Focus group

Frame and Wheel had a good race in Vermont over the weekend, winning the time trial and spending the second day basking in the yellow, before losing the jersey to the competition, and then flatting on day three. Day four was the best criterium for Frame and Wheel in a long time, so there can be no complaints.

Frame and Wheel and the team spent one morning discussing bike shops, the team and the club: one team mate noted that shopping on line for components was very convenient and efficient: when you know what you want, it is easy to order right on line. Price is part of it but so is convenience. Other team members noted the hassle of going to the local IBS, asking them to order the part or the good, and then waiting and hoping that they in fact remember to put in the order. If the item does get ordered, it means another trip to the IBS to retrieve it. If it does not, it is a delay and an irritation. Clearly, the team members demonstrated their increased comfort with shopping for their gear on line. However, all noted the importance of the community and support of the local IBS, but acknowledged that it is hard to pay higher prices for things that can be found on line for less and sent directly to the residence. This confirms the view that it hard to have one without the other.