Atlas Shrugged

What's not so simple is the why? The West is by far the largest consumer of the top-tier Shimano products yet we are the ones constrained by limited supply channels, inflated mark-ups and reduced inventories. I just received a pair of 160mm XTR rotors and 170mm 810 GRX crankset within 2 weeks of order on Ali both of which are unavailable in the local marketplace and for 1/2 the MSRP. Something is seriously wrong here.

Cpn_Dunsel

The margin on cars is not so big so the financial relationship created is where the profit is found.



Dealerships need to move iron to gain factory incentives but the lion share of money is made through service and parts and it is the same for the bike industry.

jgedwa

He had lots of great advice about bikes, and was very generous with his time writing up his knowledge for us.

But, that is not really what made him special. He was decent, kind, and funny. That is what made him special for many of us.

I still miss him.

Jim

mstateglfr 

I can totally understand the appeal of simpler living, simpler technology, etc. Especially when it comes to hobbies.
But your complaint is just funny since I am confident you arent living your life surrounded by 40 year old tech. Everything has changed and requires new tools/standards for maintenance.

mstateglfr 

Europe has limited supply chains, distributors, reduced inventories, etc. I am not sure why you think the US is alone in that. google 'european supply chain bicycle parts' and you can see recent articles about this citing England, Brussels, Bike Europe, Shimano Europe, etc.
Your comments are at least partially just inaccurate.

Ali sold products are circumventing the brand's official supply chain. That is, in part, why they are cheaper.

Atlas Shrugged

Myself and many others would consider Europe as part of the West.

mstateglfr 

Oh, true enough.

Well 1.3 billion people and most of the wealthiest countries are in the area you are complaining about. Its hardly an isolated issue because its how the supply chains work.
I guess you should just keep hitting up Ali and hoping what ships to you is real/quality. Sounds like the best bet.

dedhed

Gonna get worse.

https://www.bicycleretailer.com/inte...rQN-4L6c38F2jE

prj71

Depends if you are buying a bike with lower priced components.

Outrider1

Times change and methods of doing business does as well. Case in point, my barber went the mobile route during the pandemic and now has a fully equipped mobile shop. I love the convenience, he loves the flexibility and is able to pick up new customers he'd never been exposed to.

CheGiantForLife

Where do you live where there are 30 bike shops within 10 miles ?

ThermionicScott 

I just learned today, after thinking it was about time to buy some more brake pads. I'd always given Harris that business since Sheldon did so much evangelizing for Kool Stops.

Sounds like the Sheldon Brown page is in good hands, though. Hope it continues!

TricycleTom

The boys in Ft. Worth became hopelessly out of touch. It was embarrassing at times.

rumrunn6

maybe where there are lots of bikes? China? pr giggle - The Netherlands holds the record as the nation with the most bicycles per capita. Cyclists also abound in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark?

Sy Reene

Probably easy scenario if you're in a metro area. Per google maps, there are 10 shops within a 2.3 mile radius of where I'm sitting.

UniChris

For things like cars, HVAC and pretty soon if not already the lawnmower having batteries or a cord, change is forced because the old ways had unsustainable issues.

But cycling? Not much wrong with 40 year old tech unless you really care to be bothered. Modern clothing, helmet etc technology probably matters more, but the base forms of those have been around for a while, too.

Cell phones light enough to bring on a ride and having GPS and map database access of course are a game changer... but somewhat orthogonal in that they'd work just as well riding a 100 year old bike as they do on the latest carbon creation.

Stan Heinricher

The free market is known by another name: The Jungle. Don't want to live there.

Stan Heinricher

The disappearance of traditional hometown bike shops makes me glad that I'm riding a 1978 steel road bike that's maintainable with simple tools I bought 40 years ago.

J Palmer Cass

I've no financial interest in small businesses and I don't care who does the job or sells me the product providing it's done properly.

Badger6

Yes, along with Asia, and I assume Africa and S. America and Australia.

indyfabz

Seeing this thread near the top of the pile reminded me that I need to make a service appointment at a LBS for brake pad installs and some new bar tape. Thanks.

UniChris

My suspicion is that a lot of the recent "innovation" is a bad bargain for anyone not pushing a competitive racing edge.
Eg, I see carbon anything as an anti-feature.

But there are select changes probably worthwhile, for example I could be wrong but I'd guess there are few socket head fasteners on that 1978 model. The normalization of their use is a big win - as is having them all metric.
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Stan Heinricher

Tools to maintain an old road bike: Park work stand, allen wrenches, crank extractor,13mm flat wrench for centering brake pads on the rims, Brooks saddle wrench, Kiwi mink oil as cheap substitute for Brooks Proofhide, flat wrenches to adjust hub cones, needle-nose pliers to cinch up cables, freewheel removal tool for 5-speed cassette, chain breaker, Zefal frame pump, spare tube, tire patch kit, Campy 8mm t-tool for derailleurs.

Bah Humbug

So Antarctica has a robust parts supply?

Waxbytes

I've certainly not heard of any bicycle parts shortages in Antarctica.