LBS...wah....

[7rider]

My LBS has an espresso machine! Love it!
But I acknowledge there are some things my shop can do immediately for me, and some things for which I have to wait. I don't go to my car's dealership and expect them to do work immediately. Sure, I am not without my car for 2 weeks, but think about scale: compare the number of bays, technicians, work orders (and other options on where to bring your car), and (ahem) the number of interruptions from folks who come in and want something done immediately.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's all about the relationship you have with your LBS. This guy's probably got a line of bikes downstairs waiting for work to be done by regular customers who keep his lights on and the bills paid. To go in once and not see anyone around, tells you nothing about the shop, the owner, or the people who frequent it. My LBS is extraordinarily busy at times, and I'm hard pressed to get anyone to talk to me (and I'm an extremely "regular" customer and personal friend of the owner), and some times the shop is so empty, it seems to echo.
Anyway...that's my $0.02

[elk]

Regina
I agree....I have been "dating" and had been in that shop several times. I called to ask how soon and they told me a few hours...thus....the story unfolded.

I am not dating them anymore

[KnottedYet]

Elk, will you have him fix what he did to your brakes? Or take it to a different shop?

(I'd have conniptions if someone did that to my bike without asking me.)

[elk]

Knot... I saw him kind of flailiing to get my old bar off the rack where it was bungeed down for transport...he was rough and impatient and I thought...I do not want those hands on my bike....He's on his way out and so need not be invested in my happiness..

that's the long answer.
the short answer is no, i will not have him fix it.

I asked him to give me longer cables for the new handlbar and he basically just switched the sides...probably cut what was already there. there are at least 3 other shops I trust to do a job right....I just have to wait a little longer to get it back.

I'm not sure I'm ready to replace cable myself yet...too many vitals at stake there. ANd I haven't found a really clear explanation of how to do it so that I go, "oh that's clear, I can do that..."

oh yeah...River City, where I bought m' bike has a free espresso bar on the weekends and free coffee always....but they are also one of the busiest shops...not that that busy is bad...

[smilingcat]

I simply refuse to go to a place where they are total snobs. I went a shop owned and operated by a former european racer. Has his photo in a paceline with C****** team. Bad mouth everything not Campy, Colnago ... Can you guess his nationality? He was a total jerk so I didn't buy from him or have my bike serviced. His loss not mine.

I take my bike to a shop where the people are upfront and nice. I'm not one of those looking for a townie or beach cruiser and pretty much know my stuff so I REALLY HATE IT when they give me lip service. I have no qualms about walking out in mid-sentence. I've done it to many a car salesman.

The places where I do go are places where they talk straight to me, treat me like a customer they want... And when they work on my bike, they always ask before they change any setup. DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH THE SEAT, SEAT TUBE.

So for the guy to swap around the setup without asking is not only rude but he didn't stay within bounds of what is requested. Shame on him.

I think its important too that if its your first visit to a "new" shop, you need to have a good understanding with the people at the shop of what you expect.

it's bit of peeve for me too,
smilingcat