The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

I’ve written before about why I believe cyclists should support their local bike shop. That post told the story of how my Specialized AWOL frame cracked after 33,000 miles — and how my local shop, Velocity Bikes in Lubbock, Texas , stepped in to help. 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: Discounts on accessories and parts Reduced prices on service , often half off A basic tune-up that might cost $40 could drop to $20 simp...

Buying a new bike or upgrading your cycling gear can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless online options and big-box stores offering steep discounts, it’s easy to overlook your local bike shop. But let me tell you — there’s something you won’t find in those places: personal service, expertise, and relationships that go the distance. I’ve been cycling for decades, and I’ve learned the value of a good local shop the hard way — and the right way. 🔧 My Personal Story: How a Local Shop Helped Me Replace My Bike for Free I once rode a Specialized AWOL that had over 30,000 miles on it — a bike I purchased from a local shop I trust and use regularly. One day, the chainstay cracked in half. I took it in, just hoping they could tell me if it was fixable. The shop owner asked me to leave the bike with him so he could investigate. A few days later, he called back with incredible news: Specialized had a lifetime warranty on the frame , and they were honoring it — even after all t...