Internet is broken at home!?

------__o
----_ \ {,
---(_)/(_)
Thanks GC
425-780-0374

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 20, 2013, at 11:32 AM, Dan Anderson wrote:

> Lately I've been doing a lot of ordering from the Western Bike Works site and picking up in the shop. I get to choose from a larger selection and then stroll in a day or two later to get exactly what I want. Maybe I'm too particular, but I checked out a ton of different bar tape options before picking out the tape & color I wanted recently, and then went where I could get it. I did look for it at a few other shops, but most of them just stock 2 or 3 types of tape. Yes, I know I could order QBP stuff from most stores (and be limited to what they carry), but that's typically a 2-3 week turnaround too.
>
> Frankly, I think choices are more important than prices. If you only offer 2 headsets in your entire store, aren't you really making the choice for me? I like to have more options.
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
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Dan Anderson

Lately I've been doing a lot of ordering from the Western Bike Works site and picking up in the shop.  I get to choose from a larger selection and then stroll in a day or two later to get exactly what I want.  Maybe I'm too particular, but I checked out a ton of different bar tape options before picking out the tape & color I wanted recently, and then went where I could get it.  I did look for it at a few other shops, but most of them just stock 2 or 3 types of tape.  Yes, I know I could order QBP stuff from most stores (and be limited to what they carry), but that's typically a 2-3 week turnaround too.

Frankly, I think choices are more important than prices.  If you only offer 2 headsets in your entire store, aren't you really making the choice for me?  I like to have more options.

Steve Brown

Since it is a rainy day, should we now consider the difficult question of how to split business between LBS's for common items. One shop for road and one for the track or cross bike?

On Mar 20, 2013, at 10:41 AM, douglas sproston wrote:

> I really oughta keep my beak outta this, but I'm injured and can't ride on the first day of spring break so some good ol OBRA drama will have to do.
>
> As a shop guy, I dont care or mind if folks shop online for the best deals and ask for a price match. I do it too. Gotta make limited funds go as far as they can. Kinda rubs me the wrong way when folks rub it in my face, but I digress.
> The shop I work for tries to stay competitive with all US retailers but it can be hard. The MAP for US retailers is different from UK (and elsewhere) prices. We pretty much get slaughtered by ribble, wiggle, etc... It's a tough game to make a buck in. Bike shops live and die on a tiny (and decreasing) margin. Keeping good staff is like herding cats. Sigh. Wanna make a small forture? Start with a large one and open a bike shop.
>
> What we can offer to high profile customers is some feedback on parts we like, routes we ride and just general bench racing. I don't know everything and I'm not perfect--but I know who to call to find out. Guys who shop mainly with us get raceday adjustments and bumped in the service queue. Special order? I gotcha. The last 9speed campy index gear in town? Lemme call around for ya. We do what we can for ya'll because we love this stuff.
>
> Trust me, the wages are not what keeps us turning wrenches. We just love bikes. I know lots of you have had shitty interactions with shop employees--I have too. And at the guitar shop. And the camera shop. The indignities of retail are many and I don't begrudge anyone as long as it's not personal. Remember that like any job, some days are better than others. I try and be good to people, after all in this whole screwed up world bicycles should be just fun. No stress, pure enjoyment.
>
> My dos centavos
>
> -dd
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>

douglas sproston

I really oughta keep my beak outta this, but I'm injured and can't ride on the first day of spring break so some good ol OBRA drama will have to do.

As a shop guy, I dont care or mind if folks shop online for the best deals and ask for a price match. I do it too. Gotta make limited funds go as far as they can. Kinda rubs me the wrong way when folks rub it in my face, but I digress.
The shop I work for tries to stay competitive with all US retailers but it can be hard. The MAP for US retailers is different from UK (and elsewhere) prices. We pretty much get slaughtered by ribble, wiggle, etc... It's a tough game to make a buck in. Bike shops live and die on a tiny (and decreasing) margin. Keeping good staff is like herding cats. Sigh. Wanna make a small forture? Start with a large one and open a bike shop.

What we can offer to high profile customers is some feedback on parts we like, routes we ride and just general bench racing. I don't know everything and I'm not perfect--but I know who to call to find out. Guys who shop mainly with us get raceday adjustments and bumped in the service queue. Special order? I gotcha. The last 9speed campy index gear in town? Lemme call around for ya. We do what we can for ya'll because we love this stuff.

Trust me, the wages are not what keeps us turning wrenches. We just love bikes. I know lots of you have had shitty interactions with shop employees--I have too. And at the guitar shop. And the camera shop. The indignities of retail are many and I don't begrudge anyone as long as it's not personal. Remember that like any job, some days are better than others. I try and be good to people, after all in this whole screwed up world bicycles should be just fun. No stress, pure enjoyment.

My dos centavos

-dd

Chad Butler

Because of where I live my LBS is a 60 mile round trip. They usually don't have what I need so I need to be prepared to drive right past Salem and all the way to Portland (160 mile round trip) to get whatever I'm after. Because of this I do most of my shopping online, however, Portland has so many good shops with internet presence that supporting my Local Bike Shop is something I do from my computer more frequently than driving in to their shops.
In cycling only related trips in 2012 I spent over $3,000 in gasoline. If I wasn't a cyclist my driving would reduce by approx. 80%. (Damn cyclists and all their pollution). Supporting my LBS with a physical presence is much more supportive of my GPP (Global Petrol Pimp).

rondot@spiritone.com

My assumption would be that the change in ownership was not just about $$ for Jay. He is very invested in cycling in Portland and Oregon and would not have sold to jerks and or idiots.
As has been mentioned here. There are some fantastic bike shops in this metro area of Portland. We are fortunate. I love Sellwood because they respect me a human being (as well as the idiot I am). I also have gotten great service from other shops as well (not in any special order), River City, Revolver, Cyclepath, Bike Gallery, Bike and Hike, Westend Bikes and others. All of these folks care about cyclists and cycling. I just love Chula at Sellwood however!
And all those great people and shops in other Oregon and SW Washington cities. You know them because you see their names all over the results, sponsorship and volunteer efforts of our passion.
It is all good.
ronnie

From: Jack Bennett
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 5:46 PM
To: Mike Richardson ; darellp@easystreet.net
Cc: OBRA
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices

I can confirm: Kelly used to manage LO Bike Gallery, is now a co-owner w/ the purchaser from CA. Ryan manages the LO store now. Same good, knowledgeable service as always.

.................................
Jack Bennett
bennett.jack@yahoo.com
.................................

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mike Richardson
To: "darellp@easystreet.net"
Cc: OBRA
Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2013 6:57 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices

Used ta did. Now co-owner and managing all the pdx stores. Same guy tho. I think Ryan is managing LO now? Anyway, that's him.

Mike

On Mar 16, 2013, at 5:52 PM, "Darell" wrote:

> Is that the same Kelly that manages the Lake Oswego store?
>
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Richardson
> Sender: obra-bounces@list.obra.orgDate: Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:24:06
> To: Joe Zauner
> Cc: OBRA
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
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obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Jack Bennett

I can confirm: Kelly used to manage LO Bike Gallery, is now a co-owner w/ the purchaser from CA. Ryan manages the LO store now. Same good, knowledgeable service as always.
 
.................................
Jack Bennett
bennett.jack@yahoo.com
.................................

>________________________________
> From: Mike Richardson
>To: "darellp@easystreet.net"
>Cc: OBRA
>Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2013 6:57 PM
>Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices
>
>Used ta did. Now co-owner and managing all the pdx stores. Same guy tho. I think Ryan is managing LO now? Anyway, that's him.
>
>Mike
>
>On Mar 16, 2013, at 5:52 PM, "Darell" wrote:
>
>> Is that the same Kelly that manages the Lake Oswego store?
>>
>> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Mike Richardson
>> Sender: obra-bounces@list.obra.orgDate: Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:24:06
>> To: Joe Zauner
>> Cc: OBRA
>> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> OBRA mailing list
>> obra@list.obra.org
>> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> OBRA mailing list
>> obra@list.obra.org
>> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>_______________________________________________
>OBRA mailing list
>obra@list.obra.org
>http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>
>

Mike Richardson

Used ta did. Now co-owner and managing all the pdx stores. Same guy tho. I think Ryan is managing LO now? Anyway, that's him.

Mike

On Mar 16, 2013, at 5:52 PM, "Darell" wrote:

> Is that the same Kelly that manages the Lake Oswego store?
>
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Richardson
> Sender: obra-bounces@list.obra.orgDate: Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:24:06
> To: Joe Zauner
> Cc: OBRA
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Darell

Is that the same Kelly that manages the Lake Oswego store?

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Richardson
Sender: obra-bounces@list.obra.orgDate: Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:24:06
To: Joe Zauner
Cc: OBRA
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices

_______________________________________________
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obra@list.obra.org
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Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Mike Richardson

Half/half. Kelly Aicher, local as they get, now co-owns - and also manages all the pdx stores. The dude who owns the largest Trek superstore in the world is the other owner.

Mike

On Mar 16, 2013, at 8:23 AM, Joe Zauner wrote:

>> Is Bike Gallery no longer locally owned?
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Brian Baumann

Erik at Sellwood Cycles has sent paid staff to four separate trail work parties at Riverview. There ain't no online retailers building trails for us.Universal Cycles has donated a lot of money to the local mtb cause.Velo Cult builds community (concerts, movies, and other events) and is a great place to get work done while enjoying a beer.  Online retailers don't have beer.

--- On Sat, 3/16/13, Joe Zauner wrote:

From: Joe Zauner
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices
To: "OBRA"
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013, 8:23 AM

Is Bike Gallery no longer locally owned?
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----

_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
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Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Joe Zauner

> Is Bike Gallery no longer locally owned?

Steve Long

Here's a great success story. Sellwood Cycle Repair is the best shop I've had the pleasure to do business with in the area and am proud to have them as a shop sponsor.
Okay, shameless plug. Sorry

Steve

Sent from my Samsung Infuse Smartphone

mohair wrote:

>
>Let's face it. The people who engage in "aficionado activities" (bike racing, pool, music, etc), routinely go for the lowest possible price, usually because they're low-income if not outright broke. They also tend to forget about details like shipping charges and repair and maintenence.
>
>There are several low-volume bike shops in Portland that do excellent repair/service. I suspect there are equivalents in Eugene and the other "cycling cities" in the state.
>
>One thing that might help is to share "success stories" on this news list. I'll start. Some years ago the mechanics at Coventry Cycle installed a threaded fastener on my very thin skinned Cannondale race bike so I could mount a water bottle cage higher on the down tube. They took care of it; no fuss. The price was fair; the work was excellent. I wish I could throw in a "... and that's how I came to win the Paris sprint in the TdF..." but I can't. I was pack fodder at best. But I was well hydrated pack fodder.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>On Mar 15, 2013, at 10:32 PM, jay wrote:
>
>> Racers who buy online are shortsighted. Think how much support our locl bike shops give to tthe races we do. Without us supporting their shops they may not be in a position to support races then our race fees go up, races disappear ect... support your LBC! Plus, half the crap you buy online is a knock off (especially that fancy carbon)
>> _______________________________________________
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>OBRA mailing list
>obra@list.obra.org
>http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Mike Richardson

Once in a while you toss out a line to get a reaction. Funny stuff. Bike racers = broke or low income. Explains all the Pinarellos and Colnagos for sure!

But I'll also bite at your real point. Year ago my wife, better than I deserve, bought me a 29er. My first race, the Tahoe Trail 100, I busted three spokes in the back wheel. The shop, that same Bike Gallery original poster Steve is worried about, went back to Trek/Fisher and got me a new wheel, warrantee, zero charge. Don't get that from the internets!

But I don't worry about them, or any good local shop. Unlike book shops versus Amazon, there's always room for wizard mechanics and actual human help choosing and fitting a bike. I'm sure they lose sale of tires and cables and such to lower prices, but can make up for it with service. Let alone movie nights and beer!!

Mike

On Mar 15, 2013, at 11:15 PM, mohair wrote:

>
> Let's face it. The people who engage in "aficionado activities" (bike racing, pool, music, etc), routinely go for the lowest possible price, usually because they're low-income if not outright broke. They also tend to forget about details like shipping charges and repair and maintenence.
>
> There are several low-volume bike shops in Portland that do excellent repair/service. I suspect there are equivalents in Eugene and the other "cycling cities" in the state.
>
> One thing that might help is to share "success stories" on this news list. I'll start. Some years ago the mechanics at Coventry Cycle installed a threaded fastener on my very thin skinned Cannondale race bike so I could mount a water bottle cage higher on the down tube. They took care of it; no fuss. The price was fair; the work was excellent. I wish I could throw in a "... and that's how I came to win the Paris sprint in the TdF..." but I can't. I was pack fodder at best. But I was well hydrated pack fodder.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mar 15, 2013, at 10:32 PM, jay wrote:
>
>> Racers who buy online are shortsighted. Think how much support our locl bike shops give to tthe races we do. Without us supporting their shops they may not be in a position to support races then our race fees go up, races disappear ect... support your LBC! Plus, half the crap you buy online is a knock off (especially that fancy carbon)
>> _______________________________________________
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Stewart Campbell

I fully agree about LBS's and our need to support them.  I don't care to name shops but I've shopped at two local shops for years now.  One shop can get pretty much any part that I'm looking for, and they offer a price match.  They don't always actually match that price but I at least get an offer for the item at about 15% off.  Another bike shop offers 10% for OBRA and if you shop enough you become a 15% off "gold" member plus 10% back in store credit.

And of course we can't over look all the parts buying and selling here within OBRA.  You wait long enough and some one here is bound to be selling the item that your looking for.

So if you look hard enough in PDX, you can find the deals to make you feel like your getting a bargain, while supporting your LBS. 

Keep in mind that next time your at a staging area for a race, that cyclist next to you had to work 3 extra hours at their bike shop job just to pay the entry fee of that race.

Remember this is coming from a man that washes concrete for a living just to support my bike racing addiction.

That was my .02 cents worth, I'm going back to my beer now. 

________________________________
From: marky mark
To: mohair
Cc: OBRA
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices

All my bikes, gear and "stuff" are bought local. Including my oatmeal.

T Shreve

On Mar 15, 2013, at 11:21 PM, "mohair" wrote:

>
> Let's face it.  The people who engage in "aficionado activities" (bike racing, pool, music, etc), routinely go for the lowest possible price, usually because they're low-income if not outright broke.  They also tend to forget about details like shipping charges and repair and maintenence.
>
> There are several low-volume bike shops in Portland that do excellent repair/service.  I suspect there are equivalents in Eugene and the other "cycling cities" in the state.
>
> One thing that might help is to share "success stories" on this news list.  I'll start.  Some years ago the mechanics at Coventry Cycle installed a threaded fastener on my very thin skinned Cannondale race bike so I could mount a water bottle cage higher on the down tube.  They took care of it;  no fuss.  The price was fair; the work was excellent.  I wish I could throw in a "... and that's how I came to win the Paris sprint in the TdF..." but I can't.  I was pack fodder at best.  But I was well hydrated pack fodder.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mar 15, 2013, at 10:32 PM, jay wrote:
>
>> Racers who buy online are shortsighted. Think how much support our locl bike shops give to tthe races we do. Without us supporting their shops they may not be in a position to support races then our race fees go up, races disappear ect... support your LBC! Plus, half the crap you buy online is a knock off (especially that fancy carbon)
>> _______________________________________________
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

marky mark

All my bikes, gear and "stuff" are bought local. Including my oatmeal.

T Shreve

On Mar 15, 2013, at 11:21 PM, "mohair" wrote:

>
> Let's face it. The people who engage in "aficionado activities" (bike racing, pool, music, etc), routinely go for the lowest possible price, usually because they're low-income if not outright broke. They also tend to forget about details like shipping charges and repair and maintenence.
>
> There are several low-volume bike shops in Portland that do excellent repair/service. I suspect there are equivalents in Eugene and the other "cycling cities" in the state.
>
> One thing that might help is to share "success stories" on this news list. I'll start. Some years ago the mechanics at Coventry Cycle installed a threaded fastener on my very thin skinned Cannondale race bike so I could mount a water bottle cage higher on the down tube. They took care of it; no fuss. The price was fair; the work was excellent. I wish I could throw in a "... and that's how I came to win the Paris sprint in the TdF..." but I can't. I was pack fodder at best. But I was well hydrated pack fodder.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mar 15, 2013, at 10:32 PM, jay wrote:
>
>> Racers who buy online are shortsighted. Think how much support our locl bike shops give to tthe races we do. Without us supporting their shops they may not be in a position to support races then our race fees go up, races disappear ect... support your LBC! Plus, half the crap you buy online is a knock off (especially that fancy carbon)
>> _______________________________________________
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

mohair

Let's face it. The people who engage in "aficionado activities" (bike racing, pool, music, etc), routinely go for the lowest possible price, usually because they're low-income if not outright broke. They also tend to forget about details like shipping charges and repair and maintenence.

There are several low-volume bike shops in Portland that do excellent repair/service. I suspect there are equivalents in Eugene and the other "cycling cities" in the state.

One thing that might help is to share "success stories" on this news list. I'll start. Some years ago the mechanics at Coventry Cycle installed a threaded fastener on my very thin skinned Cannondale race bike so I could mount a water bottle cage higher on the down tube. They took care of it; no fuss. The price was fair; the work was excellent. I wish I could throw in a "... and that's how I came to win the Paris sprint in the TdF..." but I can't. I was pack fodder at best. But I was well hydrated pack fodder.

On Mar 15, 2013, at 10:32 PM, jay wrote:

> Racers who buy online are shortsighted. Think how much support our locl bike shops give to tthe races we do. Without us supporting their shops they may not be in a position to support races then our race fees go up, races disappear ect... support your LBC! Plus, half the crap you buy online is a knock off (especially that fancy carbon)
> _______________________________________________

Darell

And it's not just the support of bike racing. We have a vibrant cycling culture in Portland because of LOCAL bike shops. They provide jobs, value added services, a passion for everything bicycles, and support for bike commuters, century rides, BTA, CCC, etc. It's a bit like doughnuts -- what's a better experience, ordering them online or going down to Voodoo doughnuts and taking in all that creativity and diversity? Build and support your local cycling culture and pass it on to others.

D

------Original Message------
From: jay
Sender: obra-bounces@list.obra.org
To: OBRA
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Bike Gallery matching internet prices
Sent: Mar 15, 2013 10:32 PM

Racers who buy online are shortsighted. Think how much support our locl bike shops give to tthe races we do. Without us supporting their shops they may not be in a position to support races then our race fees go up, races disappear ect... support your LBC! Plus, half the crap you buy online is a knock off (especially that fancy carbon)
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

jay

Racers who buy online are shortsighted. Think how much support our locl bike shops give to tthe races we do. Without us supporting their shops they may not be in a position to support races then our race fees go up, races disappear ect... support your LBC! Plus, half the crap you buy online is a knock off (especially that fancy carbon)