Felt 24 vs Redline Conquest 24

[newfsmith]

This is a truly strange request. Does anyone have any experience with either of these bikes? Both have Sora level componentry and are meant for kids. However, my LBS, which has treated me very fairly over the years, and treated my son with respect and generally did their part in the "village that raises a child"; has had a multi-store local bike chain move into town. Now I have nothing against Landry's. They are one of the better Boston area bike shops. But I am afraid that they will put my one store LBS out of business. To attempt to stay in the running, my LBS has added the Felt line, they have always carried Redline. I feel obligated to buy a bike from them and these are the two that would be most likely to actually fit me ( I have a sub-27" SO). I would really appreciate input if you know anyone that has either, or has coached kids with either. Thank you. Jean

[Dogmama]

I don't have experience with either, but I do know about large chains putting smaller LBS's out of business. We had SuperGo and Performance move in. Their mechanics are monkeys. I'm afraid my LBS will soon be gone too.

I had a heated discussion with a salesperson at SuperGo who just could not understand why their lower prices would not draw me in. He didn't "get" that quality of merchandise and service were important too.

[Trek420]

agreed, I think we have to support our LBS or they will go the way of independent bookstores. That would be almost death to the sport if people could not get the fit and adjustment that makes cycling worthwhile.