by John Brown, BrownCycles.com
The winter months are the perfect time to visit a bike shop and learn. Other than just enjoying bikes at a time when you may not be riding, there are many benefits to visiting your bike shop during the cooler months of the year. You can learn more about your bike in the slower winter months, get better deals, and have faster service.
Faster turnaround time on repairs at your bike shop.
Most bike shops operate on a “first in / first out” repair schedule. This means during the busy spring and summer months, there will be dozens of bicycles ahead of yours in line waiting for repairs. That lineup of bikes could equal weeks of waiting before your bike gets fixed. Through the winter months, there are fewer bikes in for repair. That means you can expect a speedy turnaround time. Plus, with fewer bikes in the shops to be worked on, each repair or tune-up seems to get more attention. That’s not to say your shop won’t do a great job in the summer months. I’m just saying it is always good when service isn’t rushed and the mechanic has more time.
Bike shop discounts and deals!
As fall turns to winter, bicycle brands change from one model year to the next. Because of that change, the transition becomes a sweet spot for buying a bike. In some cases, you can get last year’s models for a discounted price; if those aren’t available, the new models are readily available. Along with the shift to a new model year, many shops also run sales through the winter to maximize store traffic.
A bike shop visit is worth more than a discount
It’s no secret that winter in a bike shop is slow. Why not take advantage of that slow time to talk with the salesperson and mechanic? Need to know more about all the different bike types? Where is the best place to ride your fat bike? How do the new shorts differ from the ones you already have? These individuals in the bike shop can help.
If it’s a question about your bike’s service or adjustments, the mechanics will likely spend more time with you and not be rushed. Even better, at this time of year, some shops will let customers watch and learn as they fix their bikes in winter. Due to the time required for teaching, this is not an opportunity to be considered or offered during the summer.
Learn more at your bike shops, clinics, and classes
As many bike shops have evolved from regular retail locations into community cycling centers, most have adopted an education-and-involvement strategy. Because shops have far more time in the winter, most schedule their programs during this downtime. In the most basic cases, you can enjoy trainer rides at most shops. Typically, these rides are a “bring your own trainer” affair, where customers come together to ride.
More ambitious stores are also running classes on home bike repair. Usually, those classes focus on a single part of the bike, such as wheels or derailleurs. Finally, the most forward-thinking shops are offering classes and clinics and inviting speakers to give presentations. Many riders have questions about bikepacking or fat biking, and shops will schedule professionals to discuss these subjects.
Classes at Browns Bicycle
Don’t let simple mechanics ruin an otherwise great ride. Learn the basics of fixing flat tires, mending a broken chain, and getting home on two wheels rather than two feet. Please bring your bicycle with you for a hands-on instruction session. All ages are welcome, although an adult should accompany minors. Check out class dates when available.
Show the love.
If for no other reason, stop by the shop and say hello. Depending on how quiet the shop is through the winter, things can get pretty boring for the staff, who would love to share their knowledge. Storage can only be cleaned and reorganized so many times after all the boxed bikes are built. After that, a friendly customer face is a welcome sight.
About John Brown, the author
John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN ane is a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit, and that fever is still there. Now and over the past 30 years, he has worked at every level of the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then became a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, and parts, or share your latest ride. You can also see John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.