Internet claims another LBS

[GRAVELBIKE]

Speaking of watches and SRAM, just gonna leave this here:

[Avincent52]

Saw this on Facebook and thought it might be interesting to some.

The owner talks numbers, says the business was down 40 percent, and that service only accounted for 10 percent of his revenue.

Didn't realize Cannondale had been HQ'd in Bethel.

I still think it's a shame.

http://www.newstimes.com/business/ar...#photo-9039872

[velomonkey]

Totally sad. Still doesn't add up.

Sales increased twice as much since he purchased it in 1999.

Sales recently decreased 40% - that means sales are still up 20% from when the store was purchased and the store had been there 25 years prior.

Lance mania was easy money for bike shops - never take your fixed costs up when sales are easy. It's the old saying - never swallow your own kool aid. Take the money and bank it and think long and hard before increasing fixed costs.

[thunderworks]

And this from the bike industry trade journal . . .

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/studi...s#.Vl4Ue7924uc

Units and total volume at the IBD (Independent Bicycle Dealer) are up for the year.

[Tony T]

While no longer a LBS (Bethel Cycle), at least the location is now a Brewery/Restaurant
https://www.brokensymmetrybrew.com/

[fmradio516]

Originally Posted by Tony T

While no longer a LBS (Bethel Cycle), at least the location is now a Brewery/Restaurant
https://www.brokensymmetrybrew.com/

Good to know. ill be moving to Orange in Sept, so will be nearby!

[Tony T]

Originally Posted by fmradio516

Good to know. ill be moving to Orange in Sept, so will be nearby!

A lot of great riding in that area (Bethel). I start in Westport, and my turn-around point is at Newton or Bethel (never been as far as Orange). I haven’t been at the Depot since the Bike Shop closed (bought my bike there), so I was glad to see recently (in a local news feed) that it’s now a Brewery/Restaurant. They’ve been open for over a year.

[fmradio516]

Originally Posted by Tony T

A lot of great riding in that area (Bethel). I start in Westport, and my turn-around point is at Newton or Bethel. I haven’t been at the Depot since the Bike Shop closed (bought my bike there), so I was glad to see recently (in a local news feed) that it’s now a Brewery/Restaurant. They’ve been open for over a year.

Awesome! Ive been worried about the riding as the roads around the house im moving to dont have a ton of shoulder on the sides and im not one to drive somewhere for a road ride.... mountain biking is different, ill be seeking every trail within an hours distance

[Tony T]

Originally Posted by fmradio516

Awesome! Ive been worried about the riding as the roads around the house im moving to dont have a ton of shoulder on the sides and im not one to drive somewhere for a road ride.... mountain biking is different, ill be seeking every trail within an hours distance

Just need to find routes off the main roads. I do 30-50 mile loops, and while the roads I ride don”t have shoulders (or even a center line in many areas) the traffic is so light that it’s relatively safe. Sometimes I’m riding for 30 minutes without seeing a car. Not sure how it is in Orange, though. Just check out https://ridewithgps.com/ for some routes in your area.

[fmradio516]

Originally Posted by Tony T

Just need to find routes off the main roads. I do 30-50 mile loops, and while the roads I ride don”t have shoulders (or even a center line in many areas) the traffic is so light that it’s relatively safe. Sometimes I’m riding for 30 minutes without seeing a car. Not sure how it is in Orange, though. Just check out https://ridewithgps.com/ for some routes in your area.

Good call. Thank you.

[mdeth1313]

North of Bethel is where it starts to get really good. Even (most of) the main roads are good. Unfortunately (for you guys), it's probably too far to really get into that area. As you head up towards Kent, Warren and New Preston it's awesome.

Check out Tour of the Litchfield Hills (early August) for a fantastic century and a great cause.