OPINION: Stepping Away from the Web Store to Support Local

Words: Daisy Day
Photos: Ryan Walsch and Georgina von Marburg

Often when we think of being an “eco-conscious consumer,” we look for recycled materials, closed loop manufacturing, ethical materials and the like. However, the importance of buying local – and supporting local – is at times overlooked.

Buying something from the US, your item will go on a plane that creates 1.90 tonnes of CO2  – which is something like felling 30 full grown trees, or using 25, 000 straws (the internet told me this when I was making the calculations). 

Then you realise you’ve bought the wrong thing, or it doesn’t fit/look as nice as you’d hoped. So, you’re faced with the ethical dilemma – post it back (so now you’ve used 50,000 plastic straws you monster). Or you could face the Marketplace gauntlet or put it in your bottom drawer of random things and worry about later. 

Localising your bike related shopping a bit more helps the environment and the whole community, while helping you out too. Here's why.

Your local bike shop employs locals.

Everyone in your hood can secure employment if we support all local businesses, from your fruit and vegetable shop to your bike shop.

They are experts.

More often than not, someone is going to start a business because they are passionate about what they are doing/selling/supplying. Take for instance Summit Cycles (with stores in Sydney and Melbourne). Upon investigation they all seem to really enjoy riding, and enjoy sharing that love of riding with people that walk into their shop. They have all ridden what they are selling. They also seem to have worked there for a hell of a long time (I personally count this as a good barometer of a good bike shop).

They take the time, and invest in upskilling and training staff. Being at the forefront of what's happening, and how to do the happenings to people's bikes is always good. I spoke to Summit Sydney’s head mechanic Chris Herron, and asked him what he thought the number one reason people should support their local. Chris highlights that it’s not only the support and expert advice they can provide you during a bike purchase; it’s also the same time, care, and attention to detail over the next few services. “Having the piece of mind that if any part of your bike has a problem, you can return it to the shop and have it looked at – usually in a speedy manner – and have it fixed.” Chris says that because you have supported the shop from buying locally, and not online, they are going to prioritise supporting you (and help fix your last minute mechanical before your trip to Tassie).

Remember kids – support is a two way street!

There is a place for online!

However, building a good relationship with your local shop means they can help you troubleshoot on the ground issues. From bent hangers, curious creaking noises to last minute brake pad replacements. It’s really helpful to just ride (or walk) your bike down the road and get stuff sorted. The internet may help, but you also might be waiting weeks for the part to show up. 

Getting the right bike for you.

This is (in my opinion) the most important aspect of finding and building a good relationship with your local bike shop. Getting the right bike, and right bike fit, for YOU. As an example I have thrown many hours at my bike fit. For sure I’m super body aware ( fussy?),  but without the help of the in person time I spent at my local bike shop, I wouldn’t have sorted some of this stuff out. Truth be told, I’m very lucky to have a partner that is basically second to none at helping people with their bike fit. But the internet did not watch me ride my bike and tilt my saddle up 1mm to address a hand injury.

I am under no illusion that just because you’ve got a local bike shop, that it’s a good bike shop. Perhaps they just never stock what you want, or they just deal with predominantly non-specialist servicing. However, it’s important to note that they can’t afford to buy the stock, or afford to pay good staff to work there, if they aren’t supported by their community. 

Perhaps no one has ever really provided feedback on their stock, services, or staff. I would suggest having a conversation with the owner if this is the case. Ask about the items you're looking for, or options for custom builds, if that's what you're missing. Only then can bike shops know what's in demand in their area. They’re not mind readers, so it’s really uncool to just write a bike shop off because they don't stock something. Step away from the web stores and go start a conversation.