Unique custom bike shop

guide623 · #1 03-10-2014, 08:13 AM

Hey all, I am in the process of opening a boutique bike shop and wanted some input on unique brands that stand out in your mind for quality, craftsmanship, durability and value? Thoughts.
Thanks!

sandyrs · #2 03-10-2014, 08:19 AM

There are as many brands fitting that description as there are members of this forum, but with that said, here's a really short list of standouts in my consistently under-informed opinion (filtered to try not to include the really obvious ones lots of forum members will post, though I'm sure a couple will be obvious to some):

Eleven Velo (could do a run of shop caps or something)
Cafe Du Cycliste
Wound Up
Butter Studio (chain holder tool)
Veloflex

I haven't included any frame brands because I think the bar for craftsmanship is often set by small or one-man custom shops that deal directly with customers.

sandyrs · #3 03-10-2014, 08:20 AM

Oh, and in terms of durability and value, Defeet warmers and base layers are pretty much unrivaled in my book. Made in USA too!

MattTuck · #4 03-10-2014, 08:24 AM

I can list a few brands that I think are cool.

Handlebra
Dill Pickle Gear

pretty much anything on Blue Skewer.

The problem that I think you'll find is that the really cool little brands produce in such limited quantities that they have to go direct to consumer in order to make any money. If you consider selling through the retail channel, that means another 40%-50% mark-up in most cases. And for many, the economics wouldn't work.

Mikej · #5 03-10-2014, 08:34 AM

Boy, if I were going to open a bike store, I guess I'd already have a pretty good idea of what to sell based on the area, and know that I could source needed products. We would have to know what your competition is selling, that way you could get the Spesh vs. Trek version. Id say RAPHA EVERYTHING - judging by the threads here, its seems epic. How many tats you got?

oldpotatoe · #6 03-10-2014, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guide623

Hey all, I am in the process of opening a boutique bike shop and wanted some input on unique brands that stand out in your mind for quality, craftsmanship, durability and value? Thoughts.
Thanks!

Remember there are only 4 things to remember when opening any small (bicycle) retail store-

Cash flow, cash flow, cash flow and a sense of humor.

Campagnolo, Moots, Pegoretti, Rapha, IMHO.

Competitive locale for sure, make 'them' compete with you, not the other way around. Identify your market, aggressively pursue. Don't try to be everything to everybody.

I know you didn't ask for philosophy but....ya got some anyway.

ceolwulf · #7 03-10-2014, 09:00 AM

I really like http://22bicycles.com . Since they're a newish maker you'd be unlikely to have other dealers around.

akmonkey · #8 03-10-2014, 09:56 AM

I've been really impressed with all of my Revelate gear, especially the expandable seat bags. For next Fall when the snow comes again, you might look at Neos (overshoes) and Dogwood (pogies).

jmoore · #9 03-10-2014, 10:03 AM

What product lines are you talking about? Bikes, clothing, accessories, saddles, components, shoes, nutrition? LOTS of stuff out there.

RedRider · #10 03-10-2014, 10:22 AM

Location, location, location
You can carry all the best names but what's your local market like? Will you be a destination shop? Cater to the locals? Are you in an affluent area where high end sells or in a college town? What's your competition currently stocking? Lots of questions...

dekindy · #11 03-10-2014, 10:26 AM

How do you define the concept? I don't think anyone would even remotely agree on what that means; just too general a statement.

Where will it be located?

That would be a good place to start.

JAGI410 · #12 03-10-2014, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akmonkey

I've been really impressed with all of my Revelate gear, especially the expandable seat bags. For next Fall when the snow comes again, you might look at Neos (overshoes) and Dogwood (pogies).

Now distributed by QBP, so the competition/internet pricing might not make them worthwhile. Fantastic products though. It really depends on your target market and location.

OldCrank · #13 03-10-2014, 01:13 PM

Endura
Sidi
Giro

Unsolicited recommendations:
Sponsor rides, races, teams, BBQs, movie nights, simple maintenance clinics, trainer or roller "rides" and "races" in the winter... get social.

bikingshearer · #14 03-10-2014, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

. . . Cash flow, cash flow, cash flow and a sense of humor. . . .

Oh, and don't forget cash flow.

The one thing I know about running a small business (aside from the fact that I am supremely unqualified to do so) is that bad cash flow will kill you faster than bad profitability - witness Ford and GM for God knows how many years.

Liv2RideHard · #15 03-10-2014, 03:32 PM

Shouldn't your business plan already have this dialed? If not you need to do some serious homework. In your part of the country, some very discerning clients. If you stock a lot of the stuff we like, you may isolate a lot of folks. Folks around here tend to like goods a lot know nothing about or have ever heard of.