

Storage can only be cleaned and re-organized so many times after all the boxed bikes get built. Depending on how quiet the shop is through the winter, things can get pretty boring for the staff, and they would love to share their knowledge. If for no other reason, stop by the shop and say hello. All ages are welcome, although we require all minors to be accompanied by an adult. Check out class dates here. Please bring your bicycle with you for a hands-on instruction session. Come learn the basics of fixing flat tires, mending a broken chain, and getting home on two wheels rather than two feet. Classes at Browns Bicycleĭon’t let simple mechanicals ruin an otherwise great ride. Many riders have questions about subjects like bike packing or fat biking, and shops will schedule professionals to come to talk about those subjects. Finally, the most forward-thinking shops are doing classes and clinics as well as inviting speakers to come and give presentations. Usually, those classes focus on one part of the bike, like wheels or derailleurs. More ambitious stores are running classes on home bike repair as well. Typically these rides are a “bring your own trainer” affair, where customers come and ride together. In the most basic cases, you can enjoy trainer rides at most shops.

Because shops have far more time in the winter, most schedule their programs during this downtime. Learn more at your bike shops, clinics, and classesĪs many bike shops have evolved from normal retail locations into community cycling centers, most have adopted a strategy of education and involvement. Due to the time added to teaching, this is not an opportunity to be considered or offered through the summer.

Even better, at this time of the year, some shops will allow customers to watch and learn as they fix their bikes in the winter. If it’s a question about your bike’s service or adjustments, the mechanics are likely to spend more time with you and not be rushed. Why not take advantage of that slow time to talk with both the salesperson and mechanics? Need to know more about all the different bike types? Where is the best place to ride your fat bike? How do the new shorts differ from the ones you already have? These individuals in the bike shop can help. It’s no secret that winter in a bike shop is slow. A bike shop visit is worth more than a discount Along with the new model year shift, many shops also run sales through the winter to maximize store traffic. In some cases, you can get last year’s models for a discounted price, and if those aren’t available, the new models are readily available. Because of that change, the transition becomes a sweet spot for buying a bike. Bike shop discounts and deals!Īs fall turns into winter, bicycle brands change over from one model year into the next. Quiet time in the shop is the best time for quality service. I’m just saying that it is always a good thing when service isn’t rushed and the mechanic has more time. That’s not to say your shop won’t do a great job in the summer months. Plus, with fewer bikes in the shops to be worked on, each seems to get more attention. That means you can expect a really quick turnaround time. Through the winter months, there are fewer bikes in for repair. Those dozens of bikes could equal weeks of waiting before your bike gets fixed. This means during the busy summer months there will be dozens of bicycles ahead of yours in line to be repaired. Most bike shops operate on a “first in / first out” repair schedule. Faster turnaround time, at your bike shop, on repairs. In the slower winter months, you can learn more, get better deals, and have faster service. Other than just enjoying bikes at a time when you may not be riding, there are many benefits to visiting your bike shop during the ‘down’ cooler time of the year. The winter months are the perfect time to visit a bike shop and learn.
