You’ll miss ’em when they’re gone

It might not seem like you need to support your local bike shop, because generally you’ll be able to get absolutely everything you need cheaper when you go online. Many of us only drop into a real-life bricks and mortar store when we’re caught short – perhaps when something breaks, your short of inner tubes or running low on energy gels.

But what happens when that bike shop you occasionally visit shuts down because web stores have run them out of business? No more emergency inner tubes, and lots more abandoned rides when those inevitable punctures or mechanicals crop up.

Great service

One thing you’ll find in good local bike shops – good being the key word – is customer service. Alongside groups of cyclists in lycra gazing lustfully at expensive carbon frames, of course. It’s one of the few areas where small businesses can not only compete with, but consistently beat the bigger guys. From stores in small towns like High Peak Cycles in Glossop, to Cloud 9 Cycles in the pulsing metropolis of London – you’ll find a friendly smile and staff willing to offer trusted advice.

You might get a discount

If you have a good relationship with your local bike shop or you’re a regular customer, you may find that they can cut you a deal on a particular bit of kit. It’s not a given and should never be expected – margins are being driven ever lower – but local businesses value loyal customers. Many local bike shops will also price match, giving you the chance to pick something up at the same price you see it online, but with the friendly feel of a local shop.

You’ll be part of the cycling community

Local bike shops have long been at the heart of the cycling community and that continues to be the case. In fact, as competition from online retailers have grown ever fierce, local businesses have been forced to up their game and diversify in order to differentiate themselves from the competition and attract and retain customers, whether it’s organising beginner rides, group rides, supporting a local race team, adding a cafe to the shop or introducing coaching and training services alongside the sale of bikes, bib shorts and bottles.

The feel good factor

It’s always nice getting a shiny new bit of bike kit, and there remains something extremely gratifying about walking into a shop, browsing and leaving with something in your hands – plus it feels even better if you’ve supported a small business in the process. Obviously, using new gear out on the road is going to make you feel great regardless of where it comes from – but that little bit of extra feel good glow when you know you’re helping part of the local cycling community counts for a lot.