Bike shops, department stores, discount stores, general sports stores, online stores and average people are all trying to sell bicycles. The choice of where to go is sometimes obvious, such as if you need a bike badly but don't have a lot of cash. However, if you have a choice, you have to evaluate the pros and cons of each. While options like buying a used bike from the guy down the street or online have their advantages, the traditional bike shop has a lot going for it as well.
Economy
Those people who work at the bike shop don't commute in from two states away. If you buy a bike at a local bike shop, much of that money ends up circulating through the local economy. It pays the employees, who use their pay for rent, food and entertainment in the area.
Local Knowledge
A local store with smart, long-time employees will have a better idea of what sort of conditions local bikers face. BicycleShops.us notes they will have more appropriate gear in stock. A local shop can also evaluate what type of bike would be best for you, given your preferences and local terrain.
Proper Fit
As long as the bike shop employees know what they're doing, they can properly fit and adjust a bicycle to you on the spot. You don't have to guess if the bike picture online is suitable for you; in a shop, you can sit on the bike then and there.
Tuned And Ready
The National Bicycle Dealers Association advises that if a discount store puts a bike together for you, there's the risk that the employee won't be very familiar with bikes, resulting in poorly adjusted components. A dedicated bike shop employee should put the bike together properly.
Selection
Depending on the store, the selection might be better than what you would find elsewhere. The size of the shop and the types of bikes it carries are factors. If you're looking for a rare type of bike, such as a particular model of folding bike, you might have more trouble finding it in a store.
Warranty
The warranty is another individual-store-dependent item, but it is possible that a bike shop will have better warranties. You will have to do some investigation to be sure, however.
Legitimacy
If you're looking at used bikes, there's less chance the bike you're considering is stolen if a reputable bike shop is selling it. Some cities don't require or don't enforce bicycle registration, so buying a used bike from a stranger might be risky.
Test Rides
You can't test ride a bike from an online or discount store before you buy it. With bike shops, you should be able to test something first before spending money.
Service
As BicycleShops.us points out, a bike shop can perform repairs. The bike shop you buy a bike from will also have more knowledge regarding the specific quirks of the model.
News
A local bike shop will be able to transmit biking news of interest to a community. Discount and department stores probably will not have any way to spread word of something that will affect cycling.
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