Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ammo on October 16, 2008 at 4:58am

I agree. 10 to 11 seems to be the gold standard. I'd like to see some up a bit earlier for morning commuters in need of supplies.

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Permalink Reply by J on October 16, 2008 at 5:09am

I won't flame you, but if you'd worked in a service department, especially a really busy one, you'd know why shops generally don't do this. First, there is the liability issue. When you drop off a bike for service, the shop is now liable for theft/damage/etc. So locking it outside is pretty sketchy. (If something happens to a car in this case, it's insured by the owner -- not so much with bikes.) Second, the intake process is pretty important for diagnosing maintenance issues. If this isn't done properly, it can add a lot of time for the mechanic.

Lastly, and this is kind of key, and maybe something consumers won't be so keen on -- but the intake process is also a really important selling opportunity for bike shops. ("Oh, your chain is skipping? How about a new chain/cassette/chainrings/bike?") The margins and salaries are a fraction of the auto industry, so this interaction is actually crucial for service departments to stay afloat.

All that said, you will find (usually smaller, independent) shops that do go out of their way for trusted customers who reciprocate with their loyalty (buying components from their neighborhood shop at MSRP rather than on Ebay, etc.). I work at a shop that not only does exactly the things you've suggested, but makes house calls, after hour appointments, and even last minute deliveries for desperate commuters or racers. But these services are based strictly on mutual trust and relationships, and are not indicative of the shop's standard operating procedures.

Edit: Just regarding the operating hours. I know many shops that do open as early as 7 or 8am, but again -- these are typically highly profitable suburban shops that can afford to simply eat the labor cost. Those first several hours really won't generate any sales that you wouldn't otherwise get. Many bike shop managers/owners already work in the range of 60-80 hours per week, so...

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Permalink Reply by DRU Williams-Clark on October 16, 2008 at 7:45am

Thanks for the inside perspective. I'm glad somebody put this to rest for me. The liability thing is definitely something I'd never have considered. Another question, does anybody know if it's even possible to insure a bike against theft or collision?

J said:

I won't flame you, but if you'd worked in a service department, especially a really busy one, you'd know why shops generally don't do this. First, there is the liability issue. When you drop off a bike for service, the shop is now liable for theft/damage/etc. So locking it outside is pretty sketchy. (If something happens to a car in this case, it's insured by the owner -- not so much with bikes.) Second, the intake process is pretty important for diagnosing maintenance issues. If this isn't done properly, it can add a lot of time for the mechanic.

Lastly, and this is kind of key, and maybe something consumers won't be so keen on -- but the intake process is also a really important selling opportunity for bike shops. ("Oh, your chain is skipping? How about a new chain/cassette/chainrings/bike?") The margins and salaries are a fraction of the auto industry, so this interaction is actually crucial for service departments to stay afloat.

All that said, you will find (usually smaller, independent) shops that do go out of their way for trusted customers who reciprocate with their loyalty (buying components from their neighborhood shop at MSRP rather than on Ebay, etc.). I work at a shop that not only does exactly the things you've suggested, but makes house calls, after hour appointments, and even last minute deliveries for desperate commuters or racers. But these services are based strictly on mutual trust and relationships, and are not indicative of the shop's standard operating procedures.

Edit: Just regarding the operating hours. I know many shops that do open as early as 7 or 8am, but again -- these are typically highly profitable suburban shops that can afford to simply eat the labor cost. Those first several hours really won't generate any sales that you wouldn't otherwise get. Many bike shop managers/owners already work in the range of 60-80 hours per week, so...

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on October 16, 2008 at 8:01am

You can insure ANYTHING if you're willing to pay for it. You can insure jewelry...why can't you insure a bike??

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Permalink Reply by Travis Risbridger on October 16, 2008 at 10:12am

If you don't own, you can get renters insurance pretty cheaply. Anything happens to your bike, you claim it was stolen off of your porch/fench/whatever on the property you rent.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 16, 2008 at 3:03pm

I've heard that renter's insurance covers bike theft even if it happened outside your apt.

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Permalink Reply by Suzanne on October 17, 2008 at 12:51am

DRU- I'm not sure what part of the city you live in, but Upgrade at Milwaukee and Chicago opens at 8 am.
Jessica- Yes, my renter's insurance covers my bike after a $250 deductible. After my wheels and Brooks lady saddle were stolen last year (on a busy corner in the middle of a snowstorm in Janurary!!!), I felt the only recourse was to cover my bike$. In a good way, I have not had the oppurtunity to use the insurance since I got it, so I won't renew it for 2009. But its available through Progressive if you want it.

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Permalink Reply by DRU Williams-Clark on December 10, 2008 at 11:00am

Suzanne-

THAT'S ON MY WAY TO WORK. Thanks so much.

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