All this is kind of sad, I am old enough to remember when Melksham had 2 bike shops and Trowbridge had5, nearly all of which had franchises.
Anyone else remember Bill Steel Kawasaki in Waterworks Road?
When I was 15 it wasn't a case of being asked by classmates, IF I was getting a 'ped but what sort of 'ped, I was getting.
If it wasn't a FS1E or AP50 I was deemed a wuss .
Not getting one was unheard of and caused much pointing a laughing as the guy who couldn't handle the power LOL.
I have been a customer of Bob Missens in Melksham for over 32 years and have seen the business go from a shop with Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki franchises and a large selection of used bikes to the cycle shop and garden machinery store that it is today.
While Keith in Missens ALWAYS offered a 1st class service to his customers I think that the market place has changed and left these small shops behind.
For example, I am soon to be looking for a complete set of textile waterproof.
What would be the point of going to Missens or GSM? I will undoubtedly end up in Brizzol or Swindon in a superstore "showrooming" if not actually buying.
They are unlikely to have the range of products or sizes that I require and I would undoubtedly be able to find the same products cheaper online or from a large bike store such as Fowlers.
Similarly the Motorcycle manufacturers have moved their goalposts in terms of demands on and corporate identity for their dealers , often insisting on solos status which the small shops just can't justify.
If I wanted a new bike, I have to go to Bristol or Swindon
If I want a used bike what are the chances of a small dealer having what I want?
I went into Bishops of Bath a few months ago and was shocked at what I saw.
Once Bath's only Honda shop is now a used bike store with some rough dogs in the showroom :(
As "established" bikers we now, probably possess all the kit we are likely to need so don't use small shops and there are not the numbers of new, young riders as there once was to support these business.
Without a decent franchise, stock of quality used bikes and wide selection of gear in all the colours and all the sizes (at competitive prices) I fear that the small bike shop is really going to struggle and/or vanish.
Blame the manufacturers, blame the yoof of today for not embracing biking at 16, blame the Government for the volume of 16 year olds that are unemployed and can't afford a bike.
Blame the shop keepers for not moving with the times, all played a part.
All very sad but I don't see what the answer is.
Who else remember
Jack Plowrights in Trowbridge
Prospect Motorcycles in Trowbridge
Castle Court Motorcycles in Trowbridge
Bill Steels
Bob Missens in Trowbridge
Wiltshire Motorcycles in Melksham
Chequers in Chippenham
and Taylors?
think I'm getting old :(