So sorry to leave the lovely bicycle people of Cape Ann hanging-
I’m back in business, in fact I have been for about a month, but here’s the rub – without school and without free babysitting from my awesome off-island at-risk ma, my time is more limited than it has ever been.
I am doing my best to keep up with everyone who has reached out and asked for service, while trying to fit some give-back bikes in at the same time. I’ve had to leave a lot of customers unread as I try to fit everything in – it’s safe to say things like communication and task-switching are not my strengths, and these types of things have been seriously exposed during our new normal! I really appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience with these difficulties!
Unfortunately supply chain and shipping issues have made things extra difficult as orders are taking longer than ever to arrive *and* as demand has exploded across the nation (yay!), those orders are only being partially fulfilled.
With all these things considered I’ve had to make the difficult decision to raise prices.
+ Tune ups for 2020 start at $80 – Tune ups are preventative maintenance for bikes that are in good working order. They include cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, minor wheel truing, etc to total approx 1.5 hrs of labor. If you don’t have that kind of money to spend (trust me, I *understand*,) or simply don’t want your bike cleaned, I offer a quick tune rate of $45 that includes approx 30-45 minutes of work with a focus on the most important things first (i.e., piecemeal adjustments where needed most: like I’ll true tf outta that wobbly rim (no tacos BTW,) get those brakes adjusted and make ya ride safe, but ya derailer might rub a little and ya spokes still got those cobwebs in ’em.) I just cant put 4+ hours into a $65 “tune up” anymore and be able to break even (not the least of which pay myself.) I’m sorry.
+ For the first time ever I’ll actually have to consistently enforce my $25 minimum mobile service charge.
+ I may have to raise prices on certain parts. My most commonly used chains are up 50pct from the last time I ordered them! I will always do my best to stock only nickel-plated chains to help keep the rust at bay in our salt-water drenched community- for now most chains are still $20. Tires may also become a concern- last week I ordered 14 hybrid tires split across 2 distributors, only 4 arrived! As of now all tires are still $25 each – to keep things simple and to keep the costs distributed amongst all – This may need to change to something like $22 for kids tires, $28 for adults, we will see.
+ Free used parts and 20% off all new parts and labor for those on SNAP/EBT, free school lunch, disability, or those who are recovering from addiction (or tryin’) still applies! The school-based give back project has been put on hold for obvious reasons, but I am still repairing and giving out free bikes to those who qualify- just one by one and very very slowly as I try to work everything in.
+ There will be no bike rentals at BMB for 2020, but Cape Ann Electric Bikes is still operating, so call them instead! It seems likely the Stage Fort Park pop-up space will be shelved as well, but I am still holding out hope to resume at some point in the future.
+ Of course social distancing protocols have been quite easy to follow with the mobile model! I also disinfect surfaces with isopropyl alcohol upon return.
Thanks for reading my long-winded official announcement, stay healthy, and keep on pedaling!
