Hello everyone, I just recently bought a unicycle (from a friend), but as the owner of a bicycle store and everything related to them, I’m interested in whether to add unicycles to the range? Or is it now easier for people to order goods on the Internet? I’m a little old-fashioned and if I hadn’t tried the product in person, I wouldn’t have bought it. Of course, I order on the Internet, but this does not apply to goods in which I am not sure that they will fully suit me (such as transport, clothes, shoes etc). I have an update - I’ve made decision not to sell unicycles at my shop right now as I am not expert in it yet. Though I talked with my friend from whom I’ve bought my first one and he told me about his idea to start unicycling training - I would love to attend such as I want to learn more. So he shared his plan: he has already registered business company (as he said he did it here: How to Form an LLC in Kentucky: Starting, Cost, Registration in 2022 and online it is fster and easier) Also he has got all the permissions needed and now he is dealing with the advertising and website. Besides that - I made him a proposal - he will give personal consultations for customers of my shop and will help to order unicycles for them, maybe with time I will have some in the range.
I’d look on second hand websites, then Unicycle.com or Mad4One etc.
Aldi Australia also sold unicycles in their stores, but they were low end and in a box so you certainly couldn’t try them out in store.
Here in Germany a few bike shops carried beginner 20" unicycles. They must have sold a few, but that was at a time where there was a big fashion of unicycles, some even were sold in supermarkets.
I see your point about being able to test ride things. I believe that this really is a big problem for many “less connected” riders (I know enough unicyclists and go to enough events to get my hand on pretty much anything).
For me personally (and probably most people on this forum), my needs/wants are so specific that it wouldn’t be sustainable for a local bike shop to carry them on the shelves.
Maybe having some unicycles as demo products and then in having the ability to order through you might be an idea worth exploring. (It seems to me that that business model is the direction higher end bikes are currently heading to as well).
I think this model would work, you’d be surprised how easily you could store or hang a line of unicycles, perhaps one in each size and have the ability to special order them
We have a local shop here in Canada that doesn’t carry full unicycles but if they had some small parts like cranks, hubs, and maybe some frames and saddles it would be great because the rest of the needed parts to build or modify a unicycle would come from stock bike parts.
A big barrier to entry here in Canada is the shipping fees but if it was spread amongst the orders for 10 people or so it would lower the cost quite a bit.
Another thought, do a poll on some of the FB groups and see what people in your area/country/reasonably priced shipping range would want. There are some bike parts like 24/29+ sized tires that are used by unicyclists but not as popular in the general bike community
Hey CF,
Personally, and I’m sure many members on this site would “prefer” to try before u buy.
Especially, if it’s moving up to a big scary wheel or even a giraffe.
Then you will know “right away” if you can ride it or not.
However, the most important thing if you want to have any value as IRL retailer is you gotta know your sh*t. If you’re gonna sell it, you better know it. You better be a unicycle rider!!
Typical scenario. Brand new customer goes to a typical bike shop(2 wheel specialist, 1 wheel ignorant), and asks about a unicycle the “lame” store owner or hipster behind the counter answers,"…yeah, we got one wheels…over there in the corner". So, then you find an old rusty schwinn (with those stupid nuts/bolt securing the seat post). Roll it up to the counter, and ask, “…how’s this work”. Owner and hipster worker look at each other and just shrug, then go back to watching tour de franced. What are you going to do? Seriously, this happens.
If you own a bike shop and you want to sell unicycles, and I’m a total beginner customer who just watched a cool video of Jack Sebben on youtube comes in what do you do? He wants to talk unicycles, he wants to see one, and maybe try it out. Right?
a.) Show him a real unicycle. Not a 50 years old schwinn relic, but a cool new 24" muni or 20" trials or a even a Club or Torker.
b.) Adjust the seat for him, and let he customer sit on it. (after cleaning with clorox wipes, ofcourse)
c.) Give him a few points and teach him something, so he/she feels some control and accomplishment.
d.) Now, the customer is hooked. Win, win.
You might ask around and maybe hire some unicycle freestyle pro’s and put up electronic flyers and do an exhibition or clinic. Not many people have ever seen a real unicycle, nor have they seen these cool tricks on the internet.
Educate and Entertain. Then you’ll make life long loyal customers.
…slam
I think being able try a bunch of different unicycle saddles before buying would be great. I don’t like the buy, try, hate, buy again trial and error method!!
I buy compatible bike bits from my local bike shop (saddle bag, tubes, tyres, puncture kits etc) and I take my unis there too when it’s time to service the hydraulic brakes, but beyond that I buy my uni specific stuff online, mostly from UDC. Why? Because I know I’m getting quality from a unicycle dedicated retailer who can also offer advice and after sales service.
The idea of try before you buy is great, and like you there are certain things I don’t buy online like clothing, but in terms of unicycles I’ve had to take a leap of faith when buying, especially when buying my 36er many years ago and then my 29er.
Thanks, that what I was thinking about to do 
Thanks you for your reply - yes, I agree that having at least small parts in stock - is a good idea and it may attract more unicycle lovers to my shop, at least they would know that they can always ask me if I can help.
That’s a great point! You are absolutely right, I should learn more about unicycle and test different models by myself in order to give real help to customers. Like I do with 2 wheels
As a unicycle dealer, I can understand why so many bicycle dealers don’t have unicycles in their range:
- It’s not their specialty
- You earn too little*
- The customer is in the store far too long, it doesn’t pay off.**
For explanation:
* the customer would of course also like to have the unicycle assembled free of charge, the seat post shortened, possibly the brake assembled free of charge and has special requests.
** One would like to bet on all models (exhibitors have to sell unicycles much cheaper later), even if it is actually already clear which model they want. The dealer must always be present and cannot do anything else during this time. When you have finally found the right model, you will be asked for a discount at the end. Of course, it should also be assembled free of charge, etc. In the end, you have the customer in the shop for 1 - 2 hours with assembly, for a little money. Many would just come and take a look and then order it cheaper on the internet.
As a bicycle dealer, I would probably only carry 1 model in the shop (e.g. QU-AX Luxus) and sell the rest from the catalogue.
I know it sounds a bit harsh, but that’s the reality. Ultimately, the dealer needs to generate income and makes a trade-off between cost/time/earnings
As always, this text is translated by google. It can be a bit awkward to read at times, but I hope you get what I mean
I would say to have a couple sizes of uni on hand and as many saddles as possible, that way people can try out the saddles and wheel sizes and find a good one.
I think www.einradshop.ch makes a good point. Us unicycling enthusiasts are kind of picky about what unicycle we want and unless you have a huge selection, chances are people are going to come in get a feel for something and then order online.
What I’d do is only keep three or four on hand, but then tell the customer you’ll order whatever it is they want, (for a markup of course as there’s got to be some profit in it for you), and then you’ll stand behind it with repairs and tuning. I think a lot of people still prefer to buy certain things from a brick and mortar store, so perhaps there might be some profit in it, especially if you are located in a large metropolitan area where there are hundreds of potential customers.