Grrrr, why do they always assume?

[rij73]

Once I went into a shop and started talking bikes with a *woman* salesperson. After a while, she says, "Wow, you are a TRIP! You gotta come back when the owner is in. He's going to get such a kick out of you... You've got the lingo down and *everything*!"

I wasn't sure how to react. I just laughed and told her that I tend to get obsessive over my interests. But, she was a woman who knew about bikes. Should she have acted *so* surprised at my level of knowledge?

In fact, I did come in when the owner was there. He acted as normal as could be, and we had a great talk about bikes. He didn't seem surprised at all... Go figure!

That reminds me of another story. A few months ago my car broke down and I needed it towed. I usually deal with all the car issues, since I'm home all the time, and DH is quite busy. Our car (which I adore) is a 1996 Saturn SL. It has *no* power steering and is a stick shift. Mind you, I live in Brooklyn, which requires me moving the car once a week for street cleaning rules, and I always must parallel park. This is something I'm totally used to, and don't give it a second thought. Of course it's harder than an automatic with power steering, but big deal, right?!

So, the tow truck driver gets in the car to release the brake so he can tow it. He realizes the car's "features", and gets out, looks at me incredulously, and says in the absolute most sincere way, "You mean to tell me a sweet little thing like you actually drives and parks this car in the city???" Again, I didn't even know what to say! I wasn't angry, but just amazed at how wrong that whole question even was!

[sundial]

Knotted, sounds like you have experienced bike shop Nirvana.

KimmyT, I can't believe the nerve of that person. I would have selected a ski and *accidentally* bumped his noggin with it on my way out the door. Color my foot!

Mr. Silver, I usually wrap up the deals when we buy vehicles. My husband just sits there and smiles as he watches the salesperson's expression change as I calculate his bull on paper.

[Bklynmom]

Bike shops could take a leaf from our local Jack Rabbit running/tri store.

I go to a bike shop where a coach friend works, but when he's not there it is a nightmare, just like everyone else describes.

At Jack Rabbitt (7th Avenue in Park Slope Brooklyn) , the manager always helps me, even the teenagers are really respectful. I had a very informative discussion about recovery drinks with a 20 year old triathlete with zero attitude at all. And I certainly don't fit the athletic profile in terms of size and age. They are supportive and encouraging and not at all condescending at all - sometimes I just go in to buy a little something because they are so positive and they give me a boost.

All this is to say it is totally possible to have an athletic store with a great vibe -- how come there just isn't a bike store like that?