The May Street Bicycles, Bike Shop Advantage

I often have customers coming into May Street Bicycles looking for a bike for their child and they are a little skeptic paying more than the bike they can purchase from a department store.  I have nothing against people wanting to save money especially on a product that a child will eventually (usually sooner than later) grow out of.   We obviously will take the used bike on trade in to ease some of the purchase burden. But there are many benefits buying the bicycle from mMAy Street Bicycles  than the department store bikes. The bicycle they buy, and especially where they buy it, has a huge impact on their safety, comfort, and how much fun they have riding their bike! 

The National Bicycle Dealer Association states, "Bicycles are vehicles that can travel at high speeds and withstand even demanding conditions. To do their best, they need to be constructed of high-quality materials, assembled by competent and trained bicycle mechanics, and properly adjusted to fit you right. By purchasing your new bike from a professional bicycle store instead of from a mass merchant or "discount" department store, you receive numerous important advantages that will ensure a lifetime of cycling enjoyment."
Below you will a comparison between purchasing a bicycle from a bicycle shop versus a department store.

Bike Comfort and Fit
Bicycle Shops: People come in all sizes and need the expert fit bike shops can provide. They ensure that your bike is the right size and adjusted properly just for you. Test rides and follow-up fitting fine-tuning is available, too. The result is easy, efficient and safe cycling and more fun!

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Mass-merchant bicycles come in few sizes forcing you to compromise on the fit. These stores also do not have experienced staff who understand how to measure you or how to adjust the bike to fit you. Plus, they don’t offer test rides and don’t do follow-up adjustments. The result is an uncomfortable, inefficient ride.

Selection
Bike shops have a wide selection of bicycle models, sizes, styles and colors. Their expert staff coaches you through the process of finding the best bike for you.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Selection is usually very limited and staff expertise is limited, too, or non-existent.

Safety
Bicycle Shops: Bicycles come in boxes and need to be assembled carefully and properly to be safe, work right and hold up. Bike shop bikes are assembled in-store by experienced mechanics, and each is test ridden to ensure proper function and safety. They are then carefully fit to you at the time of purchase. Test rides, tune-ups and instructions assure safe and great rides.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Some mass-merchants sell unassembled bikes meaning you have to do it yourself (yes, it's "only" a bicycle, but it still requires significant know-how to build it right). Plus, no test rides, tune-ups or safety tests are available. Many buyers eventually bring these bikes to bike shops to be properly assembled or adjusted.

Value After The Sale
Bicycle Shops:  Bicycle shops have an experienced staff who welcome post-sale service and adjustments, usually for free or at low cost. They want to satisfy your needs and help you fully enjoy cycling!

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: After buying a bike from a mass-merchant, you have little or no help after the sale, either if problems occur or if you just want help to enjoy your bicycle more.

Accessories
Bike shops offer a wide selection of quality cycling accessories, helmets and clothing in many models, colors and sizes. The staff consults with you to find the right accessories and gear for your bike and how and where you ride.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Usually a limited or poor selection of accessories is available, with little or no help to choose the right ones. Often, these are cheap, knockoff products, which can create safety and reliability issues, too.

Warranty
Bicycles sold at bike shops come with full warranties. And, most problems are resolved in-house. Plus, shops stand behind their bikes and products with experienced mechanics and riding experts.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Products sold here have manufacturer warranties only, making it impossible or cumbersome to get a repair or adjustment. They may let you return the bike for a refund.

Community
Bicycle shops are the central source for more than just great bicycles accessories and apparel. They help you find the great rides, latest cycling info, and often serve as advocates for better bike paths and facilities in your area, too!

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: They mainly just sell stuff.
Expertise
Shops employ knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, many who are cyclists with detailed knowledge in the field. Their only job is satisfying your cycling needs, and they love doing it!

​Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: They mainly just sell stuff.

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  ​