Not long ago, the second issue of Embrocation hit the newsstands. If you can get your hands on one, do it. Competitive Cyclist is an online source for the magazine.
In issue number two Jen Park, a very good friend of mine and
Seven’s, wrote a piece. She talked about all the bikes she's had in her life. She
writes, “Each bicycle represents a certain period in my life.” I’m sure a lot of people can relate.
The November issue of Bicycling magazine just arrived. I have to say that I don’t get as excited about reading it as I did 20-years ago. However, I was excited to see the November issue because Zac Daab wrote one of the articles. Zac used to work at Seven Cycles and now owns one of our best stores: Cascade Bicycle Studio in Seattle, Washington.
He told me he was working on the article a few months ago and was he was kind enough to ask for feedback. Because I know Zac well I knew that I would not be able to offer much—if any—insight. Zac is bright and thoughtful. He and I discussed the article and I knew it was going to be good.
The article is an overview of the bicycle Studio business model. He explains the many benefits to customers working with a studio. It is definitely worth reading.
Zac also provides a list of bike studios around the country—a helpful tool. I was glad to see that Seven Cycles works with eight of the eighteen studios on his list. Not bad.
Additionally, the three customers that Zac highlights as a diverse cross-section of studio customers are all Seven owners!
Of course, the more popular business model of the independent bicycle retailer that most customers know of is a great model for many customers and I don’t expect that to change. As Zac writes in his article:
“Studios tend to coexist with well-established, large-scale bicycle retailers… The bicycle studio may not be right for every cyclist. But it’s also true that the traditional bike shop isn’t best for every cyclist.”
Thanks, Zac, for helping cycling enthusiasts better understand their ever growing purchasing options; thanks for writing a great succinct article, and thanks for mentioning Seven.
