Bike shopping during the pandemic

[Judd]

Maybe adjust yourself and take it for a spin? If you get it roughly right it will give you a good feel for the bike.

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[zsionakides]

@lordofthemark 199416 wrote:

A bike I am considering and have put a deposit on, has arrived at the bike shop. I want to test ride it. I know that when checking seat height it’s usual for me to sit on the boulevard pedal backwards while the shop employee holds the handlebars.

I don’t want to spread infection either way. I want to “flatten the curve”. OTOH I want to support an LBS, as well as get N+1. Suggestions on how to balance (so to speak) these goals are appreciated.

Put it on a trainer. Most bike shops have one.

[n18]

I like Judd’s suggestion. Bring your own multi-tool, and adjust it yourself, but ask first. Some don’t like people adjusting things and potentially break something before they buy it.

[joetats]

Another option is the 109% method, you could measure your inseam ahead of time and just tell the shop. Should get you into the ballpark if you don’t want to be popping wheels on an off with the trainer.

And congrats on the new ride!!

[Emm]

Honestly, nothing will be perfect. You’ll touch the bike, they’ll touch the bike. Even if you adjust it yourself, they’ve adjusted it prior and will again after, even if you buy it.

So if you’re worried about it, bring some hand sanitizer, and clean your hands BEFORE and after touching the bike, and wear gloves while riding. Ask them to use your hand sanitizer before they touch the bike if they help with seat adjustment, and ask them to wipe the bike down with a cleaner before and after you test ride it, or do it yourself. Don’t sneeze, cough, or spit on the bike. Wear a balaclava if you’re worried about that happening. Way more stylish than a surgical mask

At this stage, if you’re not completely bunkering down at home (which is almost impossible for many of us–some of us need to buy groceries, order food, work jobs that still require us to leave the house, etc), you just need to take as many steps as possible to keep yourself and others around you safe.

[Steve O]

@Emm 199434 wrote:

Don’t sneeze, cough, or spit on the bike.

Also, fight the urge to kiss your new bike.

[Sunyata]

All the local shops in the area are sanitizing the touch points on the bike before and after test rides. Most are also offering curbside service. Call the shop and discuss your concerns and their action plans to keep both you and them safe.

[Starduster]

Every bike shop is doing something similar to the Papillon Cycles example. This is what they *must* do to keep their staff safe, and ultimately, *employed*.

[SarahBee]

Is it possible for the lovely LBS folks that are still open, providing a public service, and employing our friends (Phoenix Bikes, Contes, Bikenetic, etc.) please let us know how we can support you during the pandemic including donation, gift cards, etc.?

[Harry Meatmotor]

@SarahBee 199490 wrote:

Is it possible for the lovely LBS folks that are still open, providing a public service, and employing our friends (Phoenix Bikes, Contes, Bikenetic, etc.) please let us know how we can support you during the pandemic including donation, gift cards, etc.?

Spokes Etc. is operating with limited hours per location (12-5pm for most). They’re encouraging online ordering and curbside pickup. They’re limiting the number of customers in-store per location and staffing by locking all entrances. Trek is getting ready to roll out Buy Online, Delivered by LBS, but I’m not sure when that will be available. I’m sure Specialized (and other top tier brands) will start to make the option available, too. Most brands are starting to roll out some enticing sales, too.

[rcannon100]

A small thing you can do – many shops give you a 10% WABA discount or whatever – if you are employed and working, maybe tell them no discount. That is money straight in their pocket that lets them keep operating (a gift card is simply an interest free loan).

[zsionakides]

@Harry Meatmotor 199964 wrote:

Spokes Etc. is operating with limited hours per location (12-5pm for most). They’re encouraging online ordering and curbside pickup. They’re limiting the number of customers in-store per location and staffing by locking all entrances. Trek is getting ready to roll out Buy Online, Delivered by LBS, but I’m not sure when that will be available. I’m sure Specialized (and other top tier brands) will start to make the option available, too. Most brands are starting to roll out some enticing sales, too.

I wonder how Trek will do versus Canyon et al that already operate in the buy online space. I’d imagine the average Canyon buyer is a more educated buyer than someone at a LBS, since the LBS staff can fill in knowledge gaps for the buyer (note: I’m not implying there aren’t a lot of knowledgeable buyers at LBS, just that the low knowledge buyer probably isn’t buying a brand like Canyon and are shopping at the LBS). I’d imagine this would force Trek, Specialized, etc. to be more price competitive as they lose showroom sales from the shutdown.

[Harry Meatmotor]

@zsionakides 199974 wrote:

I wonder how Trek will do versus Canyon et al that already operate in the buy online space. I’d imagine the average Canyon buyer is a more educated buyer than someone at a LBS, since the LBS staff can fill in knowledge gaps for the buyer (note: I’m not implying there aren’t a lot of knowledgeable buyers at LBS, just that the low knowledge buyer probably isn’t buying a brand like Canyon and are shopping at the LBS). I’d imagine this would force Trek, Specialized, etc. to be more price competitive as they lose showroom sales from the shutdown.

Canyon is not quite the brand you think it is. They’re “designed” in Germany and the frames are manufactured in China, and some of the bikes are assembled in Germany. Most of the components and branded gear are the same as other brands, manufactured in Taiwan and Malaysia. I don’t think Trek, Specialized, etc. are too worried about Canyon. Sure, they compete on price well and the D2C fits the current COVID-19 regime, but there’s more to it than just being cheaper than the bigger brands.

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