Today's Ride: Good and Bad

[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.