LBS - love them or hate them?

[Irulan]

a hot topic I am sure. :p

I love my local shops - I know many of the guys by name, I get great service, I shop locally ( not online) for most thing, they support my biking organization.... but I know not every one is so lucky.

[Blueberry]

I love mine too, but it took me a long time to get there. The shop's prior management was terrible. Still...I can't buy a lot from them because they just don't carry it. They know why - I think they're OK with it - especially since I make a point to buy everything I can there (and bring beer!).

CA

[bike4ever]

I love my LBS - oh, wait, it's my shop that I manage.:p

[Biciclista]

we do our best to treat the guys at our LBS as well as we can. It makes me sad when some don't work out (a brilliant mechanic with abysmal social skills, for example) but it's important to me that they know who I am when i walk into the store!

[badgercat]

I've found a couple lovely LBSs since I moved here in August, but I can't always afford to buy clothes/accessories/what have you from them.

Love the LBS for actually purchasing bikes, and going to talk bikes, and clothes when they have sweet sales and I can afford it, and supplies that I need pronto (like tubes) but... I do a lot of other shopping (particularly clothes) online, especially at reioutlet.com.

I voted bacon. I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself.

[sundial]

My LBS guys take good care of me. :)

[Miranda]

I know we have some good shop owners on here that are very helpful, so let me preface this with "sorry:(, nothing personal to YOU... ya sister saints":cool:. Please shield your saintly eyes...

OK, my vote was bacon. I've been @#$%^&* more times than I can count... dang, didn't even get kissed out of the deal:mad:.

My bike is sitting in it's room right now as we speak with a mechanical problem caused by the lbs for something that should not have been that difficult. I've commuted back twice, don't see the point in going again.

I just started buying some tools for myself. I own a mechanical book now. I am going to learn some DIY if it kills me.

On an up note from this tainted seething rant...

Hey, I guess I can THANK my lbs for that one...way to be an inspiration;).

[SandyLS]

I'm still searching for the perfect shop. When I was bike shopping it was hard to find a shop that would listen to and take seriously an old out of shape lady. I left several shops empty handed when I was told by young sales people that I really did not need a bike with the upper level components I had researched and decided to spluge on buying. I've had my Bianchi for about four years now and we get along great together. I am learning to do minor adjustments myself because of repetedly being disappointed when I get my bike back from the shop. Even when I drive the 130 miles round trip to take the bike back to the shop she came from I feel she does not get the care she deserves. When I had the bar tape redone this spring it was not done with the same quality tape as the bike came with when she was new. Even shopping is a disappointment. I will often go in to look for a particular idem only to find the shop does not carry what ever. My son purchased a new Surly LHT this summer. When he took the bike out of the shop to do an initial test ride the handle bars came off in his hands because the shop had not tightened them down properly! I do like to support the LBS. It would be a shame if there was no place left to test ride a bike before we buy. I just wish I could find a good one like so many of you have.

[Tokie]

What does the option "bacon" mean? thanks! tokie

[redrhodie]

My LBS guys are great, I consider them really good friends. I love going there, hanging out, talking bikes and life. It's a tiny place that's been there since the dawn of time. Seriously, it was there before the streets were paved. The owner is in his 80s, and his father owned it before him. It feels like family to me.

[jaydee]

Not too sure what bacon means - so I haven't voted. I definitely don't love the LBS's that are around. We are spoilt here because we do have a lot of bike shops, but none of them have me as a loyal customer.

I wish I could go into one and feel that I was being treated honestly rather than simply as 'money'. I realize that this is partly my fault because I do not know a huge amount about bikes and probably ask some silly questions. But I would like to be told an honest answer rather than being sold something that isn't quite right.

I took my lovely Giant back to the shop I bought it from for it's first service and really doubt that any work at all was done as the brakes nor gears were adjusted. But I have no proof of that. Similarly, I have bought gear from one shop after being told that this is the latest/best/most suitable etc etc to find that another shop tells me I should have something different.

So I am still looking, and hoping that one day I will find a shop that I can walk into and not be made to feel an idiot. :confused:

[Irulan]

The Bacon thing is a joke. "Always vote for Bacon". It has no relevance to the rest of the poll, unless you love bacon.

:D

[crazycanuck]

Hey Jaydee, you can always ask on the BNA forum about reputable bike shops in Canberra!

[SadieKate]

Bacon, bacon, bacon.

The shops here like everywhere are all over the spectrum and each have their specialty. Very, very happy with the new LBS we use for mtb stuff. Not so happy with the LBS we thought would be best for road bikes. It seems that if you aren't Chris Horner, you fall through the cracks. :cool:

Still try to do most of our own wrenching but we like to know if there is a good mechanic for when we're just overwhelmed with projects or just feeling too lazy to figure out how to bleed a 3rd brand of hydraulic brakes. I think my newest mtb is smarter than I am . . . but it shore works good.:)

[Miranda]

The Bacon thing is a joke. "Always vote for Bacon". It has no relevance to the rest of the poll, unless you love bacon.

:D

:DThx Irulan for the clarification.

Every forum I think has it's own term for this choice in polls. But, I REALLY:o thought on this it meant a couple things (considering my earlier post, and hate the lbs, if we use the title as a yes or no poll question)...

"Bacon" comes from the pig animal. Umm, couple ways to spin that in my lbs view...

Option #1
LBS = Pigs :mad:

Old saying... "If you can get the milk for free, why buy the cow?" (normally a man saying about a woman in terms of sex and marriage, or not). Or fair turn about of the sexes I've heard...
A woman may realize... "to get a little sauage, you don't need to buy a whole pig"... (care for the pigs filthy ways, feed it, listen to it groan, etc.... nope, just the meat benefit)

which "bacon" comes from a pig... so does sauage... and ummm, "sauage" refers to male genitalia... so THAT could define lbs too...

Option #2
LBS = ****s:mad: (I think you get the idea:rolleyes:)

[Serendipity]

Love my LBS!

When I first walked in around 10 years ago, they were very patient with me - answered all my questions every time I went there, and fit me with a bike that I still love all these years later.
Learned SSSSOOO much about bikes and cycling from them - actually from one of the guys in particular.
Over the ensuing years, have purchased four bikes, had many tuneups done and bought innumerable accessories. Probably could find any of those at a lower price somewhere but I learn something every time I go there.

[7rider]

With thanks (or blame) to the folks at MORE (http://www.more-mtb.org/index.php):

BACON (http://incredimazing.com/static/media/2007/12/21/9aea5d0274da000/baconflowchart.jpg)!

BTW...I voted "love my shop"

[Zen]

I love my LBS more than bacon.
But bacon is tasty...hmmm...

[Mr. Bloom]

SilverMom is coming next week...that means loads of Bacon every morning!

The only time we have Bacon is when she's around.

SilverSon and I bloat up like Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka!


Oh yeah! Thumbs up to LBS!

[Tater]

I had a bit of trouble with the LBS where I got my Giant. They were always pushing upgrades or replacement parts without asking about my riding style, just assuming. (You know, replace the chain at 3000 miles. Not all of us have to do it right then!) It got tiresome. Then we had a bike shop move into our downtown area early last year. The owners are great! Krista makes it a point to stock women specific goodies and is about the only one in the area who does. Two excellent mechanics that love working on vintage as well as modern bikes, round out the team. I don't get all my cycling related things there, but I do as much as I can to support the local business community.

[PamNY]

I was disappointed with the stores I visited when bike shopping. A couple gave me bikes that were waaaaay too big, and two offered a blank stare when I asked for a safe place to stow my Xootr while testing the bikes. This didn't need to be a vault; stashing it behind the counter is fine.

None offered sensible advice about what gearing I need. "You don't need to worry about gears in Manhattan" may be a true statement (especially if you are 23 years old) but occasionally one leaves Manhattan or bikes over bridges.

I ended up buying a used bike, and I have no idea how to establish a good relationship with a bike store. I do believe in shopping locally, and I'm willing to pay a bit more, but prices are almost double at the LBS, and selection is limited to high-end brands on things like handlebar bags and panniers.

At least they have gave me motivation to learn to do at least simple repairs myself. A local advocacy group has "fix your own bike night" with mechanics to assist, and I hope I can get by with that for most things.

Pam

[maillotpois]

I really love bacon.

And I really love my LBS. :)

[kfergos]

I really love bacon.

And I really love my LBS. :)I have to agree. Tough choice. :D

[Bluetree]

I hang around bike shops so much people think I'm a groupie. ;)

It's a tough question to answer because so many bike shops offer so many different things. Of the two dozen-or-so LBSs within an hour's drive, I would rate six or seven of them with an "A" in terms of knowledge, service and product quality. For three of them, I can say I have very good relationships/friendships with the owner or mechanics.

However, I've heard some people say they are intimidated by those same "snobby" boutique stores and prefer to go to the ones that I wouldn't set foot in. My BS Detector goes off whenever I feel the "she's-just-a-girl-so-she-doesn't-know-anything" vibe.

BTW... the LBS where I spend the most money is ranked VERY low on my list when it comes to customer service. The only reason I go there is because they sponsor my club. Sometimes, you just gotta take one for the team ;)

EDIT: I answered "bacon"

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I hate crappy LBS's.
I love good LBS's.
:cool:

I also love bacon, but try to only have it as an occasional treat.

[Bluetree]

http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/funny-dog-pictures-dog-sees-bacon-when-he-closes-his-eyes.jpg

[fidlfreek]

Love the German Shepherd!

My LBS is great, but only because the guys there are great. If you don't know them I'm not sure its a good situation. They excel are giving newbies and Freds attitude!

Sometimes LBS give you the best possible deal. For instance, yesterday I bought a 1398 gram Easton EA90 SLX wheelset for the bargain price of $540. Oh, and since it was at Performance Bike i got another $100 in store "points" to spend on tires etc. WOW right. It pays to stop by the local shop periodically...

[cycling_sarah]

I answered love. I have my favorite shop where I bought my bikes and DH's. I have 3-4 others that I also stop at every so often for gear and I like the people at those although I don't know them as well as I do the folks at my favorite shop.

[GLC1968]

I don't really have a true L BS, so we don't frequent one. We do our own work and usually order online. If we are heading into town (by car), there are a few that we'll shop at...but it's such a rare occurance that it's not worth the vote.

And I don't like bacon, myself. :o

[Zen]

And I don't like bacon, myself. :o

You are not of this planet, are you?

[Cataboo]

Love the German Shepherd!

My LBS is great, but only because the guys there are great. If you don't know them I'm not sure its a good situation. They excel are giving newbies and Freds attitude!

Sometimes LBS give you the best possible deal. For instance, yesterday I bought a 1398 gram Easton EA90 SLX wheelset for the bargain price of $540. Oh, and since it was at Performance Bike i got another $100 in store "points" to spend on tires etc. WOW right. It pays to stop by the local shop periodically...

The ea90 slx's sell for $355.90 on chainlove.com when they pop up:

http://gearattack.com/items/11109

[fidlfreek]

Yes, but sold out....And the deal was available 5 months ago and for 2 minutes. So.

[Cataboo]

Yes, but sold out....And the deal was available 5 months ago and for 2 minutes. So.

Yeah, but just as I don't expect the local bike shops to always have their sales & clearances in stock - I don't expect online places to as well. Chainlove had the tubular ea90 slx's on sale 16 days ago, and the ea90 aero's about a month ago.

[msincredible]

You are not of this planet, are you?

I'm another non-bacon-loving alien. ;)

Oh, and I'm happy with my LBS.

[Miranda]

http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/funny-dog-pictures-dog-sees-bacon-when-he-closes-his-eyes.jpg

That's too cute and funny! Btw, I do LOVE bacon:D. Hmm, maybe if my lbs had someone in the foyer cooking up some free bacon I could tolerate the bs better:rolleyes:.

[GLC1968]

You are not of this planet, are you?

Probably not. ;)

[Eden]

Love the German Shepherd!

My LBS is great, but only because the guys there are great. If you don't know them I'm not sure its a good situation. They excel are giving newbies and Freds attitude!

Sometimes LBS give you the best possible deal. For instance, yesterday I bought a 1398 gram Easton EA90 SLX wheelset for the bargain price of $540. Oh, and since it was at Performance Bike i got another $100 in store "points" to spend on tires etc. WOW right. It pays to stop by the local shop periodically...

ummm Performance isn't exactly a LBS..... kind of like saying K-Mart is a local variety store or your Micky D's franchise is a local restaurant....

I think if you want to call it a LBS it should be owned by a local small business owner and probably should have no more than a few locations in a relatively small area (so I wouldn't consider REI to be an LBS here, even though they are based here..)

[NoNo]

I used to love my new LBS (I moved). Bought my bike from them last year, had a question about the price I'd seen another shop charging for the bike, and they split me the difference. Great, I thought, an honest shop. I also thought it was nice that it came with free lifetime tune-ups and they offered a tire protection plan, which I've used. But lately I've been less enamoured with them. I've spent a decent amount of money there, I've brought in family and they've shopped there as well. Yet every time I walk in, it's as if they've never seen me before. Not the slightest hint of recognition. Now they've moved to a sleek new store, and it really changed the feel from local shop to big corporation. It also doesn't help that I live in a fairly wealthy town (though I am not one of the lucky ones:rolleyes:), so their focus seems to be on selling higher-end gear. My old LBS used to give a discount if you were doing a charity ride, this place is like "Oh, that's nice, fork over the cash." I'm thinking I'd like to learn how to do things myself and only use them as a back-up. Or find another LBS, though it's so convenient to have a place right down the road.

[Fredwina]

I guess I'm really bacon.
I would like to support a LBS, and try to but a lot of time I wind up at REI. Between the selection and the fact that they are only shop open when I am off work on the weekdays, it makes it a little easier (plus, I am a member, so I do get the discounts:)

[shellkay1212]

I LOVE my LBS...I'm making cookies for the guys this weekend!

[Irulan]

I LOVE my LBS...I'm making cookies for the guys this weekend!

Ditto.
Nothing like showing up with warm cookies to turn the LBS guys into your friends. :D

[redrhodie]

Cookies for mine, too! Jeez, I wonder if they're inundated with them?

[Irulan]

I actually think they get more beer than anything. That is what guys always take them. I try to think of both the under age shop rats and the people who just don't drink.

I had someone tell me I shouldn't take cookies because they weren't healthy and someone who is training wouldn't want them.:rolleyes:

[shellkay1212]

Yeah - I thought about taking a healthy version also. But I would venture to guess that during the holidays AND the 'off-season' - they just may indulge a bit. :)

[shellkay1212]

Oh and PS last weekend I took a couple of the guys out for some holiday cheer. They can't help but love me...

[Trek420]

I had someone tell me I shouldn't take cookies because they weren't healthy and someone who is training wouldn't want them.:rolleyes:

Oh, yeah, beer is not on the training menu, but cookies are. ;) :rolleyes: :p


I <3 my LBS. Hi Chris & Steve :D

[Blueberry]

My LBS likes cookies and beer:) They're awesome. And they don't take themselves too seriously.

[Aggie_Ama]

Use them for service and am happy. I shop online, sometimes in store when they have a sale or I get a gift card. So I vote only when I have to. But really it's BACON!

[kfergos]

I smelled bacon frying in a diner that I passed on my commute and I couldn't help but think of this thread. Mmmmmmmmm.