 |
| How you handle servicing these could make "The Pie" smaller or larger. |
With all that has been going on in 2020, we know one thing as cyclists: There are a LOT more of us now than there were a year ago. Many of these "new" folks bought their new bicycles at a 'big box' retailer. You know the story, "Those aren't 'real bikes', they are Bike Shaped Objects"? That one type of bike that gets snickered at when you see some poor, unfortunate individual pedal by you with tires at half mast and a chain that sounds like a thousand mouse chorus? Yeah......those bikes.
Well, I won't get into all the negativity that surrounds these "BSO's", but I will point out that during this pandemic that a LOT of those bikes flooded the market and are out on the streets and bike trails right now as you read this. They are, more often than not, being piloted by new-to-cycling folks that may or may not stick with this now that we are in the "Opening Up" phase of 2020. There are many influences that may be detrimental to their staying on as cyclists, not least of which is how they get treated on the bike paths, trails, and streets. But I want to focus on bike shops and how "BSO's" are often times disregarded as junk and the owners are many times looked down upon. I'm thinking about how that is often not congruent with the stated end goal which we hear from cycling advocates these days.
Heck, many shops won't even work on these things. First off, that is a huge turn off to folks wanting to become part of cycling. While it can be risky, expensive, and maybe not the greatest idea to fix such contraptions, you, as a service provider, really have to take a step back and disengage from your everyday bike nerd mentality and see things from these folks perspective.
Gentle handling of the situation goes without saying, or- you would think so- but I know of several stories concerning customers who were made to feel "less than" and stupid for even considering fixing such bikes. And of course, being rejected is everyone's dream experience in a bike shop, right?
During my first bike shop gig, my boss, a man named Tom, made an observation to me as I was learning the ropes. He said something to the effect of, "I like working on Huffys because as a mechanic, I can make more of a difference on a bike like that than one equipped with Dura Ace". You know, he is right. Many times what appears to be 'not worth the bother' just might make some kid thrilled and a parent happy. Or you might be able to get that person that cannot get a driver's license- for whatever reason- going on their way better than ever before.
Tom also said this:"You may not think much of that bike, but you should work on it like you would have to ride it." And that informed me greatly. I want those 'BSO' owners to feel okay riding their bikes, not ashamed, not fearful that it's going to 'kill them', or whatever other fear tactic they might get at some shops.
Of course, there are issues like money and there are dangerous circumstances and components which may need to be addressed as you go along. Cross those bridges when you get to them, but don't reject these people and their bicycles out of hand. Because, maybe you don't realize it as a shop employee, mechanic, or as an enthusiast, but you just might be with your attitude.
Embrace these new folks to cycling and help lift them up. Gently! If they don't have a helmet, are riding in street clothes, and have a what you'd consider a BSO, don't scoff and reprimand them, because, you know, that's just what they are looking for- some smarty-pants to make them feel bad. Get it? I could go on, but you probably get the picture......
Or you don't, and there goes another "Piece of the Pie", wishing they had a new SUV instead of trying to hang with us snooty cyclists and boorish shop rats.
Mark, I totally agree with this. I've seen it often and have experienced the 'why the hell would you want that?' conversation enough times to know exactly how it feels.
ReplyDeleteIt drives me nuts. Bike shops are a service industry and their service just happens to be bikes. We don't all have bottomless pockets; sometimes a better quality tyre, a new cable run or brake blocks that work are all it takes to make something 100 times better.
If an owner decides their bike is past it that's one thing. If a bike shop employee tells them, that's quite another...
Well said GT. I've worked at some shops where other staff have been unnecessarily negative about such bikes, and it gets to be a bit draining. Even the term BSO bothers me some. Yes, they're very low quality bikes, but they're out there and we should make them work as well as they're going to.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Sir. Many of us who collect and ride bikes may have accumulated components from changing things on older bikes. After doing so myself, I realized I was stashing these away in my garage and they were just taking up space and not being used. I decided to start donating this stuff to my local bike shop which used them to help people repair their bikes so they could get under way and use their bikes to commute to work or for recreation. I guess this is somewhat like what they call Bike Coops in larger cities. This is just something cyclists can do to be advocates for our sport or hobby.
ReplyDeleteMy first ride was on my mother's Montgomery Ward (girl's frame) bike. My first bike was a Firestone branded single speed, coaster brake. My brother had money so he bought a banana seat. It was our freedom on the farm! Pavement (about 6 miles away) was a treat.
ReplyDeleteBicycles, no matter of price or condition can be freedom machines to explore the world. In a time when we focus on inequity I hope we can fix ways for all people to gain freedom and experience positive adventure.
100% agree!!!!!!!! Even 20 years ago in the shop I calculated the average repair cost of a Huffy was $75 on a bike that retailed 100-150 bucks. If you knew how to wrench you could actually make them function for the folks. Plus, the profit on tires, cable and chains helped the bottom line. You could also use the repair estimates as a selling tool for a used or new entry level bike. I turned quite a few folks into cyclists by HELPING and BEING NICE, not by being a bike snob.
ReplyDeleteI find this amusing that bike shops and bike people turn down repairs on these bikes. Then those same groups take a valued bike.... let's say a Surly, Rivendell, or recently I saw a Ti Motobecane and install the same low quality components a box store bike would come with. Then I think often the consumer forgets trickle down marketing exist. There are a few box frames out there that are more than meets the eye.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Brother!
ReplyDeleteIve seen it everywhere: A low quality , poor handling sailboat: a cheap lump of a fly rod and reel: a plank of a water ski: etc etc and the locals peering down their noses and smirking. BUT the owners of these less than efficient items are NEW to the activity and will learn as they go! AND the most important thing, THEYRE out there DOING THEIR SPORT, enjoying the fresh air , getting exercise and LEARNING!!
ReplyDeleteLove this post. I only wish that more people knew how much BSO riders actually depend on their bikes. Ever notice the most crowded restaurants and watering holes always have a few employee bikes out back? That's the employee parking lot!
ReplyDeleteYup, I quit bothering with the LBSs in my old town because the staff were mostly snobs(the nicest word I would use). I've spent a lot of money on bikes and parts over the years but their crappy attitude meant they got none of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about being a bike mech that makes many people turn into d-bags?
Well said, Brother. We have a great opportunity RIGHT NOW to bring a lot of new people into the sport, but it will be squandered if we don't welcome them, regardless of the bikes/gear they have today.
ReplyDeleteThe shops that turn down these customers are doing so at their own peril. They're probably the same ones complaining about how mail order is ruining their business, while completely forgetting that 'service' is the one thing mail order can't provide. But I digress…