Shop etiquete re fit tweaks

[Owlie]

I'm going to have to head over to the bike shop, I think, to have them tweak a few minor fit things (and check my front derailleur, again!) to tide me over until I have the money saved up for a fitting. They used to (or still?) do fittings, but I can't find the page on their website anymore.

Should I call first, or go ahead and bring the bike in?

[Becky]

I would call, if only to ask when would be a good time. You're much more likely to get more time and attention if you can go at a slower time.

[Catrin]

I would call, if only to ask when would be a good time. You're much more likely to get more time and attention if you can go at a slower time.

Yep, what Becky said. From what I understand, this is a traditionally slow time for a lot of bike stores - so it would probably be a good time to do this.

[malkin]

If they don't charge you, they'll probably appreciate it if you buy something while you're there.

[bcipam]

Should I call first, or go ahead and bring the bike in?

Always call first... the person certified to do the fit may not be available and you should always have a face to face with the fitter. Generally fits are done "by appointment only".

[marni]

I take my bike store guys a big batch of homemade brownies around Christmas every year to say thank you for the good care they take of my bike and the patience they show in answering my sometimes less than legible questions and concerns. I also manage to buy at least a bag of sports beans or something if I go in to oogle the bikes or just hang with a few questions. The end result is that if I am out on a ride or just running around, I can usually get a tweak or a hand out with a minor concern. If it's anything major though I always make sure to call ahead and find out when my favorite mechanic or gear guy is free.

Everybody appreciates a little "way to go" which is why I make the brownies and take them in. But I definitely would call ahead and pick a time before a major ride or the like.

[Catrin]

I take my bike store guys a big batch of homemade brownies around Christmas every year to say thank you for the good care they take of my bike and the patience they show in answering my sometimes less than legible questions and concerns....

Glad to hear this - I took my LBS guys a batch of homemade fudge before New Years for the same reason. Their reaction was quite nice to see - but I didn't know if others did this or not. I suspect the fudge didn't last long after I left ;)

[Becky]

Edibles are always a big hit at the bike shop, and very greatly appreciated :)

[kermit]

A pizza and a six pack, that goes a long way!

[Roadtrip]

I used to do more edibles for work-mates, but my department has been decimated by layoffs and those that were hired, were in another office. I wasn't sure of the protocol about giving home-made treats to someone you don't necessarily know. Yes, they've been a HUGE help and patient with all of my questions, even when I pop in and don't buy anything, they're always happy to see me (or at lest humor me.)

I did catch them goofing around on the bikes the last time I stopped by on a non-so-busy-Sunday... one had a Trek Trike up on two wheels driving it around the show room and another was on a kiddie bike. Once I brought my bike in I INSTANTLY had three techs on my bike. LOL.

Perhaps I should make a batch of something and take it in.

Shannon

[withm]

My bike shop has been very good to me over the years. I've bought 5 bikes in 10 years (since sold 3 of them). They have never hesitated to make a tweak or adjustment, even truing a wheel on the spot, and mostly without any charge.

I give them tins of homemade Christmas cookies (several varieties) at Christmas, and once or twice again at some other time during the year - usually after they did me a big favor. They save the tins to return to me so I will fill them up again. LOL!

[marni]

glad to see I'm not the only one who bribes her mechanics and salesmen. Around my house, especially with the kids we used to call this the BBC policy. Bribery, Blackmail and Corruption, only with the bike guys it's just sheer unadulterated Bribery and appreciation.

[Rebecca19804]

I used to do this for my vet and his team! A box of chocolate and a bottle of Baileys every Christmas...

My diabetic kitties took up a lot of their time and they definitely snuck in a few freebies along the way. I'll never forget the beyond-the-call-of-duty care and attention we got over the years.