Awesome local bike shop

I live in the boonies, between several towns with bike shops, so I get to be choosy about which bike shop to call MY LBS. The one in Escanaba has a really cute guy with dreadlocks working there. I considered making it my LBS just because he's such eye candy, but he did steer me toward a hybrid when a road bike was what I needed, and nobody working there seemed terribly knowledgeable or helpful. I bought my first XC skis there and they sold me a pair that were too stiff, too - not terribly on top of things.

So - I decided to try out the LBS/ski store in Gladstone (up here all LBSs are also ski shops). It's actually much closer to where I live, but I'd never been in there. I figured it wouldn't have much since Gladstone's such a small town. Was I wrong! It's a great shop!

It's owner operated. The guy does have one employee, a special needs gentleman, but the owner's always there. Yesterday I went in and asked for a tube, portable tire pump, tire changing tool, bike bag to put the stuff in, chain lube, and pedals (I borrowed my husband's when I got my bike because it came without pedals). I didn't even have to ask for help, he immediately asked "do you know how to use this stuff?" and he gave me a free lesson on changing tubes and pumping up tubes, a free pair of pedals (he laughed when I wasn't using clipless and gave me the free ones to use until I get some sense), half off on a pair of good womens bike shorts leftover from some team uniforms he'd provided, tons of great advice, sold me all the stuff I asked for (but with CO2 cartridges instead of a tiny pump), and got a customer for life. He also offered me a free pair of used clipless pedals if I buy my shoes from him.

I will be buying everything I need for biking and skiing from him now. I won't even step foot in another bike&ski - well, except for the one in Marquette that sold me my good pair of skis after giving me a good fitting, because they fixed my bindings for free and gave me free advice, and they're Olympic outfitters (always the chance I'll run into an Olympian while I'm there!). BUT - I won't even go into that one unless I've tried my local guy first. I told him what kind of ski pants I'll be looking for this winter, and promised to come in to buy new boots first thing when they come out.

The guy obviously gets a lot of customers from surrounding areas, because his store is pretty big and well-stocked, and he had racers calling him. I heard him talking to one girl and he knew exactly what races she had coming up when - he obviously takes personal interest in his customers.

It's so nice to find a place that's run very well and gives top notch service and isn't snobbish in any way.

Sorry for droning on - I'm just so pleasantly surprised to find a great LBS within cycling distance of my house! It's been there for all these years . . .

Too bad I live "under the bridge- a troll "
I think my bike shop is so used to me they might be a little better on the customer service if I was new and had not ever purchased anything. It depends on which person waits on me too. One guy was terrific when I tried out 8 different saddles. We made an afternoon out of it. I always call him Mr. smiley when I refer to him to my husband. There's the guy who rides professionally for a Michigan Microbrew company, and he's a character. Then there's another guy in there who looks a little like lance Armstrong, and he's kinda grouchy, but I feel like all those people are my personal friends whatever their temperament.

Too bad they're not still treating you with "1st time customer" service - but it's neat that you know each one. It's so much more personal than going to most shops. Like connecting with a whole new group of friends!

I know this store either has a women's team or is associated with it, and does group rides. When I get good enough I'll see about joining - that would really mean meeting a whole new group of friends.