Have you ever asked yourself why it’s important to have a local bike shop? Well, there are lots of reasons, but today we’re going to focus on just a couple. First, your local bike shop is your connection to the cycling community in your area. There are lots of cyclists and cycling North Wales groups that come together to ride in your town, and having an LBS in the area allows you to be involved with those groups and meet other riders who share your interests and passions.

Free Rides

If you live in an area with many cyclists, chances are there’s a local bike shop. These shops have become more than just places to buy bicycles, they’re also great places to take your bike for maintenance and even to get free rides.

Warranty Claims

If your bike breaks, your local bike shop should be able to help you figure out what went wrong and how you can get it fixed. Some shops even offer free tune-ups as part of their warranty service, meaning that if your brakes squeak or your chain slips off, they’ll get them working again at no cost to you. It’s also worth noting that having an established relationship with a local bike shop will help them work faster—and in some cases for free—if anything ever does go wrong. This means that if there’s any component failure (as opposed to general wear and tear), they should be able to track down who made it and replace or repair it right away.

Tune-ups

Once you’ve put some serious miles on your bike, it may need new components or an overhaul. A professional bike shop will tune up your ride for free and give you an estimate of what it’ll cost to replace parts like worn out brake pads or bent derailleurs. You might be able to save money if you handle minor repairs yourself, but if there are any safety issues with your bike, they should be handled by experts. That’s because small problems can lead to much bigger ones over time if not addressed right away. Your local bike shop can help avoid those bigger problems that could get in the way of riding entirely.

Product Recommendations

People buy new bikes all of time, but they’re not always sure where to start when it comes to selecting one. As an employee at your local bike shop, you’re likely to be exposed to dozens of bikes on a daily basis. If someone asks you for advice about which one they should buy, share your knowledge by recommending a handful of models that are well suited for different styles of riding and price points. If possible, recommend some models you have personal experience with so customers can ask specific questions about their pros and cons (i.e., I really liked how smooth and quiet our commuter model was compared to some other brands we carry).

Customisation Assistance

When you shop online, it’s not uncommon to receive items that don’t exactly fit. For many of us, that requires an in-person trip to our local bike shop. While we love e-commerce for its convenience and low cost, there’s just no comparison to having someone get you fitted on your bike. On top of that, you have your very own expert help desk right next door at any time of day. Whether it’s assistance with mechanical problems or getting used to clipless pedals, there isn’t anything a good local bike shop can’t help with when you need them most.