In New Orleans, we have two great woman adoring shops with only true artists on the mechanics staff. Adam's Bicycle World in the uptown area, just nice as can be to newbies and racers and all in between. Right below the French Quarter is Bicycle Michaels, also a just stellar group of guys. Adams is more cruiser/hybrid/serious Italian road steel oriented, but he'll get you anything you want and work with you. He builds awesome wheels. Michaels is really eclectic, he handles everything and anything and does rentals, in case you come to visit. Very serious MT biking stuff, and fun BMX subcultural stuff too. Then there's the weird bikes they build for fun...
Both houses keep top notch beer in the fridge, too.

missliz