Buying your bike at a physical store changes everything: special discounts, trust, a group of friends forever...

In the current paradigm, the internet has become a major headache for traditional bike shops. Online sales have led to unbeatable offers for those who only look at the price, often surpassing physical stores and serving as a great hook for the average enthusiast. However, traditional stores still have many advantages that go beyond the mere commercial transaction of purchasing a product.

6 compelling reasons to buy your bike at a physical store

A few years ago, when online mega-stores emerged strongly, most traditional stores were left scratching their heads at the impossibility of competing with unbeatable prices due to the lower costs of online stores and the large stocks that many accumulated to make those prices possible.

However, time has shown where each stands. Many online giants from a few years ago had to close their doors or reduce their business margins due to their excessive ambition or because they received their own medicine when a giant like Amazon also became one of the preferred places to purchase cycling gear.

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On the other hand, many physical stores were left behind for not being able to adapt to these new times. Those that did adapt sought to go beyond just selling a bike or a component, aiming to offer their customers impeccable service to build loyalty. These are the main extras that no online store can offer you, making it preferable to choose a physical store.

Staffed by enthusiasts

It may seem like a minor detail, but only a true cycling enthusiast is capable of knowing every detail of this product, all the variations in the ranges, and the needs of each type of cyclist to provide the best advice when making important purchases such as a high-level bike, wheels, or that super-elite component that one desires.

In fact, a true enthusiast is the type of shopkeeper who prioritizes honest advice over sales, for example, by recommending to a customer not to buy a top-of-the-line bike with a geometry only suitable for professionals if they are a cyclist with a few extra pounds, little flexibility, and only rides on weekends. Or vice versa, being able to explain to a customer why they should purchase a higher-level bike for the type of use they intend for the bike.

Your bike always in good hands

The workshop has become the cornerstone of most bike shops, even more so than the sale of bicycles and components themselves. Having a trusted mechanic who knows our bike, its previous problems, or how we maintain it is invaluable. In fact, there was a time when many stores overlooked this aspect, not valuing the role of the mechanic as they should, leading to the downfall of many that were left behind.

Today, having mechanics trained in all types of bikes, suspensions, a well-stocked workshop of spare parts, or the ability to quickly source what they don't have, and providing the best turnaround time for servicing the product is a highly valued bonus for a customer who goes out to train on a Thursday afternoon, experiences a breakdown, and needs the bike ready for a race they are participating in on Saturday.

Trustworthy After-Sales Service

Currently, most brands offer comprehensive warranties on their bikes and other cycling products, at least on paper. Additionally, the quality of cycling products has made it increasingly rare to encounter issues. However, none of us are exempt from our bike breaking down and needing to rely on the brand's warranty.

In these cases, having someone who keeps us informed, processes the warranty with the brand, advocates for our interests, or simply provides a courtesy bike while our issue is resolved is a crucial point to consider when choosing a traditional store over its virtual counterparts.

Exclusive offers for regular customers

Although physical stores may not always match the prices offered by websites, most of them have aces up their sleeves that they use as tools for customer loyalty.

A regular customer will likely be able to purchase a new bike at a very attractive price, even using their previous bike as part of the payment, or benefit from certain promotions that brands offer exclusively to those more loyal to that store. They may also receive discounts on equipment and other extras if they purchased the bike at the store.

Ability to test bikes

Even in this world where online sales are prevalent, making such an important purchase as buying a bike still raises concerns for many, especially regarding whether they will adapt well to the bike or if its performance will meet their expectations.

This is something that brands have recognized in recent years, utilizing their network of stores to organize test days or rotate a fleet of demo bikes that stores can lend to customers considering the purchase of a specific model. This advantage, obviously, cannot be experienced in an online sale unless attending fairs and other events where these bikes, usually only sold online, can be tested.

Meeting point

Traditionally, stores have been the meeting point for cyclists, often hosting clubs that have been the gateway to cycling for many, where lifelong friendships have been forged.

Enhancing these clubs and expanding the range of activities has been one of the strategies adopted by stores to build a loyal and regular social community around the store.