SMART move by a local bike shop -- others should pay attention

[DotGone]

14. Sounds like you want a custom commuter bike

Companies know that kickstands, seats, and pedals are the first things removed by the owner and replaced by what the owner likes. For bike shops, the enthusiasts are their clientele and the above applies to them. I know shops who will customize the bike for their customers but that's extra $$$.

2) Kickstands are evil, blood drawing devices. If you're just putzing around town, they may come in handy if you don't like laying the bike up against something or the ground. For mountain biking or road cycling, those things are waiting to impale themselves into your leg when you crash. There's also nothing like crashing when the kickstand comes down on a turn. It is also extra, useless weight for the gram watchers.

4) They do make mirrors that clip to eyeglasses, helmets, or can be attached to the handlebars. They don't include them since most people don't want them and if they do, they would have a preference of what type they want. Simple turn of the head does the same thing and let's drivers know (along with hand signals that drivers no longer understand) that you're about to make a turn.

5) Pretty much only people who commute in the rain want fenders. Roadies don't since they're extra weight and slows them down. Mountain bikers are gonna get dirty anyways.

6) I hate clip pedals but as I mentioned, pedals are the first things replaced so companies put cheap clip pedals on their bikes. Pedals are a personal thing and riders put their own on.

7) See 6. Seats also get replaced with one of the rider's preference.