Quote Originally Posted by jessmarimba View Post
I definitely understand being scared of the LBS! To me, most seem very intimidating - very guy-oriented, very Dad's-garage feel, too much stuff that I don't understand, and most of the employees don't seem to realize how to reach out and make them feel accommodating to newbies!
This always makes me sad, but also blessed to have the LBS that we do. We ended up customers of this shop when my DH first joined up with our local JDRF ride team. The head coach owns our LBS. We actually have a shop that is closer...that is definitely a shop that makes me feel awkward and stupid and we only go there when there's something we need quick (our favorite shop is an hour away). It's big and sterile. Not at all like the relatively small shop that we call home. We won't even look at another shop for bike purchases. We walk into our favorite LBS and the guys are friendly and helpful. This is how they are with everyone who walks in the door, not just seasoned cyclists and/or friends. It's a really special place with a pretty loyal clientele.

vkai, any chance you could find a friendlier shop, even if it meant going a bit out of your way? I think the sacrifice in your time is worth it.