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