LBS - love them or hate them?

[Serendipity]

Love my LBS!

When I first walked in around 10 years ago, they were very patient with me - answered all my questions every time I went there, and fit me with a bike that I still love all these years later.
Learned SSSSOOO much about bikes and cycling from them - actually from one of the guys in particular.
Over the ensuing years, have purchased four bikes, had many tuneups done and bought innumerable accessories. Probably could find any of those at a lower price somewhere but I learn something every time I go there.

[7rider]

With thanks (or blame) to the folks at MORE:

BACON!

BTW...I voted "love my shop"

[PamNY]

I was disappointed with the stores I visited when bike shopping. A couple gave me bikes that were waaaaay too big, and two offered a blank stare when I asked for a safe place to stow my Xootr while testing the bikes. This didn't need to be a vault; stashing it behind the counter is fine.

None offered sensible advice about what gearing I need. "You don't need to worry about gears in Manhattan" may be a true statement (especially if you are 23 years old) but occasionally one leaves Manhattan or bikes over bridges.

I ended up buying a used bike, and I have no idea how to establish a good relationship with a bike store. I do believe in shopping locally, and I'm willing to pay a bit more, but prices are almost double at the LBS, and selection is limited to high-end brands on things like handlebar bags and panniers.

At least they have gave me motivation to learn to do at least simple repairs myself. A local advocacy group has "fix your own bike night" with mechanics to assist, and I hope I can get by with that for most things.

Pam

[maillotpois]

I really love bacon.

And I really love my LBS.

[kfergos]

I really love bacon.

And I really love my LBS.

I have to agree. Tough choice.

[Bluetree]

I hang around bike shops so much people think I'm a groupie.

It's a tough question to answer because so many bike shops offer so many different things. Of the two dozen-or-so LBSs within an hour's drive, I would rate six or seven of them with an "A" in terms of knowledge, service and product quality. For three of them, I can say I have very good relationships/friendships with the owner or mechanics.

However, I've heard some people say they are intimidated by those same "snobby" boutique stores and prefer to go to the ones that I wouldn't set foot in. My BS Detector goes off whenever I feel the "she's-just-a-girl-so-she-doesn't-know-anything" vibe.

BTW... the LBS where I spend the most money is ranked VERY low on my list when it comes to customer service. The only reason I go there is because they sponsor my club. Sometimes, you just gotta take one for the team

EDIT: I answered "bacon"