Finding the right bike shop...

Thanks to the advice of fellow TE ladies, I began my search today for a new bike.

A wrench at the duathlon I did told me 'he's the best fitter in the whole state' - so, stop #1 was Hollywood Cycles - owned and operated by Jay 'Hollywood' Henderson. The idea was that this would be the first of many stops to multiple bike shops.

His shop sponsored the Bellas for a bit, so there may be some formerly sponsored women on here. He even gave me names of team members so I could email them for testimonials. Anyway...

I came in with a list (literally) of questions - compiled from the advice and feedback on my threads about purchasing a new bike. He gave me a chair after he heard the questions and we had a whole conversation about bikes - with every single curiosity answered. He was validating and accepting - never treating me like a 'dumb girl'. Going in there, I already knew he was a cycling guru - and wasn't worried about the extent of his bike knowledge. My attitude was focused on the advice of Thorn, and checking if this was a place that would work with me - and that I felt comfortable working with. Being a newbie, I was so focused on the bike - it never dawned on me that I should be concerned about the interpersonal skills of the shop I purchased from.

I seriously feel like I hit a gold mine today. Why? Because I was debating a) a new bike with stock components, b) a new frame and searching for the components myself, c) a custom made bike, or d) skipping all of the above and sticking with my current bike.

After chatting with Hollywood, here's what's on deck: I get to go in next week (in full gear) with my current bike. He's going to set me up on the trainer for 30 minutes or more to a) analyze my natural positioning, b) teach me correct positioning if I need it (which, I'm sure, I do), c) measure everything so he knows what size components would best suit my positioning/build, d) figure out what kind of tires would best suit me based on the speeds I can get to now and likely get to within the coming year. I'm sure there will be more info a guru like him will gather - but that's the stuff he mentioned today.

He said he could certainly build me up a bike within my price range - no stock components. He has a suggestion for the frame, Javelin, and would then take all the information from next week's fitting session to order all the right components - and then he'll build it all up for me.

I don't know if it gets better than this. Not only could I get a new snazzy frame...but I'd get it custom built for my exact measurements and cycling style...AND get to pick out the components going on it (with him telling me what he thinks would be best and why...which I presume would be highly educational)...AND I get a free session on cycling technique...AND he's going to show me all the stuff on my current bike that would need to be swapped out to better fit me.

I will likely check other stores - just because that seems the wise thing to do - but my gut tells me my first stop is the place I'll be sticking with. Additional tell-tale signs: he has a collection of posters near the door with quotes that are attributed as 'Hollywood' beliefs, here's my fave-

"Cycling is like love. It should be entered into with abandon, or not at all."

Sorry so long. I'm excited. It's my first new bike and I feel like today's exchange means my purchase experience will be great, in the sort of out-of-the-norm kinda way. I had to share - forgive the indulgent thread.

Spw-i'd stick with that bike shop!!! :D

Good luck in your quest for your new bike!

Excellent! :D

Sounds like the perfect shop, right off the bat!

I knew, after visiting my favorite LBS, that 'this is the one'. It is the vibe, the feeling, the acceptance of 'you' as an individual that makes this a favorite LBS. I am glad you found one.

Excellent. Sounds like you have a keeper. I'm terribly jealous!

As I've learned from the wise here...remember that the fastest bike is the one that fits you the best. Given that you've mentioned you're shorter, a good fitter, and one that has worked with women who ride is important.

Have fun with the shopping experience! If you have half as much fun as I did learning about frames, geometries, components and such, you'll have a blast! Oh, and I didn't know much of anything before I started (still don't), but the builder would suggest "Type A or Type B"? I'd research on the web; ask questions; he'd give me back a grocery lists of pro's and con's and I'd make a decision. I learned a lot and, while my guess is that my choices aren't going to make a huge difference in my bike, the process helped me to learn more about my decision.

Have fun....we want to hear the story as it progresses!

Sounds like a great shop. LBS is all about service to their customer. And sounds like you've found a really great one. sit down and answer your questions for half an hour... free fitting... wow wow wow!!!

I wonder if its the same one...????

There is a really good bike shop which has a weekend (sunday morning)group ride. Occasionally, some stars shop up un-announced and go riding with the group. One was the the star of ELF. I'm not into Hollywood movies, so names are ???.

Next time you go in, ask if they have weekend social rides.

well love to hear what you decide on a new bike or upgrade yours.

smilingcat