Bike shop necessities? Most common issues when running a bike shop.+
12-13-19, 06:27 PM
#26
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I don't think it makes a lot of sense currently. It is important to be able to work on eBikes, but most eBike work that is specific to the electronic drive system involves either running software diagnostics or replacing physical parts, which are usually held together by connectors and not soldered. Most motors and batteries are considered nonserviceable by manufacturers.
In a crowded market I think you could build a business focusing on lower cost eBike conversions and possibly battery rebuilding, but this isn't a mainstream part of the bike industry at present.
In a crowded market I think you could build a business focusing on lower cost eBike conversions and possibly battery rebuilding, but this isn't a mainstream part of the bike industry at present.
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
12-13-19, 07:22 PM
#27
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TiHab,
I see that the market is just fine in Carmel (the high rent district just north of Indianapolis, you know the area where houses are in the $1M plus range!). But the same dealer lost his butt here in Bloomington after three months. The market now seems to be more niche than anything. But there are some that have me interested.
They are upgrades of the recumbent three-wheelers we tried in the HPV early years. Same concept but some extra boost and may be a good choice for an around town vehicle. I've been toying with the idea of getting one of the $8k two -seater E-vehicles. Only problem is the 25 mph limits on speed for these. Again just an around town vehicle. But it will be an emerging vehicle technology, just like the scooters that invaded our city. Smiles, MH
I see that the market is just fine in Carmel (the high rent district just north of Indianapolis, you know the area where houses are in the $1M plus range!). But the same dealer lost his butt here in Bloomington after three months. The market now seems to be more niche than anything. But there are some that have me interested.
They are upgrades of the recumbent three-wheelers we tried in the HPV early years. Same concept but some extra boost and may be a good choice for an around town vehicle. I've been toying with the idea of getting one of the $8k two -seater E-vehicles. Only problem is the 25 mph limits on speed for these. Again just an around town vehicle. But it will be an emerging vehicle technology, just like the scooters that invaded our city. Smiles, MH
12-14-19, 03:41 PM
#28
aka Tom Reingold
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@wrk101, I know about the mini-business-hobby you have. Very organized and admirable. How much do you volunteer at your bike coop? I volunteer three hours a week plus a little here and there like monthly meetings and special events.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
12-24-19, 09:57 AM
#29
Heft On Wheels
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anyways long story short go work in a shop and see how day to day is run. Great experience and learn lots of things too.
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12-25-19, 08:56 AM
#30
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I think starting a business with an A till Z plan is a wrong approach since one cannot foresee outcomes, too many variables beyond own control.
A start in the garage, a service to family / relations, then to relations of relations, and if that turns out to be lucrative a step towards a shop as such.
That's at any point the least risk and the most control. Loans, unforeseen costs, all create dependencies that limit your choices and freedom.
There is lotsa repair work for bikes, people that let their bikes repair usually are reluctant to buy new anyway, IF you're able to offer the work affordable to them. Don't expect to soon be able to live from it. That is the most common issue when starting to run a bike shop. And as said, customers can be *BEEP*. You have to have some psycho insight in order to survive that. Some sense for humour greatly helps.
A start in the garage, a service to family / relations, then to relations of relations, and if that turns out to be lucrative a step towards a shop as such.
That's at any point the least risk and the most control. Loans, unforeseen costs, all create dependencies that limit your choices and freedom.
There is lotsa repair work for bikes, people that let their bikes repair usually are reluctant to buy new anyway, IF you're able to offer the work affordable to them. Don't expect to soon be able to live from it. That is the most common issue when starting to run a bike shop. And as said, customers can be *BEEP*. You have to have some psycho insight in order to survive that. Some sense for humour greatly helps.
12-25-19, 09:44 PM
#31
Thrifty Bill
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I think starting a business with an A till Z plan is a wrong approach since one cannot foresee outcomes, too many variables beyond own control.
A start in the garage, a service to family / relations, then to relations of relations, and if that turns out to be lucrative a step towards a shop as such.
That's at any point the least risk and the most control. Loans, unforeseen costs, all create dependencies that limit your choices and freedom.
There is lotsa repair work for bikes, people that let their bikes repair usually are reluctant to buy new anyway, IF you're able to offer the work affordable to them. Don't expect to soon be able to live from it. That is the most common issue when starting to run a bike shop. And as said, customers can be *BEEP*. You have to have some psycho insight in order to survive that. Some sense for humour greatly helps.
A start in the garage, a service to family / relations, then to relations of relations, and if that turns out to be lucrative a step towards a shop as such.
That's at any point the least risk and the most control. Loans, unforeseen costs, all create dependencies that limit your choices and freedom.
There is lotsa repair work for bikes, people that let their bikes repair usually are reluctant to buy new anyway, IF you're able to offer the work affordable to them. Don't expect to soon be able to live from it. That is the most common issue when starting to run a bike shop. And as said, customers can be *BEEP*. You have to have some psycho insight in order to survive that. Some sense for humour greatly helps.
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