tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post7367739337099487218..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: The Bike Shop Next DoorVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8668726295550554692013-09-12T12:33:20.612-04:002013-09-12T12:33:20.612-04:00That's great. Nice images also. All the best.That's great. Nice images also. All the best.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10029201539401303585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72807883565030083822013-07-26T18:44:46.341-04:002013-07-26T18:44:46.341-04:00Loved hearing about the new shop. It brings a que...Loved hearing about the new shop. It brings a question to mind. How would you look at the geometry of an old bike to find a similar current bike? I love the lines of the Raleigh 27 but it is way too big for me.Reagan Patricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15099425654136325566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15863833732202176842013-07-26T13:23:59.597-04:002013-07-26T13:23:59.597-04:00I've spent the last six weeks in Taiwan enjoyi...I've spent the last six weeks in Taiwan enjoying its bike culture, and all I can say is that I wish American bike shops sold decent Asian commuter bikes like this one from Bridgestone for prices like this (about $400). Fenders, built in front and back lights, dutch-style back-wheel lock, basket, coaster brake....<br /><br />http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/machinori/item/bs_lococo27/?s-id=borderless_recommend_item_en<br /><br />Jon Barnardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01546272421153261764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-20327323477702347092013-07-25T11:00:25.358-04:002013-07-25T11:00:25.358-04:00No way, that was never in the cards. But it is lov...No way, that was never in the cards. But it is lovely having one so close by!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63857485286560895242013-07-24T17:55:40.778-04:002013-07-24T17:55:40.778-04:00Hello All,
I was just re-reading Velouria's po...Hello All,<br />I was just re-reading Velouria's post on "The Symbolism of Cargo Bikes" and looking at all the many people who said "Boston needs a shop that sells cargo bikes." And here I am, and I've already pre-sold a Bakfiets and an Edgerunner, and they're not even here yet, so I'm cautiously optimistic. I know that the bulk of my market will be in the cheaper Bobbins and Papillionaires, but I believe that there's a pent up demand for them as well that's not being fully met by shops that sell the Allant or the Linus bikes "on the side"<br /><br />It's true that cargo bikes are a big investment-and in a market where many bikes are sold on no money down "terms" they're an up-front investment with lots of hassles and extra costs involved in the import process. I'm hopeful that my enthusiasm will be contagious, that that there is not only a pent-up demand for them but an expanding market as people see them out and about.<br /><br />Several people have asked about service. I'm committed to servicing what I sell, whether that's in-house or through my arrangement with the wonderful Hub Bicycle. I've laid in some supply of bakfiets specific parts, Schwalbe tires and IGH supplies, so I'm prepared. At the moment I'm the salesforce, mechanic and chief floor sweeper, so service is limited to what I sell- I just don't have the expertise or parts to service every bike that comes in the door.<br /><br />I do have moments in the small hours of the morning where I worry I'm crazy to have left a good professional job that I enjoyed to launch this endeavor that lots of people with more experience in retail in general and the bike industry specifically have decided is too risky. I just have to hope that the shops that have lead the "bicycle shop 2.0" movement- places like Clever and Adeline Adeline and JC Lind are not aberrations and that Boston's bike community is developed and diverse enough to support this kind of shop. I appreciate all the messages of support!<br />Cyclerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12072776738519243521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-90219375158095233262013-07-24T08:22:10.487-04:002013-07-24T08:22:10.487-04:00Only in pictures. I suspect it's heavier and m...Only in pictures. I suspect it's heavier and more relaxed than I prefer a mixte to be, but looks nice. I like the option for different wheel sizes.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89360627427312464002013-07-24T08:17:44.202-04:002013-07-24T08:17:44.202-04:00And all this time I thought it would be you, who w...And all this time I thought it would be you, who would open a bike shop! <br /><br />Congrats to Carrice/ Biking in Heels on the new adventure!Eddienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-879543802307975552013-07-24T03:03:56.594-04:002013-07-24T03:03:56.594-04:00I love the retro colors and the low-tech of these ...I love the retro colors and the low-tech of these bikes. tarosanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916753504976534670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11672853360146002512013-07-23T17:15:31.793-04:002013-07-23T17:15:31.793-04:00Having followed your blog for a while, today's...Having followed your blog for a while, today's read put a smile on my face. Congrats on the shop. Three of us St Pete FL cyclists recently returned from a Brugge Belgium to Amsterdam bike and barge week. City bikes are everywhere, and not surprisingly, very little obesity, as compared to St Pete!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37333740649969010652013-07-23T16:48:01.758-04:002013-07-23T16:48:01.758-04:00Looks great! Best Wishes to Bicycle Belle!Looks great! Best Wishes to Bicycle Belle!neighbourteasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17571138655370581828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68150251930672667592013-07-23T16:34:36.885-04:002013-07-23T16:34:36.885-04:00this sounds like a logistics nightmare. often when...this sounds like a logistics nightmare. often when people buy bikes small adjustments are required and sometimes parts need to be swapped out, especially if one is focusing on the high end market....also, when warranty work needs to happen, which is quite often, what then?? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12081946175904757902013-07-23T15:56:20.861-04:002013-07-23T15:56:20.861-04:00Just happened upon Bicycle Belle two weekends ago ...Just happened upon Bicycle Belle two weekends ago and bought two great Bern helmets. Carice was so knowledgeable and just overall a joy to converse with. We are so thrilled to have this bike shop in Boston. Best wishes for the success of the store. <br />~RLJAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74432826504683784812013-07-23T08:49:48.571-04:002013-07-23T08:49:48.571-04:00As I understand it, the plan is to focus almost ex...As I understand it, the plan is to focus almost exclusively on sales - offering options at different price ranges. The Beater, Papillionnaire and Bobbin brands will be accessible to many, and their sales volume should balance out the higher-end bikes. There are also lots of everyday accessories available at different price ranges that should sell well along the "bicycle superhighway."<br /><br />As far as repairs, the idea is they will mostly be done at a sister shop that specialises almost exclusively in repairs - the nearby <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-service-oriented-bike-shop.html" rel="nofollow">Hub Bicycle</a>. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84005333422222916292013-07-22T21:48:42.736-04:002013-07-22T21:48:42.736-04:00Velouria, have you seen the Retrovelo mixte Anna? ...Velouria, have you seen the Retrovelo mixte Anna? http://www.retrovelo.de/anna-28.html <br />I've not seen it for sale in the US, but it is available by special order. It comes in two versions - one with 26 inch wheels and a version with 28 inch.Augsburghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109555620818668190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45125340309587813462013-07-22T21:02:34.349-04:002013-07-22T21:02:34.349-04:00There is great variety in upright bikes. If the on...There is great variety in upright bikes. If the ones they got felt sluggish, uncomfortable, or just somehow off, the reaction is not surprising.<br /><br />And you are correct about the margins on bikes vs parts/accessories.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14615394833957870312013-07-22T20:59:43.129-04:002013-07-22T20:59:43.129-04:00Dapper gentleman he is, dressed in purple!Dapper gentleman he is, dressed in purple!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57329302747480423832013-07-22T20:59:17.359-04:002013-07-22T20:59:17.359-04:00Thanks for the link. Check out our local vintage b...Thanks for the link. Check out <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2010/12/vintage-bike-shop-visit-to-old-roads-in.html" rel="nofollow">our local vintage bike shop</a> too. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32705034880962784192013-07-22T20:57:43.872-04:002013-07-22T20:57:43.872-04:00Just financial viability skepticism, nothing dissy...Just financial viability skepticism, nothing dissy.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69703175634444232892013-07-22T20:57:04.228-04:002013-07-22T20:57:04.228-04:00Nice. I love the Retrovelo Paula, or even better K...Nice. I love the Retrovelo Paula, or even better Klara. Too bad so few US bike shops sell them.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91643834800800945942013-07-22T19:14:41.665-04:002013-07-22T19:14:41.665-04:00We recently purchased three Retrovelo bicycles (a ...We recently purchased three Retrovelo bicycles (a Paula, a Paul and a "modern" series Alfons) from A Streetbike Named Desire. We're in Seattle, and local bike shops have seemingly lost interest in selling European-designed bicycles. We heard about the Palo Alto bike shop via their advertisement on this blog. Augsburghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109555620818668190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87939363270149332232013-07-22T16:27:38.213-04:002013-07-22T16:27:38.213-04:00Wishing all the success in the world to any new bu...Wishing all the success in the world to any new business meeting the needs of the bicycling community....Cheers!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17168422585659861542013-07-22T16:07:16.272-04:002013-07-22T16:07:16.272-04:00It's my first time here and I just wanted to s...It's my first time here and I just wanted to say hey and I'm really enjoying it. Going to have a proper nose around.Matthew Spadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16043383557092161415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32817968748007708422013-07-22T14:50:33.200-04:002013-07-22T14:50:33.200-04:00I don't know how bike shops make their money b...I don't know how bike shops make their money but I suspect the mark-up on bikes is low compared to parts, accessories and service. Most folks I know (over many years and many cities) who use their bikes daily prefer a versatile one, reasonably light weight, capable of additions and ultimately have little to no concern as to what it looks like and long as it works for them. Price and versatility only...and they often find it on the used market either ready to ride or easily adapted to ones preferences which, seems easier on older bikes than with new ones. There are a few, even, who excitedly purchased upright transportation bikes and eventually parked them in the garage because they were either too heavy or just didn't give them joy while riding. Both were women and I found that interesting....Were they misinformed? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28020323641425156762013-07-22T14:43:18.206-04:002013-07-22T14:43:18.206-04:00Best wishes on the new adventure. The Wheel House...Best wishes on the new adventure. The Wheel House shop in Santa Barbara was similar in purpose but closed at the end of 2012. I don't believe they made it to 5 years. I've given thought to such a shop here in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles but that's as far as it's gone. I'll keep myself updated on their progress. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24962367737433485062013-07-22T13:40:35.477-04:002013-07-22T13:40:35.477-04:00Bicycle Belle should do well in Boston. Other com...Bicycle Belle should do well in Boston. Other commuter-based shops in older urban areas like NY, Philadelphia and SF seem to do OK. I think its strictly a question of supply and demand. Traffic in older cities almost mandates commuting by something other than car and there's enough of a demand for commuting gear within the city that its possible for commuting-based shops to succeed. In the burbs, and in more spread out cities like LA, Houston, Vegas, etc., cars continue to be king and there isn't enough demand for commuting based bike shops to survive. Local shops around here offer some commuter options from big manufacturers like Trek and Giant but nothing very interesting and I can't really blame them. There's just not enough demand to tie up money in better commuting bikes and gear. While I think it'd be cool to see a couple of commuter-based shops open up around here, it wouldn't be so cool to see them go out of business a couple of years later after blowing their lives' savings. Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for your new neighbors!mattrnoreply@blogger.com