Here's a one-sentence excerpt in Singletracks style:
**"What makes a local bike shop worth supporting, and when should you just buy online instead?"**
(15 words)
Vote for your favorite Western trail project in the Bell Built Grant competition, including a 25-mile flow trail system in Medford, Oregon.
Vote for the Bell Built Grant's Western projects through April 20th, including Flagstaff's Fort Tuthill Bike Park, a free public skills park for all riders.
After a brutal winter, warm weather and dry trails finally arrived in Salida for days 7-11 of #30DaysofBiking challenge.
Shimano unveils the all-new XTR M9000 with 11-speed drivetrain, updated brakes, carbon wheels, and race and trail variants to match your riding style.
Here's a one-sentence excerpt in the Singletracks.com style:
The Nashbar Big Ol' Fat Bike offers bomber steel construction and year-round riding capability for around $1,000—making fat biking accessible to everyone.
The Zoic Coalition Schacket blends shirt and jacket features with recycled materials, making it perfect for unpredictable weather and post-ride hangouts.
The Zoic Hoodoo Shorts pack eight pockets, a 16" inseam, and removable chamois liner for comfortable, pack-free epic rides.
Our correspondent mudhunny is at Sea Otter this weekend sharing exclusive photos and updates across our social media channels—follow along for insider coverage!
Salsa announces the Bucksaw, the world's first production full-suspension fat bike, featuring 100mm travel and aggressive geometry starting at $4,000.
RockShox officially unveils the Bluto RL fat bike suspension fork with 80, 100, or 120mm travel options, tapered steerer, and 4.8-inch tire clearance.
Rocky Mountain's new Blizzard fat bike features the groundbreaking RockShox Bluto suspension fork, trail-oriented geometry, and aggressive spec at an attractive price point.
Here's a one-sentence excerpt in Singletracks.com style:
The 19th Annual Fruita Fat Tire Festival hits April 24-27th with demos, music, and access to hundreds of miles of world-class Colorado singletrack.
The WTB Breakout is a fast-rolling, high-volume 2.5" tire that excels in dry, loose conditions but packs up quickly in mud.
Despite warnings about crowds, the Fruita Fat Tire Festival offers uncrowded trails, epic demos, and world-class riding worth every penny of support.
Earn a new Georgia State Parks badge by riding at least six of twelve state parks offering mountain bike trails and paths.
Instead of fighting winter weather, embrace it: hit the slopes, pedal snowy passes on a fat bike, or ride wet pavement roads.
RockShox officially unveils the RS-1: an ultra-lightweight inverted carbon XC race fork for 29ers, weighing just 1,666g and priced at $1,865.
New Sedona topo trail map from Beartooth Publishing features 14 top mountain bike rides, plus fresh maps covering Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona.
The Flow Factory Trail at North Spencer Mountain in Whitefish, Montana delivers slopestyle thrills with bermed corners, jumps, drops, and natural rock features.
A Colorado snowstorm disrupts 30 Days of Biking plans, but fat bike adventures through mud, slush, and fresh snow prove weather challenges make April riding memorable.
Ski bikes blend mountain biking and skiing into one adrenaline-pumping sport, but the learning curve is steeper than you'd expect.
The Manzanita Mountains near Albuquerque offer miles of challenging, technical trails with rocky climbs and rewarding descents—just don't get lost.
Four days into the #30daysofbiking challenge with zero singletrack due to weather, but commuting by bike still counts and offers surprising benefits.
Exploring uncatalogued trails near Buena Vista reveals intermediate singletrack with swooping turns, rocky terrain, and stunning Collegiate Peaks views worth discovering.
Women mountain bikers debunk stereotypes: we're not all "shredders" or "girly girls," we just want good gear and great rides.
Due to snow at Buffalo Creek, this Saturday's group ride is postponed one week and relocated to South Shore Lake Pueblo Reservoir instead.
After four years, Greg tackles the 30 Days of Biking Challenge with an impromptu fat bike exploration through snow-covered Colorado trails.
The 2015 Cannondale Jekyll gets a complete redesign with SuperMax Lefty fork, dual-travel Fox DYAD shock, 27.5" wheels, and Ballistec carbon.
Cannondale's new Trigger 27.5 and 29 bring Jekyll-inspired tech to the trail bike category with switchable Fox DYAD shocks and carbon frames.
Santa Cruz adds 27.5" wheels to the Nomad all-mountain rig, featuring 165mm VPP travel, a slack 65-degree head angle, and aggressive geometry.
Fat bikes are dead—say hello to the latest trend making them obsolete: skinny bikes with rigid frames, 23c tires, and maximum trail feedback.
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Utah officials plan mandatory drug testing at trailheads this summer, potentially barring Colorado riders from accessing iconic trails like Moab and Park City.
Bell Built Grant finalists have been announced, and voting begins April 7th to determine which trail projects receive funding.
The Yakima Highlite 3 is a solid hanging-style hitch rack, but platform racks offer easier loading and better frame compatibility for most riders.
SRAM's new GUIDE brake line features innovative Swinglink cam technology, improved modulation, and a redesigned four-piston caliper at competitive XC weights.
Easton's EC70 Trail carbon wheels deliver XC weight at just 1,345 grams with trail-tough durability, featuring hand-built construction and acoustically-tuned spoke tension.
Jeff Reeds' new ebook "The Sanctity of Dirt" explores how mountain biking connects us to nature and something larger than ourselves.
Eagle, Colorado offers the perfect May riding conditions—not too hot, not too cold—with diverse trail networks for every skill level.
Pro mountain bikers and industry insiders share their favorite trails from around the world, from Sedona's Hangover to Germany's Flow Country Trail.
Mountain bike legends and pros from around the world share their favorite trails, from Colorado's Captain Jacks to Whistler's technical descents.
Cannondale's OverMountain team will race the new SuperMax Lefty fork, featuring improved bump sensitivity and a lighter, stiffer dual-crown design.
Chris Akrigg shreds on a Mongoose cyclocross bike in this must-watch edit that proves 'cross bikes can handle way more than gravel roads.
The Tifosi Duros deliver performance-grade optics with three interchangeable lenses, durable construction, and exceptional value at just $69.95.
Spring weather eliminates excuses for not riding, but as a new mom, I've learned you never regret a ride—even solo, cold, and sleep-deprived.
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A new 9-mile trail called Little Scraggy is coming to world-class Buffalo Creek, featuring more technical rock lines than the area's typically smooth singletrack.
After seven months of flood recovery, Apex Park's Phase I trails reopen harder and more technical than before, with Phases II and III coming later.
Russian-made Sarma Naran 80 carbon fat bike rims shed serious rotating weight and transform handling, though mounting tires requires patience and profanity.
12
![Singletracks has published some excellent articles over the years about <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/uncategorized/how-to-select-a-local-bike-shop/">choosing </a>a bike shop, why to<a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/why-buy-from-your-local-bike-shop-five-big-advantages/"> buy from a local bike shop (LBS)</a>, and reasons to buy <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/five-reasons-to-buy-mtb-gear-online/">online</a>.
[caption id="attachment_41010" align="alignright" width="250"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/AIR9RDO_1400x1050-e1393511094652.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-41010" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/AIR9RDO_1400x1050-e1393511094652.jpg" width="250" height="187" /></a> The venerable Air 9 RDO. Would you pay $2499 for a bike similar to this? photo: Niner[/caption]
A major online retailer recently picked up the brand Niner, and when they recently sent out an advertisement for a <a href="http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Niner/Bikes/Niner-AIR-9-RDO-SLX-Bike---4000-Retail-Value.axd">$2500 Air 9 RDO</a>, a friend and I pondered the implications for smaller shops who carry boutique brands like Niner or Pivot. "How can they compete with that?" we asked ourselves, and "how can a small LBS stay competitive in a bargain online marketplace?" I mean, who doesn't like a good deal, but there are some very good reasons to buy your gear at a local shop that supports your riding community. But first, I have a few interesting stories to tell you.
<strong>Bad Shop</strong>
While living in Florida, I discovered that selecting a quality mountain bike LBS can be frustrating, because many shops cater exclusively to roadies. For that reason, I gave patronage during my tenure there to a small boutique chockablock with aspiring Cat 6 racers :) The shop was close to home, and the guys/gals on the group rides were a tight-knit, amazing bunch to hang out with, which is really what kept that shop going... and still does. There was one problem, though: the shop owner, who we'll call "Richard," had a reputation for
[caption id="attachment_41012" align="alignleft" width="220"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/cat-6-e1393511289949.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-41012" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/cat-6-e1393559426557.jpg" width="220" height="215" /></a> Cat 6ers: you know who you are...[/caption]
being rather abrasive. Known by his loyal patrons simply as "Dick," they frequently swapped stories on weekday rides about his unbelievable moody behaviors, making references to the more sanguine color of his saddle because he was <em>periodically</em> "on the rag" (no offense ladies). It was all rather funny, actually, but over the years he rubbed enough customers the wrong way that some of them smartly went away.
As you may have recently discovered, the mountain biking in Florida is actually <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/my-top-five-the-best-mountain-bike-trails-in-florida/">pretty darn good</a>, so a lot of the roadies at this shop were interested in knobbies and dirt as well. Unfortunately, "Dick" didn't know, um, diddly about mountain bikes. Despite his acumen for fringe road racing, the lore was that he actually was an embarrassment to watch on even the smoothest of singletrack, cursing every little root and giving up early to go home. I can't vouch for this personally, since he seemed allergic to the mere concept of riding on anything but the open road. Even worse, he praised the 31lb hardtail in his storefront as "sufficient," which he could never seem to liquidate from his inventory, and berated you if you mentioned words like "S-Works" and "Stumpjumper" in the same sentence. True story. He would seethe if you came to the
[caption id="attachment_41178" align="alignright" width="250"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/piximusnet-e1393559943602.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-41178" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/piximusnet-e1393559943602.jpg" width="250" height="250" /></a> Dramatization of "Dick's" legendary mtb skills. Photo: piximus.net[/caption]
shop with a part or piece of clothing you didn't buy from him, and would call you out in front of other customers. I remember being in his shop one day discussing what expensive wheels he thought I <em>needed</em> in order to "keep up" on our group rides, when he looked out of the front window at an approaching customer and tersely barked: "what the #$%@ does this guy want?!" Needless to say, Dick was just being a, well, you know... a "Richard."
Nevertheless, I had little choice but to trust him with my bikes, and I gave him thousands of dollars over the years, though he once frankly told me that I wasn't a "loyal customer," citing purchases that I made elsewhere. He took every opportunity to insult the quality of my trusty old <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/photo.php?p=1802">Titus </a>that I deftly rode and maintained for years.
Also, he simply could not make eye contact with women, even when selling them a bike, and would talk to their male companions instead, which both men and women found irritating. He also made jokes about the cars that customers drove, and flaunted the hideously ill-painted German sports car that his wife helped him buy. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
By now, you are probably wondering why I, or anyone, would stay and support his business. I guess the answer to that question is complex. There was a special camaraderie in our riding group: most of us wanted to support an LBS, our options were limited, and we recognized that bikes can be complicated to work on. He wasn't that bad all of the time, and we desperately needed an LBS. But strangely, most of us just learned to tolerate his eccentricities, and even morph them into comic relief.
The eventual realization that there was something <em>way</em> better out there is actually what promoted me to write this article: sometimes picking an LBS is complicated for social, geographical, and financial reasons. You need to decide what is most important for you and the way that <strong>you </strong>ride, and sometimes you need to choose between what may be the lesser of many evils. Honestly, for some, buying merchandise online may still be the best option.
[caption id="attachment_41020" align="aligncenter" width="500"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/make-me-a-sandwich-e1393559337513.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-41020" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/make-me-a-sandwich-e1393560046636.jpg" width="500" height="489" /></a> Find an LBS that knows how to treat all riders with respect[/caption]
<strong>Expertise</strong>
When it comes to looking for a good quality, reputable local bike shop, this is the #1 reason to shop at an LBS, and the most important factor in selecting one. It simply is not possible for online retailers to correctly fit your bike, then make adjustments as your riding style evolves. A reputable LBS can also recommend things like what tires you need for local trails in different seasons, tell you what trails are rideable after rain or snow, or let you demo bikes on those same trails. They should be able to answer fairly detailed questions about products and how they function and what they are made for.
You know to take your business elsewhere if you know more than the shop employees. About three years ago I went into another shop in Florida, which specialized in mountain bikes, asking for a simple 180mm post-mount bracket for my disc brake. The actual owner took almost 30 minutes looking it up on his computer, citing that it was a complicated endeavor to find "just the right one," and wanted to charge me $75 for parts and labor to put it on. Wrong, pal... see ya.
Ideally, your bike shop should be able to give you an education, especially if you want to do something crazy like put a Di2 derailleur on a downhill bike because some guy did it on the internet. Expertise is more than just product knowledge, it is the bike industry equivalent of "street smarts." A good LBS can recommend products like forks and tires for certain terrain, and give personal examples of why something just doesn't work. Shop employees are really good product testers. Ask them before you fork over your own hard-earned scratch.
<strong>Selection</strong>
[caption id="attachment_41004" align="alignright" width="350"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/packed-bike-shop-e1393514033945.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-41004 " alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/packed-bike-shop-e1393514033945.jpg" width="350" height="233" /></a> Sometimes too much inventory can be a bad thing...who has time to look through this to find what you're looking for? photo: andrewfrasz.com[/caption]
Selection may be a factor that can make or break an LBS for some, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Here's why: unlike buying online, a good shop can work with you to get you exactly what you want and need, and may have loaner items like saddles or stems to swap out to get the best fit for your bike. That's invaluable. You should be able to quickly recognize if you are in the right place or not when you look at what they keep on the shelves, especially if your world revolves around niches like single-speeds or fat bikes.
Keep in mind that a massive inventory isn't a stand-alone measure for your personal needs, and combing through too much junk on the shelves can be overwhelmingly tempting. However, if you stumble across a friendly shop that carries most of the parts you require, that is usually a good enough reason to give them your business instead of shopping online.
<strong>Price</strong>
Understandably, everyone wants a good deal, and most riders recognize that an LBS has to make money to stay in business. Not everyone can get a brother-in-law discount every time, unless you are employed there. Consider that it actually works in your favor to pay MSRP every once in a while, because a good LBS will reward faithful patronage with discounts, free swag, insider information on products/trails/events, bike rentals when friends come into town, and giving you first rights to products that no one else can get their hands on yet. If your shop never gives you a break despite consistent and loyal patronage, you are probably in the wrong place. It helps to bring the workers/mechanics a case of PBR every once in a while, too... you'd be surprised at how little they <a href="http://www.vitalmtb.com/features/How-Much-Money-Does-a-Bike-Mechanic-Make-The-Answer-Will-Surprise-You,661">make</a>.
<strong>Customization</strong>
[caption id="attachment_41170" align="alignright" width="242"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/LR-good-shop1-e1393559058846.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-41170" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/LR-good-shop1-e1393559058846.jpg" width="242" height="320" /></a> It takes creativity, talent, and a little bit of crazy to pull off something like this...[/caption]
This is not important to everyone, but an LBS earns style points when they can do things like throw a Pike fork on a Surly Krampus and bling a bike out... and get away with it. Not all local shops can customize bikes like a boss, but the ones that do it well are usually the ones that are knowledgeable and have excellent mechanics. In a world where a lot of products look similar, it's nice when someone injects a little creativity and gets your bike noticed.
Some shops actually build custom frames or parts. This may also be important to you as your riding style progresses. You may also like to find a bike shop that has rare offerings, like bamboo fat-bikes or hand-built wheels. Though you may not have an interest in purchasing them, it is fun to hold one, and maybe take a spin around the block. You never know, though: that is exactly how I left my LBS with a carbon <a href="http://salsacycles.com/bikes/2014_beargrease_xx1">Salsa Beargrease XX1</a> in tow, and I still don't know how it all went down. It happened so fast....
<em><a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/uncategorized/good-shop-bad-shop-what-makes-or-breaks-an-lbs-part-2/">In Part 2, I continue to offer </a>some unsolicited advice about what to look for in a reputable LBS, injected with a few kitschy stories and stories from the Good Shop...</em>
<em><strong>Your turn: </strong>Have you had a bike shop experience? Please feel free to share in the comments below, but keeping things anonymous isn't a bad idea :)</em>](https://images.singletracks.com/graphics/no_photo_750x500.png)
