In my efforts to get my saddle and handlbars adjusted more comfortably, I'd take my bike to a bike shop or REI and ask if they'd watch me ride and give me advice. I'd always be buying stuff at the same time, and they always seemed happy to help.

But everybody had a different opinion. They all were supposed to know what they were doing, but one guy raised everything high, and the next woman freaked over it being wrong, wondered who the hell had done that, and lowered everything. This was consistant, no matter where I went. Whatever had been done before was wrong, and they were going to show me how to get it right.

As for me, every time they adjusted, the bike felt different, which I equated with better. It was only after riding awhile that I'd realize, no, this isn't right, either.

How does a newbie know how to choose a shop, who to listen to, who is right? Should I have just gone to the same person repeatedly until I got it right, assuming they'd learn from their mistakes?

My most recent experience: I took my husband's bike to the LBS to have his armadillo tires put on. It was my own fault -- I forgot to take the canvas tape out of his handlebar bag and give it to the guy, so the guy left the rubber in when he installed the tires. I wasn't complaining when I realized what I'd done, but I did make an "oh darn, I forgot to show these to you," remark.

He shrugged and said, "The rubber was fine, it didn't need to be changed." So I said, "That's good. I was told that canvas was the best and I should switch to it, so I'm just frustrated that I forgot."

He said, "Well, I think rubber is better."

I stared at him and bit my tongue. HE'S the one who sold me the canvas tape when I picked up my own armadillos and he put them on.

Grrrrr.