...
Meanwhile elsewhere in Derby - another LBS closed down, Holts, positioned opposite the old Rolls Royce works, ideal in a time when so many rode to work, a bit of an oddity since. Recent additions - Two high end road bike shops. Two from the other end of the spectrum whose main business is second hand and repairs. A unit on an industrial estate specialising in repairs and servicing (Including building up and checking bikes bought online) A new Cycle Republic in the city centre offering the same sort of range as Samways used to. Another new LBS getting a reputation as the go to place for those interested in e-bikes. A bike parking and servicing center in the city (The attached bike shop and cafe didn't last). Plus another long established LBS that somehow manage to keep going, though I have no idea how. Then of course there's Mercian, who although my most local don't rely on locals.
I don't recognise all of these references. Holts, Mercian, Bikeworks (though they seem to be
selling bikes - new and used - again, which is news to me), Cycle Republic, Bike Back and the Bike Shop I know about.
And when I list them like that, I feel a lot less
about Samways. You're right, it's not all gloom.
But are there some in your list that I don't know? Who are the "Recent additions - Two high end road bike shops. Two from the other end of the spectrum whose main business is second hand and repairs."?
And who is the "long established LBS that somehow manage to keep going," (or is that The Bike Store on Monk St above?).
Things change.
Right again.