Choosing an LBS

[pooks]

Thanks, Regina. The shop I like going to best has so many different people working there on odd schedules, I frequently get there and the person I saw before isn't working that day. I've probably had four or five different people help me there. I need to figure out which one I trust and figure out their schedule, I guess.

[pooks]

missymaya, I know there's good reason to shop at LBS and keep the money/business local, but when it comes to accessories I've gotten the most help, the most polite help, etc. at REI. Not only that, but because we're coop members, we get a 10% rebate voucher at the end of the year on all the money we've spent there, and I can return anything within a year for a full refund, no questions asked.

When I have probs with the local LBS it makes me want to remind them of those facts, but I figure being shirty isn't the way to get good service. Sigh.

[silver]

I have a favorite shop where they know me by name. The manager took my bike home with him and back to the shop after my wreck when I was taken away by ambulance. They know my riding style and what I need and are very helpful. I stop by frequently and and I know who there really knows how to fit a bike. It takes time to establish a relationship.

I went to another shop once (the one where Mr. bought his bike) and the guy insisted that I must have a WSB. I told him that I was very comfy on my 58cm not-WSB and he just kept on going. Insisting that I would be more comfy. I'm thinking....you haven't seem me on my bike and can't you see that I'm built like a boy and my hands hang down to my knees?

[pooks]

My problem so far has been that I'm so new to cycling, I don't have a point of reference to know that somebody has done a good job. I guess that comes with time and experience.

ETA: Just as Indy's friend thinks she's getting good service at that horrid shop. When you first start out, you simply don't know. It's possible that I've found an LBS I can trust -- the one that likes my Brooks and told me my bike is too small, which I've "known" for a long time but nobody had actually told me that, so I figured I was wrong.

I need to test some bikes there, but they're the smallest shop and least likely to have something I'll like; they don't carry any of the bikes I've liked online -- Bianchi, Cannondale, Jamis.

But, I don't know bikes. So if you see something here I should check out, let me know!


Colnago
Diamondback
DK
Felt
Gary Fisher
Hoffman
Lemond
Look
Raleigh
Redline
Sun
Torker
Trailmate

(That's a lot of brands. They don't seem to have that many in their shop. Maybe I'm wrong about their stock, though.)

[Trekhawk]

Colnago
Diamondback
DK
Felt
Gary Fisher
Hoffman
Lemond
Look
Raleigh
Redline
Sun
Torker
Trailmate

(That's a lot of brands. They don't seem to have that many in their shop. Maybe I'm wrong about their stock, though.)

LOL that is a lot of bikes. Being a Colnago owner and lover I would have to put a big plug in for them but Im not sure that its the type of bike you are after. Felt got some really good reviews in either this year or last years Bicyclling mag buyers guide. Some of the girls here ride Lemond so maybe they can give you some feedback on them. Oh so many great bikes to consider.

Have fun.

[indysteel]

ETA: Just as Indy's friend thinks she's getting good service at that horrid shop. When you first start out, you simply don't know. It's possible that I've found an LBS I can trust -- the one that likes my Brooks and told me my bike is too small, which I've "known" for a long time but nobody had actually told me that, so I figured I was wrong.

Pooks, that's why I go back to my original comment--that it pays to have some independent knowledge. While I love my friend to death and think she's a strong cyclist, she doesn't know a whole lot about bikes. In her defense, she is in school full time and works part-time. She likely doesn't have as much time on her hands as I do. But the fact remains that she has not put herself in a very good position to make an educated decision about the quality of the shop.

I agree with the comments, too, that it takes time to develop a relationship with a shop, but you'll be able to figure out relatively easily whether a particular LBS is even interested in developing a relationship with you. Ironically, I loved the guy I bought my bike from. He spent a lot of time with me finding a good bike and in tweaking it so it was speced to my liking. Unfortunately, however, I have found it difficult to develop any rapport with the store's maintenance staff and I don't particularly like the owner. So, while I stop in every once in a while to say hi, I don't bring my bike there for repairs and, consquently, I don't buy much gear there either. I don't feel obligated to shop there just because it's where I bought my bike.

Instead, I have a better relationship with two other shops--one of which is where I had my fitting. Great guys; great atmosphere. The other shop is where I bought my hybrid. I've since gotten to know the manager and maintenance guys. While I can't commend them for their fitting and sales, I do like them for repairs.

I know some people are so loyal that they only go to and buy from one shop. However, I have found it more helpful to be a self-described "bike shop flirt."

[mimitabby]

Indy, yeah, I like that term. bike shop flirt. i have a "relationship" with about 6 different shops. and I like to keep 'em guessing....


but this doesn't help Pooks.


Pooks, you have to buy stuff, try stuff out and see how they react.

[pooks]

Well, I've been buying stuff and trying stuff. I think I need to get a bike that fits then I'll have a point to start from.

Also, I never ride with anybody but my husband, and him only rarely. I'm guessing that if I ever rode in a group, people would have spotted my problems and given me advice. As it is, I'd ride around a parking lot a couple of times, trying to show them what was bothering me, then they'd raise or lower or whatever, and it never seemed to do the job.