Which website is the cheapest now?

[zmalwo]

Which website is the cheapest now for small stuff like tire levers, tubes, bottle cages, and etc... that don't add up to a large amount? I used to use Merlin Cycles alot until they got rid of the free shipping over certain amount to the US.
This is for US shoppers.

Thanks,
Bruce

[martinez]

I feel like in a world where the shops there to support us in this hobby are struggling while everyone is so caught up deal hunting and 24/48hr shipping, we should absolutely be buying (at the very least) the small items you mention. You’re realistically saving pennies on the dollar for something like a tube or tire lever, plus adding additional waste.
I’m all for looking for a good discount but don’t think it makes sense for smaller ticket items

[Peter P.]

Amazon! Amazon! Amazon!

Because that's the first place all the American zombie shoppers go as they eat retail alive.

[zmalwo]

Originally Posted by martinez

I feel like in a world where the shops there to support us in this hobby are struggling while everyone is so caught up deal hunting and 24/48hr shipping, we should absolutely be buying (at the very least) the small items you mention. You’re realistically saving pennies on the dollar for something like a tube or tire lever, plus adding additional waste.
I’m all for looking for a good discount but don’t think it makes sense for smaller ticket items

I live in Manhattan and the local shops charge $25 for a rubber inner tube that you can get for $3 on Merlin. It's just not feasible to support them when the price is more than 8 times higher.

[marciero]

A good local shop can also be a good resource, service or knowledge wise, so its not just charity paying a little more for things like tubes. There are also these other advantages-

- excuse to go to bike shop
- instant gratification
- items disappear into your inventory-no need to explain packages to spouse/partner.

Edit: $25 for the same butyl tubes?? Butyl tubes do vary in quality and price but that is a bit much. I just started paying $30+ but those are TPU tubes. Curious if that is the going rate for NYC bike shops.

[hokoman]

Originally Posted by zmalwo

I live in Manhattan and the local shops charge $25 for a rubber inner tube that you can get for $3 on Merlin. It's just not feasible to support them when the price is more than 8 times higher.

What shop is charging $25 for a butyl tube? That sounds like an installed price, and that's in range from what I've seen $20-$25 if you roll a bike in and want it replaced.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Every time I do patronize my LBS it's for some random thing I need right now like a headset spacer or flat mount caliper mounting bolt I lost. I gladly pay whatever they ask and I also buy stuff that I don't need (t-shirt, tires, etc) but get my bill to $100 or so to make myself feel better.

But the fact is that I'm a good wrench and have amassed a tool chest such that I have not found a need for any bike shop's tools or expertise in a very long while.

OP, I've ordered from Lordgun about four times over the last year. Great prices and about $20 shipped from Italy to Louisville in under a week. About two days for $25.

[Buzz Killington]

$6.95 for a tube at the REI on Lafayette. They don’t charge any more for parts at that REI than any other REI location.