Bike parts specialist Bike-Components is launching Part Scout, an innovative digital platform that is set to revolutionise the search for suitable spare parts for mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes. The new tool was developed in collaboration with Ludwig Döhl, founder of the websites bike-test.com and emtb-test.com. The aim of the platform is to simplify the often frustrating process of searching for spare parts. Part Scout is aimed at both experienced and less experienced hobby mechanics. We spoke to Part Scout inventor Ludwig Döhl.
BIKE: How exactly does the Part Scout help?
Ludwig Döhl: The Scout part is aimed at the somewhat clumsy mechanic. A biker who is looking for a chain for his bike, for example, but doesn't know which chain is the right one. Because not every chain fits every bike.
Especially as the standards are becoming increasingly confusing.
Exactly. The Part Scout helps you to find the right spare part. Go to part-scout.com. There you will find spare part suggestions for over 5000 bikes that fit your bike.
I have a Trek Remedy from 2008, but the cassette is worn out. I need a new one.
Laughs. No, we don't have boxes that old in our database. You enter your model and see the matching suggestions.
What is most frequently requested?
The chain, cassette, brake pads and bottom bracket are the perennial favourites among wearing parts. Brake pads are a big issue. Every brake has its own shape, its own pad. All those who deal with bikes on a daily basis know this. The layman doesn't know that. They just know: I need a brake pad for my Magura brakes. They don't realise that there are 15 different Magura brake pads. The Part Scout helps you to find brake pads that actually fit your brakes.
How many suggestions do I get?
If you click on "more options", you will get 24 suggestions. You can choose from there. For example, the cheapest, the top seller, the most expensive or the bright red one, because I want a red pad in my brakes.
Is there also a rating? Which is the best brake pad?
No, that doesn't exist. Our tool was modelled on the automotive industry. For example, you go to ATU with your vehicle registration document - and the dealer knows straight away whether he has a suitable exhaust for your Opel in stock. The ATU man no longer has to get under the car and check the exhaust. Part Scout prevents you from ordering spare parts that may not fit. The platform can even suggest alternatives for tyres.
Alternatives?
Example: You have a Trek with Trek tyres. But now you can't get the original tyres or don't want them. Now Part Scout suggests alternative tyres from Kenda, Schwalbe, Maxxis etc. Part Scout knows what the equivalent tyre from another manufacturer is to your original Trek tyre.
How did you come up with the idea for Part Scout?
It's actually the case that my phone is ringing off the hook at the start of the season because friends are calling: "Hey, Ludwig, I need a brake pad!" When I got in touch with Bike Components, it turned out that they have a similar problem. Many amateurs want to play it safe and order three cassettes when in doubt, because one will fit. Part Scout wants to help reduce the number of returns because people can find the right spare part straight away.
The Part Scout can also help some bike shop owners.
The bicycle industry is currently very poor in terms of service. Very few have a truly structured process in the workshop. Bike shops are often staffed by temporary workers who can be assisted by Part Scout.
How do you earn from Part Scout?
Not at all. The service is 100 per cent free. The project was financed by Bike-Components, but can be used by everyone. The facts: 5000 models are included, MTB and EMTB and not just one part is suggested, but many. There has never been such a digital aid for finding spare parts before. This is unique in the world.
Do you want to push the year of manufacture down in the future? After all, 2021 is relatively new, and there are many people looking for spare parts for their older bikes.
We have a feedback tool. Above all, users are asking for road bikes and gravel bikes to be included. Certainly older bikes too. We want to change this in the future. This is a work in progress.
This might also interest you
+ How important is the service for your chassis?
+ Buying second-hand: You must not do this under any circumstances!
+ Simply change the chain: here's how!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
