LBS Politics (LONG... sorry!)

[Running Mommy]

The owner is very nice to us, as we bought expensive bikes from him, after going in "just for a fit," on our Treks. He dissed the Treks quite a bit, but didn't hard sell us on his bikes. He also made a shim for my cleat when I went back and told him about the pain I was having (for free). So even though I wouldn't buy a part elsewhere and expect the labor for free (which is crazy), I feel like I can buy parts anywhere;I don't "owe" him because I bought my bike there.

Thats one thing I would never do- dis another bike! All bikes have merit IMO.
The only thing I tell people is that the reason why we don't carry Trek or Specialized is because I don't want a bike company telling me what to carry- or more important- what NOT to carry. I would rather carry some smaller brands and have more variety.
I had someone that works in another shop come in and say that the reason the owner of his shop gives for only carrying one brand is that "if you give the customer too many choices it will only confuse them, and they won't buy."....
Ummm..... Ok... ????

[Crankin]

That's exactly what the owner of our shop does; he carries small, often unheard of brands. No one else carries Kuotas, which we bought, and now I don't think he is, either! I saw a bunch of bikes with a name that begins with a "W," that I don't recognize when I was there last week.