The definition I have is “The appearance of things relative to one another as determined by their distance from the viewer”. It means that as you get closer or farther from something, your vision of it may change. Some of our associates have a problem with the idea of selling a bike from the lower end of our price spectrum. Usually they are comfortable on bikes that are honestly among the best that mankind has designed and built, and well above the price of a basic bike. But let’s look closer at the customer that might want a basic bike.
He may have not ridden a bike in the last ten years, or more. He really just needs something to putter around the neighborhood, not to win races. Possibly he also just walked over to us after looking at one of those place that sell bikes for less than $100. By walking in, we have the opportunity to help him understand the value present in a bike that has a full set of bearings, brakes and gears that work, and it’s all put together by a Certified Mechanic.
Now that we are closer to his needs, and further from what WE want, our view of the situation changes. In the price range he’s working with, he can get a “bike” from there, or a safe bike from us. With a guarantee, and factory warranty. With an Owner’s Manual, and all the reflectors. With good accessories that’ll help him to enjoy that valuable time with his family.
The more you try to see something from “the other perspective”, the more you see. When this person next walks into your department say Hello, ask when, how and where he’s gonna ride, and help get the right bike and accessories. If you do this daily for all our customers, I think you earn the title of “Expert”. You can do it. I know you can do it.
But that’s just my perspective…
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
There's a new Sheriff in town!
In our corporate history, I do not recall anyone having the specific position as "Store Auditor". One of our former store assistant managers has taken this position, Martin Rumpf. Our man Martin has a focus for details that will amaze you, and if you hear rumors about him don't doubt them.
The rumor I heard today was that a store lost an audit point or two because their Restroom hand towel dispenser key was not labeled as such! True or not; keep up the good work Mr. Rumpf!
The rumor I heard today was that a store lost an audit point or two because their Restroom hand towel dispenser key was not labeled as such! True or not; keep up the good work Mr. Rumpf!
DiaTech Disc Brake Calipers
Way back in time, around the year 2002. Raleigh had a bike with DiaTech disc brakes. For the price, they were probably the best option available for the M-80. However, the first generation of these brakes had a little issue with the cam in them, and could lock up (Or not release) unexpectedly. That'd be a bad thing, with the net effect of riding on a leash, not knowing when someone was going to jerk it tight.
Why the history lesson? Because some of us still have them available in your parts backstock. Please strip off all the usable parts from them, and throw those calipers out. They are evil.
Why the history lesson? Because some of us still have them available in your parts backstock. Please strip off all the usable parts from them, and throw those calipers out. They are evil.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Video From Bike University
Today I was able to preview some of the video footage from our recent Bike University. Not all of the vendor video was ready, so if someone’s not mentioned it’s not a bad thing. The video will be edited and made available to all stores, on a DVD or off our intranet.
Things I learned in review:
Thule’s warranty as of Jan 2006 is “lifetime”. Kayakers oughta be chanting “Hull-a-Vator”!
Yakima has dramatically improved their cargo boxes. The Sprocket Rocket looks good too.
Camelbak- the Magic is the women’s specific version of the MULE.
Pearlizumi uses larger yarn fabric close to the skin, and finer toward the surface to help water to evaporate.
Bell uses a rounder inside shape than the Giro Helmets.
Niterider- HID lights generate four times the light per the same power draw as halogens.
BOB stollers can be adjusted to track straight when jogging on a slanted road surface. Fold up easy too.
Dektra bikes are made by the same mfr as Pacific and Magna. I don’t think that’ll get me any points on the sales floor…
Free Agent is using more Euro-size BB shells on their bikes to cut down on weight and chainline issues.
Diamondback counts themselves as one of the top four mfrs. We do have some great value bikes from them.
Camelbak bite valves that are cut open are not covered under their lifetime warranty.
Terry saddles have a very Freudian vibe going with the pink “Donna’s Butterfly” saddle, especially when held vertical.
Electra bikes do only two things- Look good and Ride good!
Diamondback is going to release a bike called the Mission. It sounds v-e-r-y nice!
Baby Jogger strollers fold up almost scary easy. Demonstrating this had better be a basic thing for us.
This was the first year for us to have an event like this. We got a lot of great feedback, and I know the event next year will be even better!
Things I learned in review:
Thule’s warranty as of Jan 2006 is “lifetime”. Kayakers oughta be chanting “Hull-a-Vator”!
Yakima has dramatically improved their cargo boxes. The Sprocket Rocket looks good too.
Camelbak- the Magic is the women’s specific version of the MULE.
Pearlizumi uses larger yarn fabric close to the skin, and finer toward the surface to help water to evaporate.
Bell uses a rounder inside shape than the Giro Helmets.
Niterider- HID lights generate four times the light per the same power draw as halogens.
BOB stollers can be adjusted to track straight when jogging on a slanted road surface. Fold up easy too.
Dektra bikes are made by the same mfr as Pacific and Magna. I don’t think that’ll get me any points on the sales floor…
Free Agent is using more Euro-size BB shells on their bikes to cut down on weight and chainline issues.
Diamondback counts themselves as one of the top four mfrs. We do have some great value bikes from them.
Camelbak bite valves that are cut open are not covered under their lifetime warranty.
Terry saddles have a very Freudian vibe going with the pink “Donna’s Butterfly” saddle, especially when held vertical.
Electra bikes do only two things- Look good and Ride good!
Diamondback is going to release a bike called the Mission. It sounds v-e-r-y nice!
Baby Jogger strollers fold up almost scary easy. Demonstrating this had better be a basic thing for us.
This was the first year for us to have an event like this. We got a lot of great feedback, and I know the event next year will be even better!
A man’s horse says a lot about him.
Your bike tells a story about you. Do you actually RIDE it, or it a product of an eBay addiction? When you take into account what several bikes say about someone, you get an even better picture. See if you can match the bikes to the three respective authors of this site…
1994 Gary Fisher Super Caliber, set up as a drop bar dirt commuter.
1998 Bianchi Peregrine, all-round XC HT.
2003 Santa Cruz V10, 50lbs of DH machinery.
2004 Marin Attack Trail, F/S trail bike.
2005 Supergo Access AL, dirt climbing tool.
2005 Cannondale R1000, road bike.
2005 Surly Long Haul Trucker, versatile touring bike.
2005 Ventana X-5, rideable bike porn. Light Freeride.
2006 DB XTS Moto, 36lbs of non-earth crushing machinery.
Taken as a group, these bikes show a diverse love of the sport and our commitment to it. In order to help others to know more about the sport, we’ve learned from every manufacturer out there. A few of ‘em aren’t sold by our company, that doesn’t mean anything negative. If you have any questions about the bikes listed above, ask us!
1994 Gary Fisher Super Caliber, set up as a drop bar dirt commuter.
1998 Bianchi Peregrine, all-round XC HT.
2003 Santa Cruz V10, 50lbs of DH machinery.
2004 Marin Attack Trail, F/S trail bike.
2005 Supergo Access AL, dirt climbing tool.
2005 Cannondale R1000, road bike.
2005 Surly Long Haul Trucker, versatile touring bike.
2005 Ventana X-5, rideable bike porn. Light Freeride.
2006 DB XTS Moto, 36lbs of non-earth crushing machinery.
Taken as a group, these bikes show a diverse love of the sport and our commitment to it. In order to help others to know more about the sport, we’ve learned from every manufacturer out there. A few of ‘em aren’t sold by our company, that doesn’t mean anything negative. If you have any questions about the bikes listed above, ask us!
Yet another Quick-Release case...
It's a hot topic for personal injury lawyers. The bad thing is that most small shops still don't do waivers or Quick-Release demonstrations like we do. However, it is good to be aware of what happens in those cases. A small shop will likely need to pony up $50,000 minimum for a legal retainer, since they're on the defending side. Most can't, and their way of life is over. The community of riders that used the shop all get displaced regardless if the case is valid or frivolous. It's never good when people get hurt in an accident, and far worse if many others bear the weight of it without fault. (The previous comment exists without linkage to any of the cases shown in this blog.)
Certifying that the bike is safe to ride has always been the responsibility of the operator/rider, and is mentioned in any Owner's Manual several times.
From Bicycleretailer.com:
Rider Sues Bike Shop, GT Bicycles for Failed Quick Release
MAY 26, 2006 -- SANTA FE, NM (BRAIN)—Archibald Sproul, a Santa Fe contractor is suing Rob and Charlie's, a local bicycle shop, and GT Bicycles who made the bike he purchased more than 10 years ago, for injuries he sustained when his quick-release failed and his front wheel came off.The lawsuit, filed on May 18 at the First Judicial District Court Santa Fe, New Mexico, includes as defendants GT Bicycles, Pacific Cycle and frame maker Ishiwata. The damages sought by Sproul are unspecified and no court date has been set at this time.The suit claims that the defendants are at fault for manufacturing and selling Sproul a GT All-Terra mountain bike without warning him of the dangers of a quick-release hub and implying that the bike was safe for its intended use. Sproul claims the quick-release eventually failed, causing the front wheel to fall off and causing Sproul extensive injuries.
Certifying that the bike is safe to ride has always been the responsibility of the operator/rider, and is mentioned in any Owner's Manual several times.
From Bicycleretailer.com:
Rider Sues Bike Shop, GT Bicycles for Failed Quick Release
MAY 26, 2006 -- SANTA FE, NM (BRAIN)—Archibald Sproul, a Santa Fe contractor is suing Rob and Charlie's, a local bicycle shop, and GT Bicycles who made the bike he purchased more than 10 years ago, for injuries he sustained when his quick-release failed and his front wheel came off.The lawsuit, filed on May 18 at the First Judicial District Court Santa Fe, New Mexico, includes as defendants GT Bicycles, Pacific Cycle and frame maker Ishiwata. The damages sought by Sproul are unspecified and no court date has been set at this time.The suit claims that the defendants are at fault for manufacturing and selling Sproul a GT All-Terra mountain bike without warning him of the dangers of a quick-release hub and implying that the bike was safe for its intended use. Sproul claims the quick-release eventually failed, causing the front wheel to fall off and causing Sproul extensive injuries.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Mammoth Mtn. July. Why not?
Want to ride with other SC people?
I'm definitely a "bike vacation" kind of person, and many of you are too. Last year's vacation went a little screwy, a normally rippin' 6-mile singletrack in Brianhead Utah was transformed into the worst hike with a bike I've ever had. We climbed over trees every 20 feet or so, which had been downed by the previous winter's 300% snowpack. The trail runs down the middle of the picture, and was exactly like this for 4 solid miles. The next day's ride was capped by sleet, low-level lightning/thunder and running out of food. It's funny now, almost a year later.
This year I'd like to get set up for something with a higher satisfaction index, and less exposure to a non-ride. I had earlier proposed doing the Telluride-to-Moab Hut trail (206 miles, 16,000 feet ascent, 21,000 descent), and since then 5 of the original 8 dropped out. Maybe they see something I'm missing. How about a group visit to Mammoth Mtn? Ride for five days, get shuttled a bunch, and generally have a great time with minimal pain? It's open invitation, and roughly scheduled between July 5 to 15, 2006. Bring your XC bike, and possibly camp in Rock Creek. Low bucks, high-mileage- how could it be bad? Leave a comment, and we'll get it figured out.
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