Suitable Shop for (Re)Newbie

[RockChickRides]

After royally mucking up my hip from distance running, I'm looking to get back into cycling. Way back, as I haven't done it since college many moons ago. I'm looking for recs for a bike shop in the Annapolis/DC/Baltimore area. I don't have a bike-knowledgeable buffer to shop with me, so I'd like a shop that won't try to up-sell me simply because I'm fresh meat. I'm in the market for a hybrid or urban bike (I think? See, I'm a retail sitting duck.)

Any help is most appreciated!

[tulip]

Proteus, College Park. Jill is the owner and will take care of you.

[Possegal]

Yeah, you will see lots of recommendations for Proteus. I'm shopping there right now (well not RIGHT now) for a new bike that I can use to run to the store (which I seem to do daily and would love to not burn my car's gas but burn my body's fuel instead) and maybe take on the twopath and such. Right away they were like - we know you have a nice road bike you ride, you probably aren't looking to spend a lot, right? Which was great. I'm easily influenced :) so I can be talked into upgrading far to quickly.

Others will chime in with some other stores they really like, you definitely have some options in the area. But I've always been pleased with Proteus. Good luck and let us all live vicariously through your purchase. :)

[7rider]

The Bicycle Place (http://www.bicycleplace.com/) in Silver Spring.
Mike - the owner - or anyone on the friendly, helpful staff will take care of you.

[Selkie]

If you're in Baltimore proper, Joe's Bikes.

I am a big fan of Proteus and will make the drive to College Park (I'm in Arlington).

[Kelly728]

Proteus, College Park. Jill is the owner and will take care of you.

I always seem to catch these threads after someone else says Proteus. So, what she said.

[RockChickRides]

Thanks for everyone's input. Proteus seems to be the leader in good word of mouth. I tossed out the the question to a riding couple on the B&A trail yesterday and they both gave Proteus the thumbs up. I can't get there until the 11th at the the earliest, so I have ample time to confuse myself further with research! :p

[RockChickRides]

I wasn't able to make it to Proteus last Saturday, but I put on my game face, screwed up my courage and went into a closer shop, just intending to get my sea legs. I lucked into a great saleswoman who was as excited about getting me back onto a bike as I was. She had me test riding numerous bikes - hybrid (which is what I went in for), road and mountain - just so I had a feel for the differences. I had a blast! I ended up with a Trek 7100, which has been non-stop fun this past week. I'm starting to think blowing out my hip from running was the best thing that ever happened to me.

[Kalidurga]

Congratulations on getting back into cycling! I didn't see this thread in time or I would've suggested Bike Doctor (http://www.bikedoctor.com/), which has several MD locations including Annapolis, Crofton, etc. They might not be on a par with Proteus, but I really like their Frederick location. They could be a possible option when you need to begin accumulating gear to go along with your new steed :D ;)