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"

[Zen]

I love my LBS more than bacon.
But bacon is tasty...hmmm...

[Mr. Bloom]

SilverMom is coming next week...that means loads of Bacon every morning!

The only time we have Bacon is when she's around.

SilverSon and I bloat up like Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka!


Oh yeah! Thumbs up to LBS!

[Tater]

I had a bit of trouble with the LBS where I got my Giant. They were always pushing upgrades or replacement parts without asking about my riding style, just assuming. (You know, replace the chain at 3000 miles. Not all of us have to do it right then!) It got tiresome. Then we had a bike shop move into our downtown area early last year. The owners are great! Krista makes it a point to stock women specific goodies and is about the only one in the area who does. Two excellent mechanics that love working on vintage as well as modern bikes, round out the team. I don't get all my cycling related things there, but I do as much as I can to support the local business community.

[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"

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I hate crappy LBS's.
I love good LBS's.


I also love bacon, but try to only have it as an occasional treat.

[Bluetree]

[fidlfreek]

Love the German Shepherd!

My LBS is great, but only because the guys there are great. If you don't know them I'm not sure its a good situation. They excel are giving newbies and Freds attitude!

Sometimes LBS give you the best possible deal. For instance, yesterday I bought a 1398 gram Easton EA90 SLX wheelset for the bargain price of $540. Oh, and since it was at Performance Bike i got another $100 in store "points" to spend on tires etc. WOW right. It pays to stop by the local shop periodically...

[cycling_sarah]

I answered love. I have my favorite shop where I bought my bikes and DH's. I have 3-4 others that I also stop at every so often for gear and I like the people at those although I don't know them as well as I do the folks at my favorite shop.

[GLC1968]

I don't really have a true L BS, so we don't frequent one. We do our own work and usually order online. If we are heading into town (by car), there are a few that we'll shop at...but it's such a rare occurance that it's not worth the vote.

And I don't like bacon, myself.

[Zen]

And I don't like bacon, myself.

You are not of this planet, are you?