As the mercury drops, so do the number of customers at your local bike shop. At some bike shops, it’s not unusual for business to decrease by half when it gets cold. But there are plenty of reasons why visiting your LBS in the winter is a savvy move.
Better Deals
Many bike shops have gone to a just-in-time stocking system, meaning that they keep a bare minimum of inventory on hand. While this means your chances at blowout closeout deals on last year’s bikes are fairly low, it doesn’t mean good deals aren't available. Bike tune-ups and overhauls may be offered for as much as 30-percent off, as shop owners look for ways to keep their full-time bike mechanics busy.
“I don’t understand why people wait until the start of cycling season to get their bikes worked on,” says Robin Bylenga, owner of Pedal Chic in Greenville, SC. “If you’re not riding it or riding very little, winter’s the perfect time to do some preventative maintenance.”
RELATED: 5 Easy DIY Winter Bike Tune-Ups
Quicker Turnaround
In the summertime, it’s not unusual for shops to have a week or longer of backlogged repairs. But fewer bikes in the repair queue means you’ll get your bike back much faster—sometimes in as little as a day or two.
More Personalized Attention
In the summer, bike shop employees are constantly getting pulled in different directions, but now that there are fewer customers around, your favorite salesperson can take her time explaining all the benefits of the new SRAM eTap gruppo or helping you buy a saddle that fits you best.
“Winter’s actually the best time of year to get a custom bike fit,” says Bill Revard of Indianapolis’ Bike Line bike shop. “It takes a bit of time to get a fit perfectly dialed in; in the winter months, you might be the only fit appointment we have that day, so we don’t have to constantly be checking the clock for our next appointment. It’s also a lot easier to book a follow-up appointment for further adjustments.”
Seminars and Classes
Don’t know how to change a flat or lube your chain? Now’s the time to learn. Hundreds of shops throughout North America offer Park Tool School classes, designed to teach both experienced home wrenches and newbies who’ve never picked up a wrench.
“We offer repair and maintenance classes, beginner triathlon clinics that we do in conjunction with (a local sports-training facility), and basic flat-tire repair sessions,” says Jon Sison, store manager of Wheel & Sprocket in Wisconsin. “We even bring in Boy and Cub Scout troops for sessions.”
Keep an eye on your preferred shop’s website and social-media accounts for potential classes and times. If your LBS doesn't offer any, brush up on essential fixing skills with Bicycling's Quick & Easy Bike Maintenance course developed by Test Editor Mike Yozell.
Hang out with Friends, Lose a Few Pounds, and Get Stronger for Spring
Many shops offer indoor training classes. If you and your friends hate riding in the snow and cold, spin sessions are great workouts—and opportunities for some social time.
“I’ve been doing the indoor training at my local bike shop for four years now,” says Indianapolis cyclist Agueda Formoso Mayan. “I get too cold outside after certain temperatures, but I still want to be able to ride with my cycling friends. (I ride indoors at least) two times a week and if weather allows, I go outside for the rest. Good music, good people, and lots of smack talk.”
After spending nearly a decade as a reporter for The Indianapolis Star, Robert Annis finally broke free of the shackles of gainful employment and now freelances full time, specializing in cycling and outdoor-travel journalism. Over the years, Robert's byline has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including Outside, National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Bicycling, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics, Lonely Planet, the Chicago Tribune, and Adventure.com.
