When we decided to upgrade our MTBs we had a few things in mind for what we wanted. My partner was extremely interested in the Fuel EX8, but our local shop didn't have one in stock. She was all set to buy the bike without actually getting to try it first. But, one of the mechanics/sales people there had a bike in the size she wanted with the same geometry. However, his was the 6k carbon version. He told her not to order the EX8 yet, to take his bike for the weekend and try it out on the trails and see what she thought first. He even took her out riding at one of the more technical trails himself. Now that's what I call service.

Until we really started shopping for bikes and buying bikes I never understood how important it was to have a good LBS. It's made a world of difference for us.

On the flip side this same LBS gets a lot of money from us because we know we have been and will continue to receive excellent service there.

I just wanted to share a positive story. I know we've all had horror stories when it comes to LBS, but there are some really good ones out there as well.