This month's Bicycle Retailer Mag features the increasingly popular combo bike shop and coffee shop concept. The idea is that people will stop by on a regular basis for their coffee but gradually cozy up to a new bike or part on another day. One shop insists that a vintage bike shop that appeals to older men ( I can't believe I now fit into that category) can co-exist with a conventional shop. Coffee may be one of the things that most demographic groups share. If I could drop by for tea and actually make a non bike purchase I personally would be likely to make more frequent shop visits. Right now I sometimes feel like more of a bother to the shop owner who's trying to make a living selling new bikes while at the same time chewing the fat about old Campy with me. For that reason I try to save up and distribute my visits for the few things I know I'll need like Pyramid Inner tubes, chains and bike tape. Except for the two grand I dropped on a nearly new Catrike, I'm afraid I'm not much of support system for my LBS's. One shop regularly orders a box of spokes for me or some new rims but he only adds 20% to his cost from JB distributors (hardly worth his effort unless you count the enjoyment he gets from talking about old stuff with me). If I could buy a cup of tea once a week I would just to pay for the privilege having a place to hang out. In any event - Thanks to all the shops across the world I have and have not yet visited.
Garth Libre in Miami Florida USA