My dream bike shop to work in/visit/buy from:
- is small
- has one or maybe two workers who both have a cash interest in the business (ie no 'employees'), and most importantly both ride the shit out of bikes because they love to!
- doesn't sell bikes that the workers have not ridden.
- has a great barista on one side and a great bar on the other side.
- is next to awesome trails/road rides.
- doesn't insist on having every.single.bike.in.the.world.on.the.floor.right.now, just well targeted ones (see point on customer data below)
- ditto for clothes and accessories. Can't compete with the Pushy's (in Canberra) of the world, so don't bother.
- has a decked out workshop.
- is open four days a week, uses the fifth to go ride, and makes demo bikes available on the ride day.
- is not wedded to a single supplier, and works closely with suppliers it does use
- develops a great relationship with a physio/yoga teacher/wellness coach, for fitting bikes/helping riders ride better.
- gives zero fucks about where parts come from if customers turn up wanting them fitted, and helps customers get a hold of things if local importers are out of stock or can't give a lead time estimate.
- keeps customer purchasing and servicing data so that needs can be anticipated.
- is happy!!