Seeking feedback - Bike Build Services? please read

[wadsy]

Hi all

Some of you are already aware of the fact, that at the moment I cannot work due to ill-health as a result of long-term health problems. I had to give up work about 3 years ago after struggling on for as long as I could. I have tried various things with the view to working from home at something I could manage to do. However nothing has, as yet been possible really.

Since trying to get back into doing a bit of cycling, (I probably have spent more time acquiring parts and doing builds than riding!) I have found that I have enjoyed the re-builds I have done, as and when my health allowed. (it originally started with the idea of a cheap run-a-round!) - I'm sure that sounds familiar.

Moving on from that I had the idea of the possibility of doing builds for other people who may not have the time that I do. I know that for many the build is as much of the fun and appeal as the riding, however I also know that others simply have too many other demands and pressures!

I wanted to ask if a) people thought there was mileage in this idea and b) if people would be willing to pay for the service(s).

If there proves to be demand then I would propose to offer various services. Including; parts sourcing, frame-up builds, re-builds, re-furbs etc. I would also endeavour to find good local contacts for frame re-finishing and possibly part repair or even re-manufacture.

I would welcome you thoughts please.

Martin

 

[cce]

you'd need some form of liability insurance if handling other people's expensive toys.

 

[Tad]

Most people here love doing their own builds as much as owning/riding their bikes.

A good way to start would be to build a show bike to show off you bling rareness sourcing skills, re-finishing and assembly skills. Building a bike that wins BOTM would be a great calling card.

How are you going to charge? An hourly rate? What about for retro parts? Are you going to charge cost, cost + a percentage or make up prices? As you're not an old established shop with a stash of rare spares I can imagine you'd source mostly from ebay so would people be prepared to pay you a premium for what they could have bought for themselves?

Just a few thioughts.

Is there mileage in it? Yes enough firms do it already.
Would I pay for it? No

 

[lewis1641]

I don't have much time on my hands but i enjoy getting them dirty and working on my own bike. Stuff i can't do is done by mates. If i didn't have them then i'd pay someone to do it.

I think you have a good idea but possibly a bit too specialist. I'd say most people on here either do it themselves or have friends that help to some degree.

If you want to be involved with bike building how about marketing yourself locally as a bike doctor and fix people's bikes. You could also buy bikes, get them running smooth then sell on for a bit of profit.

I think you have a good idea but i don't think there will be the demand from this site alone.

 

[Enid_Puceflange]

To be honest,

I actually get more pleasure now from building/tinkering than actually riding my bike :roll:
Though, I also appreciate that some folks just dont have the aptitude to weild a spanner in anger

G

 

[CAS]

Agree with the comments above - lots of people on this site enjoy sourcing parts, building individual bikes etc. so it might be quite hard to earn a living that way.

Back in my home town of Gloucester I've noticed a house on the main road that always has secondhand bikes for sale on display on the side of the road - usually 3 or 4 so there must be some passing trade there.

The Bike Doctor thing might be usefuk - here's a link to a checklist they use. You could see if you were able to offer something similar.

http://www.bikingheaven.com/Picnic/DrBi ... cklist.pdf

Oh ......and a final cheery thought .....I even made a small profit out of my husband's old bike having overhauled it and replaced some small parts! Was dead chuffed!

 

[wadsy]

Thanks very much for taking time to reply, your input is much appreciated. Some interesting points and usefull info.

Cheers

 

[Chapeau! Velo]

Your idea does have mileage - there will always be people who will pay good money to buy a piece of history or some retro bling and do not have the time to source the parts themselves. However, I agree with some of the other posts that it would be difficult to fulfil a particular commission as it would be difficult to price.

You could start in building some special machines and you can charge a premium for exceptional finish and exclusivity - although there is financial risk to you if you get carried away on ebay and your final product is not worth the sum of its parts! :?

 

[dyna-ti]

I too enjoy building things up.but that said i do know of one member here[who shall remain nameless] who has somebody build their bikes for them

 

[zigzag]

Had you also thought about going the other way and buying up whole bikes and parting them out? Don't know if there's much money in it, but at least you'd still be faffing about with bikes.