|
|
 |
« on: January 20, 2009, 12:16:16 PM » |
|
Hello all! We'd like your feedback regarding a potential expansion of Bikerowave Inventory.
At the last board meeting, it was recommended that we expand our range of new parts, so that Bikerowave visitors could be better able to repair or upgrade their bikes without multiple visits to other bike shops, and we'd like to get your opinion.
On the plus side, this would be in keeping with our mission to get more people riding bikes, and we would be making that process easier. A larger range of parts (and maybe even some affordable new bicycles) would help Bikerowave, and it would also help its visitors to build the bikes they want.
On the minus side, some have expressed concern about the carbon footprint that new parts create and would like to see us focusing on using recycled parts. (Despite the fact that most of the parts people want (track wheelsets, deep-V rims, etc.) are not available used, and despite the fact that driving around to multiple other shops because your bike is in pieces ADDS further to the carbon footprint.) Others have also expressed some concern about competing with existing bike shops.
What's your take? Should Bikerowave only offer a minimum selection of lights and tubes and emphasize making do with the used parts we've got, or should we expand the inventory so that people can use the Bikerowave to build / upgrade the bike they want without having to make multiple trips to other bike shops to get their bike the way the want it and get it rideable as efficiently as possible?
Let us know!
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2009, 01:07:49 PM » |
|
Actually, I would rather see more tools and you might be tired of me saying that over and over. Having said that, since the mission of the BRW is to empower people to get on their bikes and be confident about maintenance, I think we should consider any new parts/inventory in terms of kits. For example, instead of built up wheel set we will have new rims, hubs and supply of various spoke lengths and teach people to build it up. No new complete bikes. I think this way, we maintain our core principle as a DIY not for profit bike shop. Anyone who does not have the patience to build up a wheel (continuing with that example) can go to LAB for example. To not lose track of our DIY creed, we should emphasize that if customer buys major parts from BRW, customer needs to have the bike with them to install it themselves at BRW. This need not apply to items like tubes or bike lights.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2009, 07:04:19 PM » |
|
Actually, I would rather see more tools and you might be tired of me saying that over and over. Having said that, since the mission of the BRW is to empower people to get on their bikes and be confident about maintenance, I think we should consider any new parts/inventory in terms of kits. For example, instead of built up wheel set we will have new rims, hubs and supply of various spoke lengths and teach people to build it up. No new complete bikes. I think this way, we maintain our core principle as a DIY not for profit bike shop. Anyone who does not have the patience to build up a wheel (continuing with that example) can go to LAB for example. To not lose track of our DIY creed, we should emphasize that if customer buys major parts from BRW, customer needs to have the bike with them to install it themselves at BRW. This need not apply to items like tubes or bike lights.
Generally i agree with KP above. We can also do special orders, though things often arrive at a glacial pace (that is by pre climate change standards). As we explore addl suppliers that may change. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Ve-LoLo-Ve
Fixie
Karma: +0/-0
Posts: 20
-- Point Dume Polaroid -- ---- in Summer 2007 ----
|
|
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2009, 06:27:27 PM » |
|
Why not improving an exhaustive smart web portal page full of links of on line stores
only accessible from BRW workshop or also from home eventually with a password if a member.
Then setting up a wifi semi-open router and a corner inside BRW with 1 or 2 recycled desktop were while working on their bike members with or without their own computer can order anything they want to be delivered at their place but also receive techno advices by the volunteers to make the right choices before checking out for their parts or accessories. 
This can be "A Privilege" accessible for the $100 unlimited working time card members...
|
|
|
|
« Last Edit: January 26, 2009, 08:19:49 PM by Ve-LoLo-Ve »
|
Logged
|
We,You and I must try to never forget what John Lennon said "Life is what happen when we are busy doing something else".
|
|
|
|
Steve Mattson
Global Moderator
SUpeR MOLTEn LavA Bicyz
Karma: +73/-89
Posts: 2,209
|
|
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2009, 08:15:22 PM » |
|
I have to say I agree more with KP regarding the need for tools. There are a lot of tools we don't have and could really use to expand our DIY capabilities. With the bike rental disaster and our slow efforts to sign-up with some more distributors, I don't think selling bike kits is a good idea. And, we have a pretty good reputation working with LAB right now, so why mess that up by selling kits of the kinds of bikes they are selling. I think we can have more of this discussion when the BRW is able to efficiently order from more distributors than KHS--which is our current supplier and we all think KHS is lame.
Being here at United Bicycle Institute, which has a wholesale tool distributor right next door UBS. They have an incredible catalog of very useful tools, with 10% discount to us, and we could qualify today if we want to. They also carry a slew of small bike parts that could complete many of our incomplete used parts. They don't just carry one brand of tool either like KHS, we'd have a choice of manufacturers with a range of prices. Tools is their specialty.
I think we need to get good at this first--ordering more regularly, providing discounts to members, but backing that up with a regular shipment of parts and accessories. Then, let's talk about selling bigger ticket items like bike kits or wheel kits.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2009, 07:04:53 PM » |
|
I have to say I agree more with KP regarding the need for tools. There are a lot of tools we don't have and could really use to expand our DIY capabilities. With the bike rental disaster and our slow efforts to sign-up with some more distributors, I don't think selling bike kits is a good idea. And, we have a pretty good reputation working with LAB right now, so why mess that up by selling kits of the kinds of bikes they are selling. I think we can have more of this discussion when the BRW is able to efficiently order from more distributors than KHS--which is our current supplier and we all think KHS is lame.
Being here at United Bicycle Institute, which has a wholesale tool distributor right next door UBS. They have an incredible catalog of very useful tools, with 10% discount to us, and we could qualify today if we want to. They also carry a slew of small bike parts that could complete many of our incomplete used parts. They don't just carry one brand of tool either like KHS, we'd have a choice of manufacturers with a range of prices. Tools is their specialty.
I think we need to get good at this first--ordering more regularly, providing discounts to members, but backing that up with a regular shipment of parts and accessories. Then, let's talk about selling bigger ticket items like bike kits or wheel kits.
ditto diittoo |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
dpstrauss
Member
Million Speed Kiddie Bike
Karma: +28/-39
Posts: 457
slow, steady, and attentionally divergent!
|
|
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2009, 09:48:14 PM » |
|
i actually think the sale of parts that facilitate the restoration of used bikes in search of them probably has a fairly negligible carbon footprint. i would have bought $50+ dollars worth of spokes but for the fact that the sizes i wanted weren't there. that makes us an unreliable supplier and actually impedes our ability to execute on the mission. it doesn't have to be all one thing or the other. we can continue to sell used parts when we have decent ones AND offer new parts for those who are less inclined to rummage through drawers, even neatly arranged ones, for a sought-after stem, crank, seat post, whatever. a small-but-reliable stock of fenders, rims, spokes, hubs, pedals, etc., etc. would keep people in the shop while working on a project rather than running off to helen's or performance. the whole-bike kit is something else altogether. steve has a point about not cutting into the business of other operations we have good relationships with.
bring on the parts and the tools (we could sell those as well).
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Steve Mattson
Global Moderator
SUpeR MOLTEn LavA Bicyz
Karma: +73/-89
Posts: 2,209
|
|
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2009, 08:31:39 AM » |
|
Right on, Don!
Carrying replacement bits, long reach brakes (an old theme here at the BRW), seatposts in a basic size. SPOKES as a constant inventory item and nipples and nipple washers too. All the little brake bits that would get our inventory of old brake bits going--maybe even cleaning up our used brake supply and culling our derailleur supply and cleaning them up to see if we have usable parts there as well.
Donald brings up a good point--we could sell a tool like those inexpensive 15mm box wrenches, of which a thread was floating about the purchase of said--have Craft Club decorate them with the dremel tool with our name + so much more.
But tools. More of the speciality items such as 1" steer tube threaders/chaser, crown race facing tool--with these two tools, we can use up a lot of used headsets and forks we have stockpiled.
Dropout alignment gauge tools, frame stretchers would both allow us to expand or contract a rear triangle and straighten the dropouts so people could successfully convert their frames to different hub OLD widths.
All of these tools should be part of our inventory. We can get them all from UBS with a 10% discount. And again, this is a no-brainer. They have great prices for tools, as well as a great selection. We can have the account set up today...
David? Gern? Let's do this! Seriously. All they need is our business license or our resellers permit and card #.
Badda bing.
Also, training people on how to use these tools as well as the tools we currently own. Everything we have from a crescent wrench (there is a correct direction to turn, you know) to the BB chaser. We should all be versed on using these tools. We can also offer classes to the public...gulp...someone's going to have to do this...probably me...
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2009, 08:36:24 AM » |
|
15mm combo wrenches are going for $3.50 at the BRW. They are in a bag (and probably should be unwrapped more and displayed more like an REI product). There are an additional 5 that currently live in the 2nd to top drawer of the tool chest in the back office; they have been engraved with the letters B, R, and W.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2009, 05:33:22 AM » |
|
Right on, Don!
Carrying replacement bits, long reach brakes (an old theme here at the BRW), seatposts in a basic size. SPOKES as a constant inventory item and nipples and nipple washers too. All the little brake bits that would get our inventory of old brake bits going--maybe even cleaning up our used brake supply and culling our derailleur supply and cleaning them up to see if we have usable parts there as well.
Donald brings up a good point--we could sell a tool like those inexpensive 15mm box wrenches, of which a thread was floating about the purchase of said--have Craft Club decorate them with the dremel tool with our name + so much more.
But tools. More of the speciality items such as 1" steer tube threaders/chaser, crown race facing tool--with these two tools, we can use up a lot of used headsets and forks we have stockpiled.
Dropout alignment gauge tools, frame stretchers would both allow us to expand or contract a rear triangle and straighten the dropouts so people could successfully convert their frames to different hub OLD widths.
All of these tools should be part of our inventory. We can get them all from UBS with a 10% discount. And again, this is a no-brainer. They have great prices for tools, as well as a great selection. We can have the account set up today...
David? Gern? Let's do this! Seriously. All they need is our business license or our resellers permit and card #.
Badda bing.
Also, training people on how to use these tools as well as the tools we currently own. Everything we have from a crescent wrench (there is a correct direction to turn, you know) to the BB chaser. We should all be versed on using these tools. We can also offer classes to the public...gulp...someone's going to have to do this...probably me...
You've got my support. We should be building up our tool selection on an ongoing basis. For whomever fills out the application keep a copy of the app. for our records, please. df |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2009, 04:40:13 PM » |
|
15mm combo wrenches are going for $3.50 at the BRW. They are in a bag (and probably should be unwrapped more and displayed more like an REI product). There are an additional 5 that currently live in the 2nd to top drawer of the tool chest in the back office; they have been engraved with the letters B, R, and W.
Speaking of 15mm wrenches, check out this new one for fixie riders from Pedros. http://velonews.com/article/84964/pedro-s-trixie-ss |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Steve Mattson
Global Moderator
SUpeR MOLTEn LavA Bicyz
Karma: +73/-89
Posts: 2,209
|
|
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2009, 09:46:50 PM » |
|
Scott, what's the wholesale price on these? We should be selling them--they look perfect! As my friend LS says, "I want one!"  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #12 on: January 31, 2009, 02:32:09 PM » |
|
Scott, what's the wholesale price on these? We should be selling them--they look perfect! As my friend LS says, "I want one!" Not sure they're available yet, it's not even listed on Pedro's web site. I'll check around with distributors and let you know. In the meantime, there's always the Surly Jethro Tule. Very solid and compact and fits your palm really well for good leverage. http://www.surlybikes.com/stuff/pop_jethro.html-ss |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Steve Mattson
Global Moderator
SUpeR MOLTEn LavA Bicyz
Karma: +73/-89
Posts: 2,209
|
|
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2009, 08:34:13 AM » |
|
The Surly JTule is a bit pricey for a 15mm wrench and a bottle opener. If we are talking pure function and a perfect item for the vintage, pre-allen wrench crowd, this is my favy: http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/tools#product=19-063This was my first bike tool when I was about 7 years old. It still rocks. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
« Reply #14 on: February 26, 2009, 04:20:33 PM » |
|
Scott, what's the wholesale price on these? We should be selling them--they look perfect! As my friend LS says, "I want one!" Not sure about the price but now available at KHS, part #16290000. -ss |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
