Stacy Barbadillo
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11/25/2017 1:04 PM
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Hi Ed,
Firstly, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to author a response to my posting; albeit, it seems like it was more of a platform for you to plug your store--which I don't begrudge you for doing, but your response was probably less than helpful to me, and here's why:
I do my best to support my local bike shops. In fact, the only two road bikes I've ever owned and purchased were from : Rivercity and Western Bikeworks. Additionally, I've been loyal to a fault in purchasing and having my Cannondale Synapse serviced by the mechanics at Western. I'll admit that I do purchase about 20% of my bike tech/gear from online sources, but I do try and purchase locally when the shops have what I'm looking for and can offer a competitive price.
Recently, however, I have had my Cannondale serviced "more" locally (I reside in Camas), and guess what, YOU guys have been servicing it. Indeed, you recently installed my fenders and adjusted my shifting and disc brakes. And, I've also purchased bike knick knacks from your shop as well.
Here's the thing Ed, while I do my best to support the local brick and mortar stores, they won't necessarily have what I'm looking for many times. I know that you guys are big Specialized proponents, but I just can't get excited about their bikes--I'm just being truthful here. And anyway, aren't margins razor thin on the sale of new bikes anyway, and don't you make most of your money from the service of bikes? That being the case, shouldn't you be elated that I'm bringing my Cannondale to you now for service? I'm happy to have you guys work on my bike--you guys ALWAYS do a great job, AND you never try or have tried to sell me a Specialized bike, until now of course.
Anyway, I appreciate your thoughts and for your passion in defending the brick and mortar bike shops that are struggling, but I feel like I am doing my best to continue supporting you guys the best I can, but that won't necessarily be my priority when choosing the brand of bike I ride or the type of gear/tech I purchase for my bike. If I can get what I'm looking for, AND get a good price locally, then you bet, I'm going to get it locally. But, when I can't I'll turn to other places that can provide me with what I'm in search of.
Thanks again, and I'm sure I'll see you soon when my Cannondale needs to be wrenched on!
Best,
Stacy.
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Ed Fischer
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11/25/2017 7:39 AM
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Good Morning Stacy and Club,
I have no experience with Canyon, but may I give you some feedback in general as owner of a local Clark County Bike Shop, Camas Bike and Sport
Before you purchase (and with it being Small Business Saturday and all :-)) please consider giving me or one of the many local bike shops here or in PDX area a chance first. Canyon has just entered the US market this year, it is a European company who has never used a bike shop to sell their product. We are the opposite here at Camas Bikes, aligning only with bike brands like Specialized from Morgan Hill, Ca. who does their best to make sure the rider gets the best support possible along with backing a dealer network that is here everyday to address your needs. There are many other reasons I would ask you consider a local bike shop like ours. Good brick and mortar bike shops have always been the hub of providing community support and the local biking scene. I will use one of my main local competitors as an example; River City has sponsored local rides, races, and other biking events, investing their own dollars and time assuring a vibrant local cycling scene. Here at Camas Bikes, we have strived to do the same, leading the charge in getting a local bike park in Washougal, fostering and coaching youth mountain bike teams, growing youth cycling leagues, offering mechanical support at events like the RACC, offering group rides and support on local trail work efforts. Bike shops as well as many other brick and mortar establishments are at a pivotal time struggling to compete with online sales. If we do our job right we can offer more value and service and product than any online direct path can with many of those dollars going back into our local community. Please don't look at this as and attempt to give a guilt trip, it is more of a plea for everyone to understand the challenges that online only businesses present to your local communities! This is very real issue for us, ours and other IBDs future existence depends on our local riders to support local and buy from within their own community! We all vote with our dollars, and I follow cases like this to see if shops like ours are increasingly getting voted out. Again I ask you give a local shop and brand a chance, use referrals from your friends or Yelp/Google. You may have had a bad experience somewhere, but most shops consider your needs their up-most priority! I would be more than happy to help you personally if you wanted to consider us!
Good luck on your quest for your new bike and Happy Holidays!
Ed Fischer
Camas Bike and Sport
ed@camasbikes.com
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Stacy Barbadillo
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11/24/2017 3:58 PM
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Hello, I'm planning to purchase a Canyon Road Bike in the next couple of months and would love to hear from any other members who have experience purchasing a Canyon bike directly from their website. I've learned from Canyon that they aren't equipped to make changes to the stock builds that they advertise on their website. I'm also interested if you purchased a Canyon, did you select the upgraded delivery service through VeloFix to have them put your bike together and "fit" you? I'm wondering how extensive their "fit" session is.
Anyway, please feel free to contact me directly at: spbarbadillo@gmail.com if you have any experience with purchasing directly from Canyon.
Thanks in advance!
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