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
Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Click the "Create Account" button now to join.
View Poll Results: Love or Hate your LBS?
- Voters
- 64. You may not vote on this poll
-
Love them
35 54.69% -
Only when I have to
16 25.00% -
No way, I shop online and do all my own work
2 3.13% -
Bacon
11 17.19%
Results 1 to 15 of 49
Thread: LBS - love them or hate them?
Hybrid View
-
12-15-2008, 08:29 AM #1
Registered User
- Join Date
- Sep 2008
- Posts
- 2,545
-
12-15-2008, 08:32 AM #2
Team Embolism
- Join Date
- Jan 2006
- Location
- Marin County CA
- Posts
- 5,936
I really love bacon.
And I really love my LBS.
Sarah
When it's easy, ride hard; when it's hard, ride easy.
2011 Volagi Liscio
2010 Pegoretti Love #3 "Manovelo"
2011 Mercian Vincitore Special
2003 Eddy Merckx Team SC - stolen
2001 Colnago Ovalmaster Stars and Stripes
-
12-15-2008, 08:57 AM #3
Considering it all joy
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Location
- Bothell area, WA
- Posts
- 564
I have to agree. Tough choice.
Originally Posted by maillotpois
I really love bacon.
And I really love my LBS.
-
12-15-2008, 11:28 AM #4
Registered User
- Join Date
- Jul 2006
- Posts
- 1,046
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"
Reply With Quote
