Top 10 Reasons to Support Your Local Bike Shop

10. Classes

Many shops offer classes at night an on weekends. These classes can range from basic maintenance to entering your first race. The knowledge base at many shops can be extremely helpful and most are more than willing to share!

9. Lifetime adjustments
Many shops offer lifetime adjustments on the miles they sell. This can offset the possible initial higher cost of the bike over a "big box" retailer. Besides they have better bikes.

8. Local events
Many shops will sponsor local events. Usually you can find them offering simple repairs, tire inflation, special deals, and sometimes samples (I have lots of shop tire levers in my tool kit). I have even been given the occasional beer!

7. Free advice
Most of the shop guys & gals are cyclists themselves. The one thing we cyclists love to do is talk about cycling. Ask a question and you will get TONS of good information.

6. They support their community
The owners of most bike shops work, live, & play in their community. They usually want their community to thrive which will in turn help their shop. That doesn't mean that they are all selfish and only want more business, that happens to be a perk. With a thriving community, all businesses and residents win!

5. They're as passionate as you are
As I mentioned before, most shop owners & employees are cyclists and love to ride too. They love cycling and everything about it - just like you! Why not be with "your people"?

4. Local shop rides
Lots of shops sponsor local rides. These rides can be a lot of fun. Some of them have fees and others are free. Look for a shop sponsored ride near you!

3. Sponsorship
If you race, some shops will sponsor you. This can range from providing a kit (they get the advertising) to equipment, to paying your entry fees. You may be asked to perform id you get sponsored ie. make it on the podium.

2. You keep your dollars in your community
Shopping at your local shop keeps your dollars local. They typically aren't huge corporations, they are small businesses that depend on your dollars to survive. Sure their prices may be a little higher, but that's because they don't have the buying power that the huge national stores have. The service you get at your local shop cannot be measured monetarily.

1. These are your people.
Why wouldn't you want to support "like hearted" people? If you call one of the national shops to order something, chances are the person on the other end of the phone could care less. Your LBS does care and wants you to continue to ride.

By supporting your LBS, you are not only helping a small business grow, but you are helping our sport.