On Fri, 31 Jul 2020 17:45:37 -0700, sms
wrote:

On 7/31/2020 6:10 AM, AMuzi wrote:
Much wisdom he

https://cyclingindustry.news/why-a-b...stomer-wisely/

Interesting article. One thing though is that too many shops no longer
are willing to stock and sell the best products in each category, or any
of the more esoteric bits and pieces.

When I needed a replacement 10.5mm x 26 TPI nut for an SRAM 3x7 hub I
first drove to 4 local shops. Forget it. One shop knew what I was
talking about at least. Ordered it from YOUR shop. I wasn't trying to
save money by ordering it, I just wanted the darn part and no LBS could
help me. Later I found one LBS that had the "close enough" 13/32 x 26
TPI Sturmey-Archer axle nuts (that shop is now out of business).

It's just become too much of a hassle for many people to go all over
searching for the thing they want. Many shops have banker's hours and if
you work it's difficult to go the shop except on Saturday. I can't blame
a shop for not stocking a wide variety of slow-selling parts and
accessories, despite the high margins.

Hopefully the boom in bicycle sales will result in some sustained parts,
accessory, and repair business after Covid is over.

Some years ago I went to the main wholesale Shimano, and other bike
parts, dealer in Bangkok looking for a rim and spokes to rebuild a
wheel. I had patronized them in the past and they remembered me and
told me that they no longer carried wheel parts as, "nobody wants them
now".

I suggest that it is likely that most dealers and wholesalers do
exactly the same - if there is a demand then they stock it, if not
then why bother.


--
Cheers,

John B.