Why I Stick with My Local Bike Shop (And Why You Should Too)
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They reminded me that Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on frames and took care of the entire process. The AWOL was out of production by then, so Specialized replaced it with a brand-new Specialized Diverge. That was five years and 22,000 miles ago, and I’m still riding it.
That experience earned my loyalty — but it’s far from the only reason I keep going back. Let me break it down.
🚲 1. Local Bike Shops Take Care of Their Customers
When you buy a bike from a local shop, they usually take care of you in ways that big box stores and online retailers never will. Many local shops offer:
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Discounts on accessories and parts
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Reduced prices on service, often half off
A basic tune-up that might cost $40 could drop to $20 simply because you bought your bike there. That adds up quickly over the years, especially if you're logging serious miles like I do.
🛠️ 2. They Know You — And That Matters
Your local bike shop gets to know you as a rider.
Not just your name, but your riding style, your preferences, and your goals. When I walk in looking for a new helmet, they don’t just grab the most expensive one — they find the one that makes the most sense for the kind of riding I do.
That kind of personal attention comes from relationship, not retail.
⏱️ 3. They’ll Go the Extra Mile When It Really Counts
This year, just 10 days before a tour I had trained for all year, my bike started having serious problems. It completely locked up on me.
At most bike shops, getting it looked at would have taken weeks due to backlogs. But Velocity knew what was at stake for me — and they didn’t hesitate. They moved my bike to the top of the service list and had it ready the very next day.
That kind of support doesn’t show up in online reviews or product specs. It only happens when you’ve built a real connection with people who care.
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Value Runs Deep
It’s easy to chase the cheapest price or fastest shipping. But when you’re out on the road and something breaks — or when you need advice from someone who understands what you’re trying to do — your local bike shop is irreplaceable.
For me, that place is Velocity Bikes in Lubbock, Texas. They’ve helped me keep rolling through tens of thousands of miles, and they’ve saved more than one tour from falling apart.
If you haven’t built a relationship with a shop near you, maybe now’s the time to stop by and start one.
Don’t miss my roundup of 10 Must-Have Cycling Accessories for Seniors. These are the comfort and safety upgrades I actually use — and swear by.
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