Direct to Consumer Bicycle Service Alternatives to LBS

[alloo]

I've always believed in the efficiency of business. I think Direct to Consumer bike sales are the future. Most bicycle manufacturers are doing it. One of the issues with buying bicycles Direct to Consumer model is that some bicycle shops won't work on bicycles brands that they don't carry. This fits they're business model, but it limits bicycle shops utilization. Through my frustration, I found that using mobile bicycle service is a great alternative to using a local bicycle shop. I've had bicycles assembled and serviced through these services. Mobilie Bicycle Service providers are cost competitive and they come to your home or workplace to service/assemble your bike. Here's some Mobile bicycle services in Denver: https://www.mobilebikeman.com/index.html , Domestique Mobile Bike Shop , https://bicyclemobiletune.com/ , https://www.velofix.com/ , mobilebikewrench.com

Another alternative to LBS, are Local Non-Profit Bicycle Shops. I live in Denver and use Bikes Together. I have enclosed the website https://bikestogether.org/ for your reference. Maybe they're a similar organization in your city. I just wanted to let you know that they're alternatives to your local bicycle Shop.

I hope that this helps you with your ownership experience with your bicycle.

 

[sc00ter]

I've seen 2 different mobile bicycle services in south eastern VA. Forgot the names of them but a guy at work will use them. He meets them outside the gates of work to get his bicycle serviced/fixed. I know the electronics of ebikes make it hard for one person to service all models (proprietary electronics) but I'm sure there will be a work around for that issue in the future.

If I catch the mobile bike shops at work, I'll grab business cards and ask if they service ebikes. I know some of the bigger online based ebike sellers (some physical shops but mostly online sales) are partnering with mobile shops to service their brand ebikes. I asked Rad and they said not yet. AddMotor was also working on partnering with mobile shops for set-up and service when I inquired about my area.

 

[Browneye]

I was referred to a local ebike specialist, whom seemed to know about ebikes, but smelled of alcohol at noon.
Not only will most LBS's not work on other brands, if you didn't buy the bike there there is little interest or incentive to work on yours. YMMV

I don't disagree that there is efficiency in the direct-to-consumer model, I just don't think it fits most consumers. For knowledgeable riders and DIY types, for sure, they can perform their own assembly and maintenance. For many others it's like a black-box. Like everything, it's all fine and dandy as long as there aren't problems. I can't comment on the general reliability of ebikes, but this site is full of people with questions and problems. LOL

 

[rich c]

I know some of the bigger online based ebike sellers (some physical shops but mostly online sales) are partnering with mobile shops to service their brand ebikes. I asked Rad and they said not yet.

That's odd, this is still on Rad's website. https://www.radpowerbikes.com/pages/velofix

My question for that direct to consumer service idea, Where do they get the electronic parts? No way can they inventory controllers and LCD displays for every eBike that comes out of China!

 

[BlackHand]

That's odd, this is still on Rad's website. https://www.radpowerbikes.com/pages/velofix

Maybe RAD thought sc00ter was asking about RADs own mobile service which is available in 5-6 cities but isn't widespread yet.
RAD mobile service

 

[sc00ter]

Yup, I asked about a mobile service and they (Rad) said they were working on expanding their mobile service. Six cities is better than none.