Why Do We Sell Trek Bikes, Part 1
A long time ago I talked to Trek about selling their bikes, probably nearly 13 year ago. I got on well with Nigel the rep who was being promoted and new rep Tom from California.
Time has passed Nigel is the top man at Trek UK, very well thought of by the parent company, and Tom is head of UK customer services. If things are not right or we are in need of help I have a pretty direct line straight to the top.
For example we sold a bike that we have in stock and cannot find, it happens. Trek have sold out for the model year but Tom found me one and our customer received the bike he wanted.
Publication Date: 24/07/2010 18:26:25
A Proper Saturday
We love busy days and we have had one today, the branches reported it was a touch too busy at times. Sorry if we kept you waiting at all.
Now you may be suprised to learn but to a man (Denise was on a day off) I think all my staff enjoy the buzz of great days. They love selling bikes, all sorts of bikes, talking to customers and showing off our wares!
Today has ranged from a Raleigh Trike to a Trek Madone, with lots of interesting bits in between. Who knows if we have done a good enough job our trike customer may be returning for a Madone in 20 years time!
Publication Date: 24/07/2010 18:10:55
It's Electric
Unfortunately for sales volumes 'proper' electric bikes are still relatively expensive for the UK market. Now before anyone jumps on me from the industry I am looking at it from a Somerset perspective not someone who may give up the tube in London and save their train fares.
Consider me as a typical case, over 50, too busy to get much exercise, slightly overweight, and did I tell you much too busy. Getting going again can be seen as too much effort for normal cycling given that if you are like me you will want to do 1/2 an hour exercise at least.
Well I cycled the 12 mile distance between the two shops in 45 minutes wearing my work clothes, one cycle clip and a helmet. For those who don't know the trip it's 20 minutes by car using the speed camera avoiding motorway.
Do you want to cycle with your partner/mate/child who would normally go faster/further than you. Not with this electric bike they wont.
Come in and try it for yourself if I am not out using it myself
Publication Date: 17/07/2010 15:52:07
Time Flies
The UK cycle trade has changed so much in the last few years, we are now busy from March round to early January. This leaves about weeks of quiet time to rest recoup and update the web. Do you accept my excuse, probably not, it is a human resource issue which for those in business will understand as do I spend the money or not. My resolution, we will do better with one news item a week.
And what happened when I uploaded this item, a server error, aaaaagh!
Publication Date: 17/07/2010 15:31:40
Pashley City
www.TauntonTweedCycleChic.com visited so we had a photo shoot outside in the sunshine! From left to right Brian, Mrs Day, Mr Lewis, James, Adam, Jake and Perry.
Have a look at their site traditional bicycles, music, pubs and tweed.
Publication Date: 27/03/2010 13:37:42
Happy Endings
One of our customers, MF, sent in a great email thanking us for the advice we gave about keeping a record of his bikes frame number.
The bike was stolen and reported to the police. 4 months later MF spotted his bike locked up near his house, he rushed home to get his own lock, attached it to the bike and phoned the police.
The police,MF and the bikes new owner all turned up. The police confirmed the frame number but admitted they had never come across this situation before!.
MF now has his pride and joy back. The moral of the tale is always keep a note of your frame number and a picture of your bike, just in case!
Publication Date: 05/03/2010 11:19:16
Find Us On Facebook
To become a fan of The Bicycle Chain’s Facebook page just type “The Bicycle Chain” in the search box at the top of your Facebook page and then become a fan. We will update you with information regarding shop rideouts we are organising, special offers we have in the stores, open evenings or any thing else we think might be useful to you.
Hopefully see you on there.
Publication Date: 28/01/2010 17:35:24
Another Nights Sleep Ruined
The phone call I dread, it's 3am, 'hello your shop alarm has gone off in Bridgwater'.
This time it's the worst news, Mike has attended and the thieves have broken through the roof. Panic are they still in the building, the police arrive really quickly and unfortunately no thieves. Even better, nothing stolen BUT I have two sky lights broken, the rains coming in and I will not go home again tonight!
The thing that gets me, apart from the lost sleep, is that it was a pathetic attempted buglary and potentially lethal for the thieves as the roof is high and slippery with frost. What did they get NOTHING what have I got loads of work and it's a weekend as well.
So my thanks to my staff guys Steve and Mike for taking the call and attending. And thanks to the local police for such quick response and shoulder to cry on. No thanks to the .........
Still I have finished booking in the Raleigh parts and accessories!
Publication Date: 23/01/2010 07:00:14
The 2010 Dunkery Dash
The Dunkery Dash is a 101km (60) Audax ride from North Petherton Community Centre to Dunkery Beacon. It is organized by the Bridgwater Cycling Club and takes place on February 28th at 09.00. The event is very well organized and is an excellent kick starter for the cycling year ahead. Hot drinks and snacks are available at the start and hot soup and rolls at the finish. We have entry forms at the Bridgwater shop for anyone interested in taking part, alternatively contact Alan Windridge of the Bridgwater Cycling Club at
Alan Windridge
2 Gogs Orchard
Wedmore
Somerset
BS28 4BP
01934 712046
Email windridgefamily@tiscali.co.uk
Or pick up an entry form at the Bridgwater store
The cost to participate is £5 for fully paid up Audax UK members or £7 for non members.
If you can manage 101km (60m) or there abouts, then this event is definitely worth a look. We are more than happy to help any “first timers” that might need some advise on bike set up, kit, nutrition, clothing etc.
These links might be helpful
www.bridgwater-cycling-club.co.uk
www.aukweb.net/
Publication Date: 21/01/2010 17:35:16
Scam Website
There is a website pretending to be our company. They are advertising bicycles in US dollars, we do not sell products outside the UK and we only advertise in £s.
The scam works on customers greed. The bikes are cheaper than anywhere else and customers agree to send cash/Western Union because they want something for nothing. Problem is they will get nothing!
What is interesting is the lack of any form of help to shut this and their other sites down. I bet if I did something illeagal like double parking I would be fined straight away
Publication Date: 14/10/2009 15:09:00
