Advantages of buying for a specialty bicycle retailer vs. a discount store on an online retailer:
Bike Comfort and Fit
People come in all sizes and need the expert fit bike shops provide. They ensure your bike is
the right size and adjusted properly for you. Test rides and follow-up fitting and fine-tuning are
part of their service. The result is easy, efficient and safe cycling—and more fun!
Selection
Bike shops have a wide selection of bicycle models, sizes, styles and colors. Their expert staff
listens and coaches you through the process of finding best bike for you.
Safety
Bicycles come in boxes and need to be assembled carefully and properly to be safe, work right
and hold up. Bike shop bikes are assembled by experienced mechanics and each is test ridden
to ensure proper function and safety. Bikes are then carefully fit to you at the time of purchase.
Test rides, tuneups and instructions ensure safe and comfortable rides.
If you buy from a discount store or an online retailer and have to assemble it yourself, could
you? How about properly mounting the car bike rack so it doesn’t fall apart on the highway?
Accessories
Bike shops offer a wide selection of high-quality cycling accessories, locks, lights, helmets and
clothing. Staff consult with you to find the right accessories and gear for your bike and how and
where you ride.
Expertise
Bike shops employ knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, many of whom are cyclists with
detailed knowledge in the field. Their job is to satisfy your cycling needs and they love doing it!
Value After the Sale
Bicycle shops have experienced staff who are there to help with post-sale service and
adjustments, often free or at low cost. They understand the goal is to make sure you are
satisfied and help you enjoy cycling.
Warranty
Bicycles sold at bike shops come with full warranties and most problems are resolved in-house.
Plus, bike shops stand behind their bikes and products with experienced mechanics and riding
experts. Discount store or an online retailer products have manufacturer warranties only, making
it impossible or cumbersome to get a repair or adjustment.
Community
Bike shops are the place for more than just great bicycles and accessories. They help you find
great rides, help kids learn bike skills, and are often advocates for better bike infrastructure and
education. Discount stores or an online retailers just sell things.
Source: National Bicycle Dealers Association
Afterburner and Aviator from Fortified Bicycle Products: these lights are bright and durable, designed to be theft-resistant. They have a lifetime warranty if you register your set. So if you want a quality set of lights you can leave on your bicycle without a care, these are a great choice. Definitely a good investment for $98.90. As staff member said: “They last forever.” (That may not be literally true but they DO have a forever guarantee.)
Cygolite Metro 400: these lights are 400 lumens of brightness. (In case you didn’t know, that is really bright.) This front light will actually light your path a fair distance ahead, so you can see where you are going in low light and you will never out-bike the distance you can see ahead of you. Great for riding in the dark on minimally lit bike paths. For the amount of power they pack, the $95.80 price tag is actually very reasonable. They also have a lifetime warranty.
Blackburn 2’Fer: these lights are reversible in that a light can be used as either a front and/or rear light. They also have 2 ways of attaching: you can mount them to your bike with a wrap-around strap or clip them to your clothes, bags, or wherever else you like to clip things. They ALSO have a lifetime warranty.
