Here's my 2c: Regardless of where I bought my bike, If I need service, I take it to my LBS. I have a Canyon, it's been serviced at my LBS, because I'm a regular customer who's had all bikes (none of which bought at this bike shop) serviced with excellent customer service. It's simple: bring in your bike, have it serviced and pay for services. At end of the day the LBS made a sale. Isn't that the point of owning a shop? If a shop owner is going to provide lousy customer service, because a Canyon arrived for service, what the hell are they in business for? There are lots of Canyon owners out there, If I had my own shop, I'd put a huge sign out that reads: WE SERVICE CANYONS! I'd make them feel welcome and provide them with good service. I'd gladly make that dough, since so many shops turn there noses up at the brand.
Because buying canyons is almost like supporting a business model of going consumer direct and if all other brands followed then your local bike shop won’t be able to stay in business just doing service alone. I’m not saying I’m like “ oh you have canyon get to the back of the line” I still am respectful and do everything but I charge them normally and don’t give them the priority as if someone bought a bike from us. Like if you bought a bike from us I’ll try to get it in and out maybe to save you a trip or maybe just a quick adjustment at zero cost. That’s all I’m saying. I don’t have anything against the consumers who buy them because they want the most for there money and I understand but this is my point of view coming from owning a store and being threatened by bicycle brands skipping retailers and going consumer direct
@@GCPerformance18 I understand your point, I was speaking from a business standpoint. I know the Covid crisis has helped the LBS' bottom line and generate a lot of interest in cycling, since a lot of gyms are still shut down. That being said, the LBS should take advantage of this environment, providing a great shopping experience which buying direct can't do. I'd like to see other shops start doing video channels like you're doing. Also I rarely let my shop do anything for free for me, I pay them anyway.
@@GCPerformance18 i think that, just all others business, you have to take the reality and adapt your business to this scenario. You cant punish canyons owners with a different quality of service just because they didnt buy it from your store. If you are doing that, all your costumers have to know it and get their bikes to another place. What if all the bike brands start selling bikes online only???? You have to do something to survive and change your business model. Dont blame to canyon or their users for this, you have to adapt and improve your game.
@@davidterraza889 to be honest, as a buyer supporting their LBS (bought my bikes from my LBS), I’d be annoyed if I got the same service as a canyon dude (be it service job price, wait time etc)
I'm sorry, but your "personal take" on why bike shops treat customers of other bike brands differently is why I hope those shops go out of business. Customers don't owe these shops anything (although a lot of the shops out there seem to think so) and with the power of the internet, consumers aren't so naïve anymore to just blindly trust bike shop salespeople. If consumers are able to buy a better valued product online for a cheaper price, they would be dumb not to do so. Many LBS don't offer anything of particular value on top of the sale itself, so why should someone be expected to pay 33% more for a product of equivalent value? One of the local shops around me was always rude and nasty everytime I brought in a bike from a brand they didn't sell. My dad on the other hand was always treated very well when he visited...it just so happens that he purchased his bike from them. After visiting them 3 times, I decided to never go back. My dad, after seeing how I was treated, also has vowed to never give them his business again. Another shop in town is friendly as can be and even has cheaper service rates than their competitor. They treated me with respect despite the fact that my bike was of a differing brand than what they sell. I hope they thrive and push the other shop out of business. I will support their company and others like it. A lot of shops act like the mob where you have to do something for them (i.e. purchase a bunch of product) for them to treat you well. I will not support those businesses and instead actively hope for their demise. Nobody owes any bike shop their patronage, and the sooner shops figure that out, the better.
It is always a good idea to learn as much as you can about bikes because these shops are a Business first and actually helping you is about number 34 in their prioroty list. Seriously fck local bike shops, we're not in the 1970s no more.
If stores treat customers who bring in Canyons differently than how they treat customers who bring in a bike from a major brand but that they didn't sell directly from that store, then that is fine, but it won't be a local business that I support. Stores act as if they are entitled to sales and their customers are their source of charity instead of being a business.
but buying one of those bikes is still under the same ecosystem like a retail sales type. the canyon business model is to do away with retail stores and turn them into service departments only which is not possible for a lot of these stores....... you understand? Like we dont treat them differently like as in go out of the way to upcharge them But charge them for everything they are asking to be done because it is a business at the end of the day, but if someone bought a bike from us or a similar brand that supports lbs then we might just be like dont worry about it.... not being dickish, idk its hard to explain. and were not entitled, were just gonna choose to be ran more like a business and charge for everything instead of helping out someone who bought from us..... like if you bring your car into the dealership that you bought it they would maybe fill up your fluids and air in the tires and maybe a free wash because you bought from them instead of taking a car you bought from carvana....... Honestly not trying to be rude or entitled just trying to give my take on it coming from a guys livelihood is working/owning a retail store which when they sell they want to intent to cut out retailers........
@@GCPerformance18 I see your point but have to side with misterzero84. I don't think consumers value those little things you do as much as you think. Don't get me wrong, it's nice. But everytime I walk into a bike store, the prices of EVERYTHING is so damn high (clothing, accessories, parts, you name it)... at that point i'm not thinking yeah i'll pay double to support my LBS. When in reality i can pay half or less to get the same thing online.
@@GCPerformance18 that's no different than if I bought my bike from Store A and get all their complimentary/discounted service. And a few years down the road, I move to a new state... I walk into a reputable shop for service. The shop still wouldn't treat me as a regular customer. They will treat me as a brand new customer where they will nickel and dime me. Same will apply for anyone buying a Canyon online. They will eventually need to get their bikes serviced. But they won't get the free/discounted service that a person that bought the bike from you will normally get. Which is fine. Because you as a bike shop can make more money off of those type of customers. Pure profit and less bs from customers trying to milk off of you for free service.
The weird thing is: I’ve never seen a bike shop offering me a fit when I was looking for bikes. Not even specialized. They just gave me a 56 and a 58 and said: which one feels better. That’s not the service I would like to pay double the price Almost any bike shop I went to wanted to screw me over. Almost any bike shop I went to just tried to get rid of their old stuff. I get your points and I would really like to be able to afford a specialized.
BigLuu I mean it’s not a problem if you can afford to buy a new bike every other year :-) Most bikes are too much spec for my legs anyway^^ I guess I would be as fast on TIAGRA as on my ultegra :D Have fun with your allez :-)
im sorry to hear that, I always start off with that and tell them about the services we offer beause there are so many stores around me that we are almost selling ourselves more then the product because there is a bike shop on every corner in south florida near mimai so we have to have good customer service and I always will sell the customer what they want and try to neevr push someone on inventory we have just ot make the sale
I've found some shops are really good, and some are really bad. Its not 50/50 either. There are far more bad shops than good, but the good ones do exist. Keep searching, its worth it.
Chris van Buggenum I totally agree Chris there a shop near me and my experience with them was shocking! But I go to a shop that’s 30 miles away because the service is obviously excellent, but when I walk in there’s a guy I bought all my bikes off who treats me like an old friend, puts a cup of tea in my hand asks me how I’m doing etc. I’m in sales myself and appalled at how little bike sales guys know about actual selling! The golden rules are “people buy from people” they never buy off a company so if the customers doesn’t like your guy you ain’t selling!!. “Every sale must be a win/win” otherwise you won’t make money or they won’t come back. “People never really remember what you said to them. They remember how you made them feel”. If you make them feel valued they’ll travel 30 miles just to buy an inner tube from you!!....just like I do!
I have a great local bike shop and I'm willing to "pay extra" to support them, in exchange for the service and support. Unfortunately, there are soooo many bike shops that I would never support. Good shops are few and far between. I completely understand why so many people don't want to deal with some bike shops. Its crazy to think that most people are willing to deal with ordering a bike, with possible fit issues, and possibly exchanging it BY MAIL, than deal with the local shop. Not to mention warranty issues through email on a 9k bike. If you have a good shop, and can help them out, please do so. If not, factory direct will eventually take over. Let the chips fall where they may🤷♂️
thanks os much for that and I feel like I try my best with every customer to help them out so they dont even consider going online, but honestly canyon is a strong competitor
At this point in the pandemic they seem to be the only company letting you buy a bike between now and a few months. while local shops are telling me july - december 2022 for trek / Specialized. A new unforseen dynamic to bike buying haha.
I went to a trek store looking for a full suspension bike. They had one bike. $5000. I was looking for $3000-$4000, so I asked them how far out a bike like that was. I would have had to wait until April. And had I seen the bike and didn’t like it, what am I gonna do? At that point, it’s pretty much just pointless to shop at a bike shop. Canyon Ftw, just ordered mine.
I think this is a bad store strategy. Considering that bike shops make their money on service, you should be open to servicing anything that comes into the shop (within the last 15 years or so). I’ve never gone back to two shops that have given me grief about my Storck Aernario and my YT Jeffsy. Now that I have a Canyon Grail, if there’s any negativity coming at me when I go to someone for some expertise and willing to pay for it, that’s my last bit of business for that shop.
@@GCPerformance18 I ride on a budget because I'm still finishing medical training ... Brought my used 15 year old trek 5000 to a shop and they gave me grief about the bike ... I skipped them and went to the next shop over ... One more year and I'm an attending and guess which store il go to when I buy that top of the brand line then? You need to treat people with respect regardless of their brand ... I can service my own bike and buy much cheaper online ... When I come to you it's to support this environment that enables my hobby but I'm not taking any grief over the bike I come in with
Some people get a lot out of a shop, I sell bikes to people 7-8 years ago who still come into my store who just come in and pick my brain and we talk about upgrades or even just chillen for rides on the weekend. You won’t get anything from the middle man if you don’t go in there and find out.
Canyons are great until you get a problem and need support from Canyon. I was in love with Canyon. I had 2 bikes from them and one had a problem it took almost 4 months to solve it.
From bike shop you have a direct communication with the dealer. It is easier when solving issues, advising,etc. Like the guy said you should think about that when you see the price difference.
@@melvintanchannel That does not make any sense... If the bike shop maintenance bikes...and a bike is brought in for a service issue... The shop makes money from the maintenance...like a car dealership that sells and services cars! The Infiniti dealership Service Shop I went to last week had Hyundais and Toyotas in their bays, being worked on. As a businessman...why do I care where you purchased the bike from...if my business is to repair it...and there is a charge for that...? I will repair the bike as I would any other bike and look forward to seeing you again. "Cash or Charge?". I just hope this is not the thought process of many shops...because NEWS FLASH! In Northern Florida their are Mobile Repair Companies popping up since this COVID Shutdown...Beard Bike Doc (look him up) is one of many that is killing it. He will fix your Huffy to your Trek... This does not seem professional.
there you go, but there might be someitmes where he might not have your headset bearings or bottom brakcet bearings or not know how to bleed your disc brakes, who knows
If Trek,Specialized,Cannondale,etc, sold there bikes at a reasonable price they could compete. The frames are all built in Taiwan and they pay peanuts for the frame. They'll turn around and sell it to you for some super hyper price! Hats off to Canyon. I live in Berlin and I remember when they started. I try to support my local bike shops in Steglitz. I've been to bike shops here in Berlin and I've gotten awful service. I've never gone back to them again. I recently bought a new bike(Pasculli). The company is a Berlin brand. Beautiful bike and ride for a reasonable price. I'll be buying the new Canyon Aeroad bike to go with my other new bike. Trek and some of the other big brands need to get on board and cut out the bullshit pricing!
Moral of the story is learn how to service your bike!!! I have a canyon ultimate and I do all services my self. It’s actually really easy if you have any basic knowledge on how it all works.
I've been yelled at for bringing a Canyon into a local shop. I have little sympathy. Large, efficient online retailers have been crushing smaller businesses for years. I've lost two jobs because my employers were outcompeted. This is the reality of the free market. Adapt or die.
I wouldn’t care. I’m watching my wallet. The roadlite 6 they offer is a wonderful bargain. The other day I was looking for hybrids with the shimano 105 grouper. The local bike shop I went to told me that for under 1200 a bike with that drivetrain is unheard of. Impossible.
They have killer deals on entry level bike all under or around the 2000 euro mark .not forgetting their outlet store were you can buy returned bikes that have been fully rechecked and serviced for even more money off , or go one step further and by older models and complete refurbished models old demo bikes and test bikes yes they may have some marks on they but full warranty at even more discount .they are hard to beat with these sort of options the only others I know of in this sort of sales model is Rose bikes but they are still more traditional in their direct sales .then there is Bergamot from Hamburg my current home city since 2009 .they tried the same sort of idea .but ended up going through retail outlets over the last few years and after closing their only shop to the public . But I think they took a big hit during covid and are now selling a more streamlined collection of bikes to the public, Canyon are in a strong position at this time as long has they do not mess up.
I have an awesome tiny LBS near me that will work on any bike, regardless of brand, price, where it was purchased/made, etc. The majority of their business is repairs, but they do sell fixies and bmx (owner rides these two), sometimes a few low-end/house road and track bikes. You'll struggle to find anything in this store that sells for more than $600 at any given time. After having some a pretty sour experience with a fancy big brand shop and one of my road bikes (it didn't have the "right" stickers/components on it), I now bring all my "expensive" road/gravel bikes to this shop for any work needed. They even built up the gf's new Felt carbon road frame just recently. The mechanics at these types of lesser-known shops are often as skilled and knowledgeable as anyone else out there, with a faster turnaround! Big thanks to Ricardo and the crew! Feels great walking into his shop without any angry looks at my rig or any sales pressure.
If a bicycle shop was anything other than friendly with whatever brand I own, they would lose my business, bad online review and I would go to one of the other 7 bicycle stores near me.
yea I mean this is true in todays day and age.. ho9nestly you are doing us a service by driving to us and coming into our store and taking time out of your day
I’d love to support shops and do by bringing all my bikes there when they need work I can’t do. But I’m not going to pay more for a comparable bike that I then need to buy a wheelset for because it comes with crappy ones. Canyon has a better value proposition than a Specialized or Trek. We have lots of shops where I live so it’s not a problem to find one that is happy to work on whatever bike I bring in.
Thanks for being upfront and honest about it. I've been a Specialized rider for over a decade now and always support my LBS. I love what Canyon is doing and the bikes look amazing, but at the end of the day the LBS is more than just a shop. It's a meeting point for people, it's a place to make new friends and explore your community. It's a place that supports the community and provides service for that community. Buying a bike from the shop helps support that shop and keep them in business. Some of my best relationships with people are from meeting the owners and employees of my LBS and then meeting riders and joining teams. I fully agree that shops should charge for the services rendered on a bike like a Canyon that was not bought from that dealer.
yea, you get the whole experience maybe meet some people in there, learn about the local rides in the area. you know normal things I get people want the most bang for there buck for canyon and im okay with that, this was just my opinion from my point of view
What about being discriminatory to other rides/people is amazing and cool. Nothing about that is professional or would make me want to spend my money with u if u can’t be respectful towards everyone and give them the same service as others which is literally ur job then u shouldn’t be in business. Coming from a detailer who’s seen it ALLL I still treat everyone the same and do the same good job I always do because it’s my job and that’s what I’m paid to do not be a dick to u because u have a different car/bike
As someone who works in D2C strategy solutions at my dayjob. D2C is the future for all brands not just bikes. If I were you I would adapt and not hate a brand that's ahead of the competition. Cycling is actually running behind on many other categories in terms of D2C adaptation. As cycling has always been a bit of an old-school approach and mentality in companies. Pretty soon about 50% of brands in the world will be D2C. Give it 4 years, and keep thinking the same, you will be out of business. You can try to stop it or think with the brand on how you can both profit, as bikes would still need service and people still want experience centers. There are also great benefits to stores doing so, if they can get bikes in to their shop in consignment, no stock risks, free returns.
Bike shops have to adapt to the changing market and figure out how to stay relevant. It's not the consumers job. Servicing any and all brands is one thing that should be automatic. You're not servicing a bike, you're gaining a customer. Any shop too stupid to figure that out deserves to shutter it's doors. The good shops are thriving right now, especially during the pandemic.
yes, and again I agree witht hat but canyons main goal is to get rid of retailers in general and stores wont be able to survive off service alone so the local shop you take it too would be closed if canyons ways worked and other companies followed and you would be taking your bike to a generic service center prob owned by walmart and not getting any service...... Canyons main goal is to go directly to consumer so you have to understand it from the stores point of view, you dont have to do anything differently because tis your money at the end of the day but this was just a rant by me to let you guys in on the inside. were not gonna make it far when you bring your canyon in for service every 6 months for a tune up or a derailleur adjustment for 7.50 every once in a while if that
@@GCPerformance18 Canyon's business strategy isn't the entire bike industry. If you need to pick on business models, look at Specialized and how they dictate and treat dealers, or any of the others. Why rant about Canyon specifically? The entire bike industry is a bunch of business bullies. LBS's are behind the times. They never evolved and many do not treat it as a customer service business. To tell a customer, "Since you bought a Canyon, you get pushed to the back for service" is the kind of hostile, condescending attitude that makes people hate LBS's. That's why many people are annoyed by them, and don't like going there. The simple fact is the industry is changing, good or bad, and LBS's have to change. It's not good enough to tell people to "support your LBS" or guilt them into it. That doesn't work. There are LBS's that do very well. They have found ways to make money, and are not affected by Canyon's business plans.
I think direct to consumer is perfect for people who can work on their own stuff. I'm not a bike mechanic but I'm pretty competent at fixing and setting up my own bike. I have a lot of specialized tools and equipment to work on my own stuff too. Then again I enjoy doing this stuff. The only thing I don't do is wheel assembly and trueing. My LBS does it for so cheap it's not worth me doing. I think people who aren't handy or mechanically inclined should probably go to a store.
your comment makes perfect sense, but then again. its just such a shame knowing that Canyon products offer insane value for money and really sleek designs and specs. and then you remember theres almost zero local shop support for that that canyon bike...
I've never once had my bike serviced at a bike shop. It is easy to maintain your bicycle with basic tools and the internet for guidance. And you have the added benefit of learning your bike if you encounter an issue on the road. I have nothing against bike shops it's just that I don't feel right if I don't know how to take care of my stuff.
I've got no problem paying 10%~15% extra for great setup, service and advice, warranty issues etc. Trick is finding a great shop, Not all bike retailers are as cool as these guys seem to be.
yea that is true I will horror stories about other shops or just some bad experiences in general just because some people were having bad days, but it happens to everyone in every industry like my favorite restaurants that I would love ot go to and maybe one day they have a bad day but i try not to hold it against them.... we all make mistakes
I don’t see the difference if someone brings in a retailer sold bike in a brand you don’t sell, versus a Canyon? Look past the sticker, the parts are the same, the work is the same, so why charge any different? The customer had brought in a bike to YOUR store, to help drive your servicing business, so why treat them differently? Seems counter intuitive to me, as you may have pushed a potential customer...
someone buys a bike form a local bike shop and they come to my store for service they are supporting local bike shops and also keeping retail stores alive with business, canyons business model is to go fuill consumer direct and eliminate the retail stores, a lot of bike stores will not be able to saty open on service alone and if more companies start to go consumer direct then there wont be any local bike shops except for good ones or massive chains, like a Walmart service center partnered with canyon or something
GC Performance I understand your point of view, but the other bike brands need to rationalise their costs. Canyon has exposed the loading that manufacturers put on their products. Correct me if I am wrong, but most bikes come assembled in a box to a bike store, it’s a 30 min job max to assemble, check, and pre deliver the bike. They aren’t complex machines.... A full build from a bare frame is more labour intensive, no doubt.... My point is that if you treat someone negatively, or charge them above the normal rate because they roll in with a Canyon, well you lost: Future servicing revenue Potential future bike sales Future sales of spares. Future sales of accessories Recommendation to other Canyon riders to come to you, because you looked after them. The loss of a bike sale, is nothing compared to the future revenue from a happy client. You guys are good at what you do, so I gather you have happy and loyal clientele. And bring in business myself, I know that is what it’s all about.. maybe lose $1 today, but you’ll make an extra $2 another time if they are happy with your service... My local shop didn’t get my bike sale 2 months ago, but I have appreciated their friendly honest service, and spent $400 there, and will continue to.....
Take your BMW for service to Audi dealer service department. They’re both German and work the same, no reason why they shouldn’t accept it. There’s a thing called liability. LBS don’t want to be held accountable if something goes wrong with a bike they don’t carry.
@@patrickparisienne1917 its not really.... i mean the new aeroad bike I think the high end model is like 9000 or 9500 thats 3 grand away from any retailer high end bike trek or spesialized, the way canyon does i, they just take out the costs of what the retailer would get and they sell directly to consumers....... it seems like canyon is charging the same price per bike as specialized would or trek if they went consumer direct.
I bought a Canyon because it had the geometry and parts I wanted (and it got good reviews), not to mention it was actually available. The fact that it was cheaper was nice, but if cost more I still would have bought it. I can work on my own bike for 99% of trouble. If a bike shop gave me flack for buying a direct to consumer bike I wouldn't go back there for my day to day needs (tools, clothing, helmets, etc).
I just ordered a Canyon two days ago. Hasn’t arrived yet. I’m a regular at my LBS - I’ve bought two bikes from them in the last 24 months. They are a Specialized dealer and I wanted an endurance bike that was a little more aggressive than a Roubaix, but not as racy as a Tarmac. Thus, the Endurace fit the bill perfectly. After I assemble it and ride it around the block a few times I’ll likely bring it to the LBS just to have them dial everything in. I fully expect to pay full retail cost for any service they provide. I’ll keep bringing it to them for service because they do great work and are good people. If they sold the Endurace at the shop I would have bought it from them. In any case, my LBS is still going to get plenty of my money from this bike.
Love to hear these stories, also you seem to be a person who supports the local shops and understands the business side to it, but yea I understand sometimes at the end of the day its your money and you want to spend it on what you want and fits you best, there is nothing I can say to change that
nothing but respect for you, but i think your business model is ancient and prone to go bankrupt if such tactics are still maintained. more and more shops around the globe are starting to adapt to this changing free market. customers are finding the real value of direct sales, i mean even you yourself stated the facts that its much more better to get a fully specced canyon bike at lower the cost. THIS is what people want. i know its not what local bike shops want. but its what riders find attractive, the smarter bike shops are starting to adapt to this and are offering service accordingly. ive just happened to look for a bike shop and i found this piece of text from their website interesting: " we can offer you a fair service. In many bike shops it can happen that your bike that you bought elsewhere will either be refused service or that you can expect a hefty surcharge. Best example: You bought your bike on the internet and now need a service. But where? How does the bicycle dealer behave? What will he charge? You don't want to become a supplicant, but want to be treated as an equal customer? Then you are right with us." now you make the guess, which shop is getting more customers and more profit now? the shop that follows your almost discriminating tactics, or the shop that decided to advance and adapt to the market? no more words are needed to be said. have a good day
Yea I made this video 2 years ago before specialized went direct and before I had my fair share at RU-vid community. I made a follow up video to this recently it’s about 5 videos back. But I changed my thoughts and ways on this idea now
What i learned with road bikes, is learn the inside of your bike. Dont rely on bike shop, do the repair yourself. Ive been riding for many years and never had problem, sometimes have to replace a piece but thats it, the rest i do it myself and find videos on youtube for repairs.
So if were a local bike shop proprietor, I'd put a big sticker on the front window: Canyon Friendly. And I'd want every Canyon owner in town to stop by for a bit of service and a smile. And maybe some lube and gear and gels and whatever else. And I say that as a Walmart worker in this season of my life, one of those guys who works the front door and says hi and bye to all the customers. But for eight years at that store, I was the daytime bike assembler--loved it--and two days ago at the door, a lady asked, "Didn't you used to build the bikes?" And I politely pleaded guilty and she asked me a simple service-related question about two bikes in the family. And I replied but she said they didn't want to actually do the work, so I happily referred her to a local bike shop just down the road and around the corner, Quick Release Bikes in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. And I used to do that a lot when I was assembling bikes and interacting daily with bike-riding customers.
This year I bought another bike. I really liked the Canyon Neuron , but instead I decided to go for a bike with my LBS. I went there and they told me since we are too busy with repairing bikes we shall call you back to guide you through a Cube, Specialized, Scott, Cannondale, whatever....I waited for one week with no luck, I went back, once again they repeated the same story and Aigáleo was told to wait till they call me . I waited another week and called them back. Another try , same response......I pulled out my credit card and ordered my Canyon Neuron and a week later an amazing bicycle at a 30% discount from my LBS arrived at home. After a month of enjoyable ride , the bike needed fine running after Deis dialed in for a month.....guess what , I went to my LBS. They did all the work same day they charged me 20 euros and I was happy. When I asked them why didn’t essentially call me to sell me a bike, I was stunned from their response. They told me , they don’t make any money from new bikes any more, and that margins have collapsed. In essence they told me , we make more by supporting brands like Canyon, Rose, Planet X bikes , because we are charging you after purchase for the service..........
All businesses have to add value. In an Amazon age, this is the only way to compete. Those who love Amazon will always prefer buying online regardless of what it is. Buyers like this typically don’t trust sales folks, always feel screwed, complain about always losing in negotiations, and generally don’t want anything except the best product at “reasonable” prices and reasonable is always as cheap as possible. I shop stores and relationships more than just the product. When it comes to bikes, I have spent time learning about all the products out there, who makes them, and what type of bike I want that is similar from the different makers. For me, my selection was made based on the relationship I developed with one of the LBS’s. When they are willing to teach, advise, answer questions, and give me time despite the fact that I often leave without buying, that’s a relationship. Most bike companies make a quality product at he different price points. If you want a Carbon gravel bike with GRX or similar, you are going to typically pay over $3500 US regardless. By developing a relationship, my selected LBS was willing to work with me on my order and adjust their typical payment terms because they know me. That helps me pay for it on my terms and my pace. That has real value to me. I have made a few smaller purchases from them (bought a Felt gravel for my wife and a trainer), but I only did those after researching all options locally and online. Ultimately, I will always try to buy through a local place so I can help them and they can help me. That relationship has value to me and for the right shop, that relationship has value to them. If all you want is a transaction.....buy cheap. And yes, I buy from Amazon for many things that don’t require a relationship. Save money where I can, so I can pay for a relationship with big products where I know what I’m buying is going to be taken care of.
I ride a specialized bike that I love but when I came into the store I knew exactly what I wanted and the size that I needed, however I do prefer unusual crank length, stem length, and handlebar width. I assumed that since I was walking in ready to spend $8000 they would bend over backwards to make me happy but no they were like shrug this is how the bike comes. If you want you can order some other parts. Their attitude seemed to be that bikes are in high demand so why bother going above and beyond in any way. This is a common problem with retailers IMO. When it comes to the sales portion of the business (ie: not service/repair) YOU NEED TO ADD VALUE AS THE MIDDLE MAN otherwise you're taking a cut with no benefit to the customer. Every time a customer has an experience like this they probably think to themselves: maybe I'll check out canyon next time. Having said that, some retailers do appreciate their role as a middleman and do add value. I love buying from those stores.
I have bought a lot of bikes. All but one of them was from a shop. That one bike was a 2018 Aeroad and it is fantastic! I mentioned it to a bike dealer and (1) he told me it was a shit bike and (2) I was a bad person for buying from Canyon. I paused for a second and then told him (1) it isn’t a shit bike actually. I liked it better than my Madone or my Propel. It was lighter, more aero, and had a smoother ride. And it was $3600 with carbon wheels-free shipping no tax. (2) I had bought 30+ bikes from dealers before that and you can’t use social guilt as a means for revenue generation for very long. I am a small business owner and I know the pressures we all face. You have to be honest with yourself and think about how you’re going to survive this. It won’t be by making your customers feel bad with guilt trips. Because they won’t remember what you said but they will remember how you made them feel. I don’t know what the answer is but some bike shops have coffee shops now and coaches and training camps and adventure rides. They are focusing on non-merchandise related streams of income and I think that might be a possible solution.
yea I agree.... and this is me speaking honestly, I never bash any other bike brands I always say they are nice bikes because I am a big fan of this sport and community and I could never sit there and bash a bike someone said they just bought without me ever riding it. but damn free shipping and no tax.... no thats a deal but honestly I never do anything to make the customer feel unwanted this was just me making this video online but I mean in store where I want to make money and stay competitive there is no way I can pick and choose my customers I have to make everyone feel like family
It is quite a dance, this dance of customers and products and sellers, whether local or far away. And mail order is what made Sears the world's largest store a century ago, and thanks to the internet, mail order has become a mighty big deal once again. And these mail-order bikes--whether from Germany or wherever--are just a continuation of a mighty long tradition, with, to be sure, some snappy marketing such as those paid-promotion vids on popular RU-vid channels. And a bike-builder in Chicago named Ignatz Schwinn originally supplied Sears with bikes branded as Sears bikes. And he didn't want to keep rolling that way. So he opened up his own dealerships and sold Schwinn bicycles.
I’ve purchased my last three bikes direct, but I’m a sophisticated buyer and know exactly how to read spec sheet and know exactly what I want. I also do a lot of my own work. But when I’m stuck or have a repair above my experience level I happily pony up what ever the repair changes at my LBS and don’t bat an eye.
About 5 years ago I bought a previous year's bike I had lusted for some time in a reputable bike store in my region. Didn't know much about bike geometry back then, thought the frame 'looked' about my size. Had some reservations on how 'racy' it felt but the owner convinced me I just had to get used to it a bit. I truly loved that bike, but it never felt 'right' position-wise. A couple of years later I sold it after a scary descending experience in the Ardennes. Turned out the frame was clearly a size too small for me. So much for supporting your LBS...
I bought a Canyon Neuron a year ago. I did my research. I even talked to my favorite lbs about it. If your lbs is butt hurt and refuses to work on your bike find another. My lbs gives me a hard time when I bring it in for service, but they are happy for all of the business I do there. I knew I’d be paying for every service and I expect too. They like me enough that they are talking about letting me demo new products for them. If you find an lbs like these guys you have found gold
yea im not saying imn not gonna do service on them, i have plenty of friends and also riders form group rides who have them, i give them shit all the time im just saying the canyon business model of going consumer direct is bad for me because if other companies follow that same trend then there wont be as many bike stores out there and now your local bike shop that works on your bike isnt there anymore because they cant survive off jsut service and derailleur adjustments
@@GCPerformance18 its perfect normal what you say in the video - of course if you buy a bike from a local shop, fine tuning may be included for a while in the acquisition price -as a benefit. But if you buy the bike from another place (doesn't matter from where) and you need any intervention from that shop, you will pay the price of the service - fair and square. Now I found myself in some bike shops where for some small checks they didn't charge me (like wheels truing) - well yes, but they made me indirectly to make them publicity and revisit them for season inspections or any other matters the bike required. My point is - as a bike shop retailer/mechanic, just be customer oriented and there will be plenty of customers.
Hey GC, as always I appreciate your honest input in your videos, and I completely understand your point of view regarding someone buying a Canyon, or any direct to consumer brands bikes, but you also have to understand the consumer has a family to provide for too, so if they can save a grand getting pretty much a similar bike, the bike shop does not have to be upset. You can chose to charge them full price for service without any resentment, because at the end of the day they are a customer and still chose your shop for service. Anyway dude I bought a SL7, and that was mostly due to all your inputs, so thanks and keep up the great videos.
Lets face it: 12000 dollar pushbikes are completely insane compared to any other product (cars, motorcycles, you name it). Canyon brings those prices back to a somewhat reasonable pricepoint, but it's still insane. Also, maybe on specialized you have to pay full retail (and therefore Canyon compares favourably), but on most other brands one can get 10-20% with a bit of haggling and options exploring.
Egggggzactly there still high priced bikes at the top end. I mean let’s face it, you got 9k to spend on a bike, then you can find the other 3k to spend as well
I get the point of consumer direct & cutting the “middle man” perhaps i am been a bit naive but if i were to buy a canyon and take it to a shop for adjustment or repair i certainly don’t expect free service, i feel is no different than buying a specialized in another store taking it to u for repair & service or maintenance , i would expect to pay for the work perform and be treated like any other customer, not be pushed back “just because i didn’t buy the bike there” if i buy a bike from ur location for example i will pay a premium for the bike, ur time to assemble it and business expenses, all collectively coming from the profit of the “retail” price of the bike… but 30 days later per say after the first adjustment most shops charge u for the maint & repairs even if u buy the bike there regardless …. To hear “you” Would push a canyon customer back to give priority to ur own in house bikes it’s a bit surprising business wise because any customers bike that is willing to give u business u should welcome… with the shortage of bikes and lack of sales for the major brands i can imagine keeping ur doors open has been challenging without the income of service….. when ur loosing 1000’s of sales in the premium bikes not been available i would certainly be grateful to take on any canyon client for adjustments @ ur hourly rate.. just saying … selling a bike in house put money in ur pocket in the front end ONLY, but service is an on going income… and that should be ur golden eggs … but that is my opinion & that really means nothing.
Canyon customers are really loyal and they're getting new customers every day. Not sure how it is in U.S. but Canyon has local offices in almost every European country which have in-house mechanics that will service your bike, replace parts etc. So I would think this comes to US if it's not already there. If bike shops want to give Canyon customers worst service because they bought a bike from Canyon. They're thinking is so short sighted that I really worry for their business in the future.
Do you push customers with other bike brands to the back if they didn’t purchase from your shop, or do you single out the obvious direct to consumer product (Canyon)?
nope because as I said in the video if they are buying other brands from other stores they are still supporting the local retailer ecosystem, and not supporitng the business model of direct to consumer
I’m an electrician, its my own company. Should I ask more money from people who didn’t hire me to wire their new house when they get in trouble? Or does that not sound the ssme to you? Not flaming, but in my opinion thats kinda bs man..
Okay. Your a electrician. Your not selling wires that is your main source of business. Your main source is labor and servicing. My main supply of income is retail bike selling, so if all companies followed suit and started going consumer direct we wouldn’t be able to stay in business. Does that make sense?? People will say it’s like buying a bike from another store but no because they are still supporting the same retail eco system
GC Performance I really understand. But they already bought another bike from someone else, or online. You already missed out on a sale. Dont you think its better then to provide a great service so those people will also come to you for everything. If you do this with like 10 people, and ask normal prices and amazing service, one of them will one day buy a bike or spare parts or something?
Little confused on the feeling and would love some clarification. I go to my LBS all the time for different bits of gear, shoes, lights, and help with my current bike. I didn’t buy the bike from them however. Should I be feeing like I shouldn’t be bringing my bike in to get a fit or help since I didn’t buy the bike from them? Should I only feel fully comfortable bringing any bike into a LBS if I bought a bike directly from that shop?
Best video by far as a business point of view about canyon selling direct to consumers. I understand where he comes from, I'm just lucky I know how to work on bikes so I don't have to go to my local bike shop to get my bike fixed except for buying parts or accessories.
I've bought bikes from bike shops and directly from the manufacturer including Canyon. I do most of my own mech work but if I bring a bike into a shop for service and I didn't buy the bike there I would expect to get charged even for little things. I maintain a relationship with a local shop for 17 years. They've worked on all my bikes if I don't want to service it myself without any issues. They won't charge me more for a bike bought elsewhere. I've brought in a whole grouppo to my shop and they installed it on a frameset without upcharge. The key is to maintain a good relationship with a shop so they won't nickel and dime you.
There is no need for brick-and-mortar stores, unless you are in an emergency. For eg. you are in Moab, UT for a MTB trail ride, and you crash and you need new brake levers , or a new wheel ASAP. Yes, in this case go to a brick-and-mortar stores to get the parts within the same day. Or maybe for maintenance if you are unable to service your bike. That's it. In any other scenario go online. If you have time to wait for the parcel to arrive, buy it online. I know the retail and trade prices in Evans Cycles stores in the UK. The 1500 GBP road bike is 1100 GBP at trade(employee) price. They put +40% on it just for taking the bike out of the box,and do a 10 min adjustment on it. That is a ripoff. Go online boiz.
yea but what if you want to try it out, or need a fit, ususally fits come free with new bieks where as a fit for someone who didnt buy a bike is 300 bucks or service for a quick rear der adjustment before the group ride.... there alot of pros for going into the shop and there not 40 percent anymore there pal.....
IMO, direct too consumer bikes Is a good business model. Helps gets bikes into customers hands easier with out having to drive hundreds of miles to a bike shop that has a specific model of bike or size that your trying to find. My LBS had no problem servicing my REI bike.
Honestly I feel like most “serious” cyclists should become their own mechanic. Buy all your maintenance products from your local shops to support them but once you know you’ll never not know how to work on your bike.
Funny how this video came up. I literally purchased the Canyon CF SL 8 Disc a few days ago. The next day I got an email saying my order has been canceled due to a technical issue with their website, and the bike isn’t available until Fall ‘21. So, I purchased a Madone SL6 from my local Trek Store, which was $300 more and will arrive in July. Am I bummed I won’t be getting carbon wheels? Yes. But, if I’m not mistaken, the Bontrager carbon fairing wheels are still lighter. My shop also offered a full tune up/service within the first year of owning it. That alone is worth at least $300 to me, and I can speak to an actual person right away rather than dealing with someone on the phone and email. I’m happy with my purchase.
thats what I am saying!!!!! congrats on the new bike but also like you said, there is somehwere were you can go to get answers instead of waiting for answers also the freework and knowledge u will get will be well worth the extra money
Here is my take, I over the years I have supported my local bike shop. To me Canyon is Shaking up things, they sell very good looking bikes the pros win races on canyons, the prices or are really!!!!! Enticing at least to me, a mean I am sitting here typing looking at my late 2019 trek Madone SLR project one that cost more than this top canyon Aeroad. I am going like maybe I should have waited for this Aeroad! But out of all the aero bike bikes I have tested my Madone SLR is more of a comfortable ride and is pretty fast. I agree with support of local bike shop, but to be honest it’s really hard to look pass canyons bikes because they make really good looking bikes and the prices are just mind blowing. I would love to test ride one. Trek, specialized, cannondale. Need to work on offering great products for more reasonable prices. Now a days bike are getting and more expensive from the bigger brands $13000 for a bike now a days is kinda pushing the limits I am willing to spend On a bike. The big brands needs to get it together with these prices! Maybe canyon will get them to rethink their approach.
I bought a second hand bike from an online auction. And when I asked my LBS how much will it cost to replace the cables and bar tape, they qouted me ~$200. Cables arent even internal! Insane. Thats why I studied maintenace from youtube videos.
All shops that sell specialized make 35% on a bike. Specialized really cuts their shops and dealers. But they have to sit on over 160k of inventory minimum order. Only about 56k profit assuming they sell all of the bikes, they make their money off services. Specialized doesn't help their retailers much other brands give better margins.
@@DanTuber it's not bad but think about it running costs. You're paying someone's salary, that bike sits as inventory for a while, plus your lease on the shop property.
So if I went to my LBS and wanted to order a $5,000 Roubaix Expert and they say I still have to pay full price (over $300) for the fit are they gouging me? I might as well get the Canyon Endurace SL8 for $4,000 pay full price for the set-up and Im still $700 ahead. If they weren’t greedy on the fit or even charged 1/2 price if I bought the bike there I may want to support them more.
shittttt I mean it is there call for the fit thing but I mean full prioce doesnt sound crazyu right now but I mean maybe the 300 is for the retul fit that is like 3-4 hours then u are paying the correct price for it btu maybe just ask for a basic fit or like a bike sizing
I get where your coming from. Bike shops can't stay in business on servicing alone, they need those sales. I think shops would do well to sweeten the deal on their sales by offering something like a 3 year servicing warranty when selling the bike. This will either keep them coming back in which case they'll likely buy some accessories on most return visits, or they don't come back but you still sold a bike a slightly higher price due to the assurances of the warranty. I personally enjoy working on my bikes so don't go to shops for service unless I need wheels trued or something else that need advanced equipment, but if I didn't like fixing my bike having a servicing agreement with the LBS would be a huge factor in my choice of bikes.
@GC Performance I recall a friend of mine in movie theater management telling me that (this is FEW years ago) your local movie house makes money off concessions, not tickets. That said, is that same applied to LBS in which repair and service is the bulk of business? I've read articles that speak of big brands cutting the margins on bikes to almost pennies for the LBS's share, and having exclusive our brand only contracts that further rob you of opportunity. Thoughts?
who knows, we have to wait and see how they go about it, because the whole beenfit to a consumer direct brand is the price cuts, but right now there is no discount, but I am sure that is going ot change for the people who buy direct
Okay, thanks. I’m torn between the 2. I like both brands. It now comes done to value. Seems like Cannondale is a better value. Again, thank you for your opinion.
This is kind of a touchy topic. There is a good deal of industry protectionism in place that prevents competition online. So I get why people are pissed at the industry as a whole. With that being said, I have to agree with GC here. I priced out a Canyon and once I added shipping and customs fees it really wasn't enough of a savings for me to feel worthwhile. I purchased from a local Specialized dealer, and sure enough, they did additional install labor for free for modifications I wanted. It was a win/win as far as I'm concerned, and more of a relationship.
yea and alot of times shops will work with you on fits being included with the purchase and also service and also any other items installed if you buy fromm them so sometimes you get the same discount just not on paper
I get that brick and mortar shops aren’t huge fans of the direct to consumer model. It’s pretty obvious why they’d prefer for people to come to them rather than buying a bike online. But with that said, companies like Canyon seem to be offering great build quality, highly appealing designs and excellent component sets for very fair prices. Scoffing at someone who comes into your store just because they bought a bike that can only be purchased directly from the manufacturer online is a really shitty way to treat customers. It’s the shop owners’ responsibility to offer competitive pricing, good selection and quality service. If a customer found a bike they love from a company which only does direct sales, that’s just business. I think it’s great to patronize local shops but only if that’s what’s best for you as the customer. If the local shop costs significantly more, doesn’t carry certain bikes that you really want to buy, has poor service, etc, that’s the fault of the shop, not the customer. So if I go into a shop looking to have maintenance or changes made on a bike that I bought online, only to get a shitty attitude from the employees and then to get nickel and dimed for the most minor things, I’m going to be searching for a new shop. You risk losing a customer completely just because they bought a bike that you aren’t selling. It’s such a stupid strategy. That customer might have spent thousands on gear, accessories, services or even other bikes over the next few years. Offering that person stellar service, despite not making their initial purchase at your shop is the best possible way to convince them to buy from you in the future. Acting shitty is the best way to ensure they never will. Of course it sometimes makes sense to prioritize the customers who have already spent a lot of money in your store but you should probably be trying to win this person over, rather than pushing them away. I own a lot of guns. My favorite local gun shop started off as the place where I’d go to complete the transfers for guns that I had purchased online. But the shop gave me such excellent service and treated me like a valued customer so I started regularly buying guns straight from them and sometimes even asking them to find me a specific gun that I wanted but they didn’t have in stock, despite the fact that I could have just ordered one online. I went from spending $15-25 per visit for transfer fees to spending hundreds or even a couple thousand per visit just because I like those guys and they treated me like a valued customer.
My 2ct.. If you´re into bike riding (no matter if RB, gravel, MTB...) deep enough to ride bikes that cost 2k upwards, I´d expect you to be able to do all the common/frequent setup/maintenance/replacement works by yourself. And if not, if you´re new into biking and go for a costly bike to start, just learn how to do it. So, just to get a drive adjustment or some spoke screwing for free, paying reasonable more money at a local shop "in advance" isn´t worth it at all. My personal exception: My enduro gets a professional checkup every few months, due to increased wear off load and a reasonable higher need for reliability when riding downhill. Therefor I bought my MTB at LBS and go for their service frequently. But my gravel bike (Canyon) has never seen a professional workshop after purchase, just no need for it. And for the LBS: If they see themselves as bike dealers with additional maintenance service for their products, they´re not my shop of choice anyway. I´d expect a good workshop to be exactly that: Seeing themselves as a high quality professional workshop offering maintenance service as such, of course with pricing that fits their effort. No matter where the bike was bought. My tip: Buy your clothing, protection gear and whatever you need at LBS, just to make yourself a "seen face" over there. If you need some repair service then, just go progressive with asking and adressing - "it´s a Canyon bike, any problem with it"?
I have purchased bikes from a couple of local shops and two from Canyon. In my experience the Canyons were delivered in perfect operating condition and only required saddle and stem hight adjustments. You just can’t beat Canyon on price at any given range. You get a lot more for your money. You really need to know your fit before ordering from them as their sizing is a bit different from other major brands. That said I am a former master auto tech and do all of my own work on my bikes so I don’t ever have to take my bikes to a shop for repair.
dammmm then this is the ordering style for you..... canyon for sure gives the best value right nwo for bikes and plus haveing mvdp on them for marketing is killing it....
Disclosure: I'm the owner of a 2019 Canyon Aeroad (MoviStar colors replica). In my opinion the only reason that a shop will have any animosity towards you buying a canyon, it's because they failed to make a profit on the sales. The same thing that if I bought a Cannondale because I liked the bike but my local shop it's a Specialized Dealer. My bike components are the same as all the other bikes ( Shimano Ultegra DI2 Hydraulics) and even though most of the things I can do myself, I always make sure to take the bike to the shop in order to support my local shop. I pay the labor and try to always buy something under $20 every time I take the bike. If you buy your bike in a shop, do you have a lifetime warranty in the labor? (no sarcasm, seriously asking) because at some point you are going to start paying for your maintenance. Before I bought my bike I had paid to have my old bike professionally fitted , based on my measurements the shop who did the fitting recommended the size, and it was spot on. Once I received it I went back and paid to have it fitted. I just change my brake pads and paid the shop to do it. I could've ordered them online , spend time watching some videos and do it myself, it would've taken me a long longer but hey it would have been free, instead I paid the mechanic because we all need to make a living. Shunning people because they didn't bought the bike from you it's bad business and also you will be a jerk if you buy a bike online and take it to the shop expecting the labor to be free, or miss-use the time of any their employees.
no not at all you are not going to get free mechanical work forever but I would always hook up my top tier consumers with work if it is easy enough, but it is not like buying a cannondale or something like that from another store, because at that point you are still supporting our ecosystem of retail shopping and retail brick and mortor bicycle shops, when you buy canyon you are souly supporting the idea of consumer first delas and wanting to get rid of the retail shops, (which there is no problem I mean everyone wants a deal and wants to pay the least amount of money) but canyons idea is to get rid of all reetailers and sell strait to consumers....... which would mean no more shop for me... and alot of other bicycle shop owners feel the same way... nothing personal to you, I understand why people buy canyons just my opinions on the matter
So i live in a village and the local bike shop/ sports store recomends me buying online. And they will do all the maintenance for normal proce. Cause they have a set maintenance price.
Canyon were very helpful with my bike as I needed a longer stem and I sent it back to get a new part that I needed. I’ve got such a great bike and never want to say goodbye to it
I just bought a $2000 hardtail from Canyon and I looked online at other brands and none of them came close on the spec for the same price. Anything with the same setup was almost $3000. My local bike shop guys are cool and will help no matter where you buy from. Of coarse when ever I go in for a small favor i make sure I buy something from them.
yea I mean no one can touch canyon when it comes to there prices and what u get for bang for th ebuck and thats awesome about the shop helping you, I mean I am not saying everyone is going to be an asshole but you get the jist of what I was saying, congrats onthe new bike man and have fun
@@GCPerformance18 I get it for sure, I would feel the same if I owned my own shop. Thanks, this is my first higher end bike and so far I'm loving it. Big difference from a $700 or $800 bike.
What’s your opinion on people who home mechanic. I used to take my bike to my LBS for everything, now I do it for fitting the BB and sometimes internal routing. I do this to save money as sometimes they charge me £20 for a bar tape wrap.
yea thats awesome, i think its great traits for people to learn how to maintain there bieks at home, but for some people having all those tools or gear at there house doens work because of space or income or even time. but if you can.... more power to you :))
I recently bought a canyon but go into my local shop for any issues. They're super cool helping me out and I will definitely consider buying from them next time around. Except, if I go with the Aeroad.
very nice and good to hear, Yea majority of times no one si gonna give you a hard time with what you spend your money except maybe bust your balls but thats it
Bicycle centres sold me a Tarmac Sl2 comp without sizing and i don't think even tune up. They were about to close for the day. At least it worked and i still have the bike... But i don't felt the 1 to 1 relationship. At least they gave me good price
yes, and I am sorry for this, I have heard this before and i cant control every store, but there are also stores out there (like me) who would go the extra mile if i had the wrong size bike in stock or now the right model u were looking for to not sell you the bike, I would literally tell customers to not buy the bike becuase it si the wrong size even though the fell in love with the way the bike looked and it was in front of them...... becuase i know from being in business I am going to havbe to see that customer over and over again for service and I want that relationship with them. there will always be shitty versions of everything for every instance, even online sales, you might have an amazing time buying a bike from canyon where as another consumer might have there bike shipped wrong size or broken and they have a shit time with it.......
The problem is at least in my area - bike shops got tons of either very cheap bikes (low quality components, etc.) or few expensive 5-10k bikes that rarely sells. When I ask them for a more specific bike in a range ~2k eur (from the brands they are selling) - they say they don't have it and can't order it (although official websites of the brand says they have bikes in stock and can deliver in 1-2weeks); And I was ok with paying extra for their work (assembling the bike) and their share of doing the business (100-200eur extra). But oh well, such behavior slowly pushes me towards buying a bike from the brand directly (even saw a nice Canyon, but it is OOS now), and learning to manage bike myself :) Well at least there are few services in my city who has clear price lists and the tasks they do, so this makes it a bit easier (basically people who ONLY fix the bikes, but they don't sell them - these are usually older people who are already retired (they were working in bike business themselves), and they do their job nicely :) );
I understand the point you‘re making and agree that it‘s quite unfortunate for local shops that they don‘t have the opportunity to profit from Canyon sales. What I don‘t understand is why they don‘t use the situation to their best - imagine a bike shop that openly says „we give you the best service for your Canyon bike you‘re going to get in the whole area.“ We‘re charging for it and don’t give out freebies but we will take care of you the very best we can. People who buy Canyon pay less than at other brands but it’s still quite some money and I would assume most do really care about their bike and therefore probably are happy to pay for excellent service (which they don‘t get from Canyon themselves!). Bike shops could essentially become a local go-to address for canyon people and with the whole canyon community thing news would probably spread fast that that‘s the place to go ..
@@GCPerformance18 I assume "they" is Canyon? If so, would you really need them in the beginning? Sure, you won't be able to fix something like a broken fork or other frame-related issues, but most other parts used in the bikes are off-the-shelf parts from Shimano, SRAM, Continental etc. So even without a Canyon partnership you could repair/align/change everything related to the non-frame parts (which I would assume is a majority of the issues people may have with their bikes?) Or am I totally missing something important?
We don’t have any problem here in Indonesia, canyon is ok here many mechanics and store are able to handle. We enjoy canyon here and always love canyon aerod superb no doubt.
I don’t expect special treatment for bringing in a Canyon bike for service but I certainly wouldn’t want, or deserve, to be treated less than the next guy who bought a Specialized. It’s not only poor customer service but it’s business suicide. Service is a revenue stream (auto dealers live through their service bays) and good word of mouth is priceless.
Yea I understand and we won’t treat you any different. But our service isn’t bread winner. There are too many stores around us. We wouldn’t be able to survive off service alone. Miami is so saturated with bike dealers there are like 5 within like 20miles of each other
Couln't an independent bike shop offer last-mile delivery for Canyon bikes? You have it sent to the bike shop they charge you to assemble it and then you've established a relationship with the customer, even if they have skipped over your store for purchasing the bike.
you could but majority of people who buy them call with an attitude sayinng the bike is already put together and why do I have to charge for that or this....... its all dependent on the consumer and how they want to act in the situation.... we tell them our standard fee for building bikes and some are okay and some not so much
@@GCPerformance18 I suspect your right since the core customer for Canyon is going to be at least somewhat experienced cyclists, who know a bit about maintenance already. I have heard that in my city the Velofix franchisee does this. Given that we have super harsh and long winters I'm willing to bet that it's become an important pre-season source of income for him. I bet that it would be a relatively low acquisition cost for a shop that was in a large center or somewhere cycling is exceptionally popular.
I myself like Canyon Bikes. I agree with you in regards to the quality, technology and their marketing process. I think if you’re a self do it bike mechanic or somewhat mechanically incline then go for it. I know how people would feel when your local bike would treat you that way because I’ve been there. At first I say to myself WTF, then you gotta look at it from the business point of view. I see it from both sides. My message is it’s ok to buy online, but you also need to support your local bike shop. You’re local bike shop is great place for camaraderie and you’re local economy...
yea thats all im saying, just look from both sides, but I can totally see it from a consumer stand point and plus the bikes look sharp so its not that hard to choose.
Recently got my Trek Emonda from a LBS. Waited over a year for it. To me it’s not a cheap bike. I bought some aftermarket upgrades for the stem, handlebar and wheels and I asked them to set everything up for me. They told me it’ll take a week. Just threw me to the back of the line because I didn’t order my wheels through them. Buying my next bike from Canyon.
damn that sucks and I am sorry to hear that, I cant say for every shop but I mean if you bought the ibke form us I would take care of it while u waited, the bars and stem if it is internal it would take a day but would be a priority
If I'm honest I like my local bike shop and all but I think that canyons marketing strategy of being direct to consumer is a good marketing strategy. The money they would be putting into moving the bikes to a retailer advertising them to retailers and pushing for retailers and local bike shops to sell them is money that they just put into marketing through gcn or another medium. it's really smart that they do that but I don't necessarily think they are miles ahead of competition just because of that one fact. I have a feeling I just putting money from different places. And being direct consumer it frees up latitude to effectively cut out the middleman. And at the end of the day these are still companies so I really feel like they are out to benefit their bottom line as opposed to anyone elses bottom line. Similarly I think specialized or Trek are also out to benefit their bottom line but they're doing it a different way and that just involves a local bike shop
In terms of my opinion on local bike shops some shop specialize in different things and I think that also matters some shops are purely mint shops and I've also been to bike shops that emphasize their fitting and their bike buying over repairs and I think that also makes a difference. Depending on the gradient of services that are offered at each bike shop canyon will impact them differently
My question is, do I continue to wait for my trek domane I ordered, and is so far 3 months delayed on delivery, or do I get my money back and buy a canyon?
I mean for sure you can do that, they are nice bikes and you will still get service but if something ever fails on that bike then you have to wait and you are at there discretion where as a shop that you bought as bike from will do everything they can to fix that problem right then and there for you maybe even getting you loaner parts
My local specialized bike shop is awesome. When you buy a tube, they install it for free. Kind of like discount tire when they patch it for free. I ended up buying a $2500 from them this year. Pretty happy supporting them.
I think Canyon is a deal and a half. And although shops prefer you to buy from them cause naturally they make a bigger profit. But business is business and repair and maintenance of the Canyon is still business. As a shop though I expect them to prioritize bikes that people bought from the shop. Its the right thing. Thats what comes with buying from the shop, extra special treatment for loyalty. People, if you live in or near Long Beach Ca, check out 3H cycling in Artesia CA.
Treat everyone with respect and help as many people as you can and eventually the money will come. When you buy a bike from a shop you typically get a year of free service. After a year you are going to pay just like someone who didn't buy a bike from your shop.
i agree with you 100%, i support my good bike shops as they treat me well. there is a few shops i wont support, in saying that looking at tri bikes it is insane, how they Canyon has supported a few of the biggest long distance tri folks
my opinnion they are very similar to specialized bikes, there bikes have looked similar to the epics, stumpjumpers, and tarmacs, just me personally but I know there new xc bike is insane and people do seem to love there newer bikes, but I will do some more homework on them and maybe do a video later
I ride a 2018 Orbea Avant and absolutely love it. It's carbon fiber, but not top of the line, Ultegra mechanical. Directly comparable to the Roubaix Comp ($3,600) and Domane SL6 ($3,800). I picked mine up as a model year leftover for well over $1k less than the Trek or Specialized. It does not have any of the suspension 'features' that the Spec or Trek have, but it is a solid endurance bike that I have put thousands of miles on without any issues.
Right but I could have sworn I saw it at a $7000 on the website few days ago now it’s $7200 maybe I’m losing my mind. Keep up the good work man Lloyd the content.
I live in Kansas and any local bike shops here don't have any idea what "Fitting" is. You walk into a bike store and they say "does that fit for you?" LMFAO!
READ THIS: I know a bike shop for years and the owner knows me, well I walked in when he wasn't there and explained what I was looking for and willing to spend some money. The manager said he will call me and gave me and quote of $12,500 that was fine. I went back to the store after 4 days because the owner was there. Remember the manager never called me. The manager sitting there said nothing so I spoke to the owner and told him and trust him about buying a road bike he recommended the Cervelo s5 I said ok, he said I will call you. Never did its been 3 days. So I called him today and asked about the Pinarello Dogma, he said I will call you later today. Didn't call back! Is this a poorly run business or am I anxious? I look at this way it takes a matter of minutes to find information from their suppliers right? Or at least call me back and say I am waiting for a response.
this is horrible, and I hjate to say this but there are shitty people or shitty stores in every line of business, even if they cant get you the product they should have gave u an answer up front and said, "i dont have anything for you" or "we have this coming in very soon" but if you came in to my store with money like that wanting to buy I would do everything in my power to help you from start to finish....... customer service sometimes gets forgote, I had the same experience when trying to buy my tile for my house and i could not get any help dropping 12,000, I had to load the tile on my cart myself and then I asked for help in my car and they wouldn't even come out to help me...... this world is becoming shitty and no one wants to work anymore, they are too entitled
Just curious, whats your take on Diamondback? They are D2C, based in USA...bigger on the MTB side than Road. They get a ton of exposure from seth bike hacks & eric porter
For the cost of a service it's worth learning how to do most things yourself. Trueing a wheel or servicing hydraulic brakes may be a stretch for some , still easy to do if you take your time and watch youtube, but everything else is easy to learn and do. Buying tools may cost a bit but will save you in the long run. My LBS has a 3 week wait on a full service, they are doing well to have so much custom.
yea you are right it does not hhurt to do this stuff and for bikes it is not as complicated as peoiple think, but some people do not have the free time to tinker or to try these thigns and mess it up, we are similar and we have like a week to 2 week turn around. I even have to send some poeple who can not wait to other stores because we are so backe dup
Considering how affordable they are they are nice and I rather get a canyon over any bike from a bike shop based off the price alone but that treatment by bike shops is kinda annoying but I get where y’all are coming from I work at a car dealer and they do the same thing. I don’t want to be treated differently because I bought a certain brand tho like that’s unfortunate but either way I go to a community shop for my repairs. Then the questions is can I be certain they know what they doing lol
Please read. While I can empathise with you, I can't agree with your thinking or views. At the heart of this contentious issue, is the debate of traditional brick-and-mortar retailers verses online retailers, and more specifically in this case, the direct sales method of direct-to-consumer verses indirect sales method of channel/reseller. One thing is quite clear: online selling and direct-to-consumer has and continues to become more and more prevalent over time, particularly amongst startups, but also increasingly with well established companies/brands. We see this in other industries, such as fashion, other sports, health and wellbeing, home furniture, homewares, electronics and more, and if they are not exclusively selling direct-to-consumer, then instead a hybrid strategy of both direct-to-consumer and channel/resellers (Specialized for example). This is being facilitated by the rise and advancements in digital: e-commerce, mobile technology, social media, influencer marketing, simplification of systems and better integration (ERP and CRM for example), automation and artificial intelligence, big data + insights + analytics. The vast majority of consumers enjoy and want to buy direct. This cannot be shunned, or else you risk becoming outdated and possibly irrelevant simply for failing to embrace and/or adapt to the preferences and demands of consumers. There is a boom in consumers buying bicycles and bicycle components/accessories/clothing online, especially during these times as businesses and consumers try to adapt and find a new 'normal' to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are strictly a traditional brick-and-mortar bike shop, then as time goes by, it will only become harder to compete and survive in the marketplace. Because it is inevitable that there will always be some bike brands which only sell direct-to-consumer (or a hybrid of both direct-to-consumer and channel/reseller), this is something which ALL bike shops have to contend with and face. It is unavoidable no matter what you do. With this in mind, if a customer came into the shop with a Canyon bike, the pragmatic and smart thing to do from a business standpoint would be to accept their custom and to treat that customer the same as any other customer who comes into the shop with a bike of a different brand that was sold via a bike shop, and to serve that customer without any prejudice, discrimination or refusal. Why? Because if you choose not to serve them (or you serve them but intentionally provide unequal or below par service), then they will simply go to a bike shop that will, and ultimately you will have lost out on a customer and their money to another bike shop. There will always be a proportion of customers owning bikes which were sold direct-to-consumer, and therefore a market of consumers who will require the ongoing professional services of a bike shop for fit, maintenance and upgrades. This is therefore an opportunity and source of additional revenue, potentially for the long-term if you treat that customer right. Why refuse additional business? How is that good business sense? Canyon and other direct-to-consumer bike owners are not subtractive to your potential revenue, they are additive. Bike shops with this type of mentality are only being blinded by their own senseless pride and principles. If retail sales of in-store bikes is being eroded by the online sales and direct-to-consumer sales of competitors, you have to accept this and find ways to adapt and compete. You can't just stand still and say no. That would be your demise. I recently bought my first Canyon bike - an Inflite CF SL 6 cyclocross. I can at the very least agree with you that it is amazing quality and value. Canyon is a perfect example of a company doing direct-to-consumer right, as evidenced by their record sales growth of 30% in the fiscal year 2019-2020. Personally, I have never needed to take my bikes to a bike shop for fit, maintenance or upgrades, as I just buy the required tools and parts online and learn to do it properly myself. I don't think I will ever need the assistance of a bike shop.
yes I get where you are ocming form online selling to consumers is great and it wokrs and everyone thinks that they are getting a great deal now, but what happens when these companies start to dominate the market and everything goes direct to consumers..... the convience that yoiu are having now might begreat but what is stopping them to start treating consumers like the retailers they were working with..... start raising prices because there is no more competeition, not answering consumer help when needed because they dont need to or they are so back logged they cant get any help, take away a direct phone line and only make it email and not get a respnse for 2 week slike th ebike industry does now and your stuck without a biek because you have a warranty issue that your scared to ride the bike untill you hear anything different....... thats all im saying
@@GCPerformance18 I understand your concerns, I really do, but it is not the reality of the direct-to-consumer model, and likely would never be for the vast majority of successful direct-to-consumer businesses. In actual fact, direct-to-consumer provides benefits which are the exact opposites of all the concerns you raised: • 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Unless a monopoly occurs whereby all bike manufacturers that exist in the world merges into one multinational mega-conglomerate (which is highly unlikely to happen due to competition/anti-trust laws), there will always be competition within the market. Canyon still has to complete against other D2C businesses in the sector, as well as businesses selling via a hybrid direct and indirect sales model, and conventional online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Canyon would not deliberately inflate their prices and price themselves out of the market, as that would most certainly lead to a loss of customers and sales - consumers would go elsewhere. Direct-to-consumer is not anti-competitive. It simply cuts out the middle entities (i.e. wholesaler, distributor, retailer) within the vertical which are largely irrelevant to the manufacturer in distributing, marketing and selling their goods, and to the consumer in purchasing and obtaining the manufacturer's goods. In doing so, Canyon benefits from higher margins per product sold, while at the same time being able to keep prices as low as possible for consumers. It is a win-win for both the manufacturer and consumer. • 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱: So far this hasn't happened. The other week, I contacted Canyon support via their online chat. There was no queue and I was immediately put through to a representative. I had a specific query about thru axle compatibility and whether a conical/concave or flat washer would need to be used between the thru axle's fixing bolt and the bike frame. I was explaining to him why this had me confused (because the thru axle holes in the frame are slightly bevelled as if being able to accept a conical washer) and while I was explaining, he physically went to retrieve and check the same Canyon bike frame and also consulted the specifications. He was quickly able to give me a definitive answer. You might think that D2C adversely impacts customer engagement and experience, but this isn't true. In contrast to indirect sales/retailers, the opposite is true. With D2C, manufacturers have more direct control over their brand and products. They have a direct connection with their customers (and conversely customers with them) and so they can more quickly and directly acquire customer insights to drive product improvement and development. Customer engagement, experience and satisfaction is increased, not decreased. • 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: I work for a European wide e-commerce B2B and B2C company where I manage an internal support team. Externally, businesses and customers can obtain support for our products/services via phone, email or chat. The general trend is that many online businesses are moving away from traditional phone support and more towards omnichannel support/experience, mobile, real-time, call-backs, chat, machine learning and AI. You make an assumption that phone support is the superior communication medium in providing the most effective and satisfactory customer support, but this is not necessarily the case. Have you ever called a customer support line, then have to go through multiple Interactive Voice Response keypress options, then be placed on hold for what feels like an eternity, while possibly being bounced around between support reps/agents when you finally do get through? How does that experience compare to email or chat support? Phone support is not always the most efficient and productive customer support method. There are many factors involved when considering a customer support strategy for any business and its customers, but what is most important is real-time (or near real-time) communication and the timely and satisfactory resolution of the customer's query/issue, regardless of the method used. At present, Canyon provide phone, chat and email support. They are quick, have good product knowledge and provide good service. Also, there is only so much which Canyon can assist customers with over the phone, chat or email, and inevitably there will be certain issues which can only be seen to and resolved by a bike mechanic in-person. This isn't something that is specific to Canyon however, as the same applies to all other bike manufacturers regardless of whether their bikes are sold online or at a physical retailer, and regardless of whether they are sold directly or indirectly. --- Having said all of the above, not every D2C business will be perfect and there will be some exceptions. A D2C business could raise their prices unfairly, or not provide effective and timely customer support, or remove phone support in favour of email or other support method(s). However, not every online retailer or brick-and-mortar retailer which sells to consumers will be perfect either, and they too could have high and unfair prices, fail to provide adequate support and service to their customers, and have a lack of phone or other support. The concerns you raised are not prevalent amongst D2C businesses, nor are they specific to the D2C sector either. They can be present at any type of business which sells to consumers, including bike shops. It's a contentious and conflicting dilemma, I know 😅. You seem to be very knowledgeable and good at what you do, and you seem to really like the Canyon brand and can see the value in their products, but at the same time wary about how D2C could impact retail sales of bikes right now and into the future. Bike shops shouldn't feel that they are are automatically entitled to a slice of a bike manufacturer's sales revenue simply because they are a bike shop, regardless of what the cycling product is. Bike shops shouldn't feel bitter about it either. Canyon can choose how they want to market and sell their own products (whether direct, hybrid or indirect) in the way which works best for them and the consumer. The reality is, where once the third-party wholesaler, reseller and retailer were vital to the operations and success of manufacturers in being able to market, distribute and sell their products to consumers (especially before the existence of e-commerce), times have moved on, and with the rise of digital, digital transformation and vertical integration, retailers are less vital to manufacturers in the way that they used to be, and in many cases they are unnecessary. I subscribed by the way. 😉
I bought an Aeroad (v2) in 2018 based off of the Tour Magazine independent wind tunnel and seatpost deflection test data. Love that bike more than my Propel or Madone. Not sure if this new one (v3) is actually better. They say 240g lighter but it’s listed as 60g heavier with the same build kit. The proprietary stem means you can’t change to different handlebars ever and there is only 15mm of stack adjustment. They’ve made the bike much stiffer which means it will be less pleasant to ride. The wheels are mismatched model years of DT Swiss with skinny wheel up front and wide wheel in back (good luck ever selling them).
Also they raised the price $500 in 2019, $500 in 2020, and now $1000 for 2021. They’re getting within negotiating distance of a Specialized and they no longer offer free shipping. It’s not quite the deal it was three years ago.
yea I notcied that with the price that they are pretty close to the price in terms of high end I mean its still 3 grand but if you have 9 grand then you can probably figure out a way to get more for the sworks, also that is crazy about the wheels I didnt even notice they did that and yes with aero bikes become more stiff and might make it a fast bike but very bumpy.... again I have not rode this model yet. and only 15mm of stack is crazy. I wonder why so little
hey ,gc performane, i am a huge fan of you from china,i have been following you content for quite a long time.Your content is pretty useful.My first road bike was a venge expert bought from new york toga,i think the stuff are pretty cool and i dont feel any uneasiness.After gettting my degree in the us i came back to china.I was considering buying a sl7 sworks in LBS, but the stuff here is pretty impatient, they are pretty eager to sell their bikes in stock even one of the stuff recommended a 49 frame bike to me where i definitely know my size is 52.This shits over me and i went to other specialized dealer to land the deal.I def think good service and hospitality is the key to business success in ccycling industry!Dont ever. be short-sighted.Potential customers are everywhere
On the one hand, I can understand. But not on the other. Bicycles today have become so special in terms of their geometry, appearance and frame structure. If a retailer just doesn't have the right models, I have to buy it somewhere else, especially if I live in the country and don't have another shop nearby. In addition, I have had extremely bad experiences with bike shops myself. Which of course does not have to apply to every other shop.
I can see that I mean the variables are not that god because of the reason that each shop is different, but I mean this can also go with online experiences with not getting the size that you thought you wanted hard to get in contact for setting up returns and then getting the product and not being happy with it
