Today's Ride: Good and Bad

[Mr. Bloom]

he looked at my bike then at me and sneered,, "you're riding road on THAT?!?"

That's his job Don't think ill of a cop that arrests a criminal...and don't think ill of a retailer who tries to sell product. His style leaves a little to be desired though

[Zen]

She wasn't inquiring about bikes.
She was asking about roads.
It doesn't matter what kind of bike you're riding if the road isn't safe unless they sell the two-wheeled version of the Abrahms tank.

[redrhodie]

Zen's right. I missed the point, that you were asking route info. He could have been more helpful. You can look on http://www.mapmyride.com/ and find bike routes in your area.

On a side note, when I once asked my LBS guy for a route, he sent my up one of the hardest hills around. I went back to the store after and asked if he was trying to kill me (either thinks I'm stronger than I am, or he thought it would be funny--a distinct possibility). I've never asked him for directions again.

[GraysonKelly]

I can admit that I may have been a bit sensitive, but I honestly believe I experienced some cycling egocentrism yesterday. Of course people are partial to whatever they ride, but that's still not very nice. I mean that's like if he came to me and told me that he'd been trying to get into reading mysteries by reading a particular author and me sneering at him and saying "You're getting into mysteries by reading THAT?" That wouldn't be nice of me and his attitude yesterday put me off going in there again anytime soon.
Gray

[Ana]

I often find that those types of people will respond to a well composed response, such as:

"Excuse me young man but I am looking for roads with less traffic so I may enjoy my ride more. Please put your attitude aside because it is not appreciated. Are you able to assist me?"

I think that many people (especially elitist cyclists) lose their perspective and their personality types predispose them to treat others (i.e. those with less experience and less expensive equipment) in a condescending manner. In order to help those people become aware, they need negative and informative feedback so they can know what kind of behavior is not appropriate or tolerated.

Or you can ask to speak with his or her manager. The downside of this approach is that sometimes the boss sides with his employees or is in denial about what his/her employee is like. On the other hand, the manager may have a nice chat with their employee. The worst thing is to back down and let them win In the very least it would reveal whether or not you would care to honor the shop with your business.

I think part of the reason they treat you that way is because they are angling to bully you with their elitist attitude to purchase something you don't need and perhaps (I hate even writing this) because you're a woman. I strongly suspect that the sales staff at bike shops think me less knowledgeable and less serious because I am female. Granted, I am not a racer or triathlete but it is courteous to provide any customer with the same service.

Then it's time to start getting other LBS recommendations from others...even if it's a bit out of your way

[RoadRaven]

Most excellent achievement... I've only been "on the bike" about 3 years, so memories of having to stop up a hill, and finally being able to bike all the way without a stop are very fresh in my mind. Its a great sensation

As for the dork in the LBS (sorry Mr Silver, you are too kind), any salesperson should not belittle the customer.
I suppose you have no choice in LBS?
I'm with Ana... I'd be tempted to point out the owner/manager that the only reason you are coming back to this shop is because you have no choice and explain why. And into the convo that you were so offended/saddened/angered/disappointed/whatever-you-felt by this young jerks comments, that you might/will be telling others...

Everybody has different bikes for different reasons, and no young guy in a shop should be condescending just because your choice is different from his. He should be thrilled you are on a bike, and then introduce other approaches to cycling... plant seeds... maybe even sell you a second bike. Thats what a SMART guy would have done. He's just plain silly.

[Mr. Bloom]

She wasn't inquiring about bikes.
She was asking about roads.

A good sales person creates the perception of need...but alas, that should typically follow the successful establishment of rapport...which clearly lacked here.

But, back on topic...Congrats on the climb Grayson! That's a great feeling!

[GraysonKelly]

Thanks everybody for the encouragement about my successful hill climb. I'm still feeling pretty awesome about that.
As for the other thing, thank you Ana and RoadRaven for your words. And I'm kind of thinking that I might be making a trek to Pittsburgh (about 45 min by car) to talk to the bike shop gal out there. The one that I spoke to on the phone while searching for the elusive Surly Cross Check was very, very nice and I'm thinking maybe I'll try them. We'll see. Thanks again everyone.
Gray

[KSH]

Congratulations on your achievement!

Ignore the rude guy in the LBS. Do your thang on whatever bike you want to do it on and be proud!