Custom bike building

[uforgot]

Well, the 575 is certainly a 'reach' bike if you know what I mean. I could afford it with my last shop, but now I'm in St. Louis and the shops seem a lot less personable and I worry that I wouldn't be able to afford it with certain shops labor costs. Like if you're not in with them, they won't listen, or they might be elitist? That's the worst feeling. When they treat you like you know nothing or have no idea what you want. My other bike shop in Lake Placid was very much like that... I bought a road bike off them, but I wouldn't have them do a custom bike for me because it would be so so expensive.

So anyway, I figure if I bought some of the parts online, I might be able to shave off some of the expenses.

Reesha - You can go to the St. Louis biking message board for advice. I think Mr. Silver seems to be happy with Big Shark, and Traci at the Alpine Shop always drops whatever she is doing and takes a lot of time with me. She is solidly into the whole mountain biking thing and has helped fastdogs with her bikes.

I think I have visited every shop in St. Louis at one time or another, and some are definitely better than others. My lbs is in Rolla. He takes a lot of time with me when I go into the shop and leans toward the single speed, mtb side. He built up my Surly for me giving me exactly what I wanted and no more. It's a couple of hours from St. Louis though. Perhaps others can give recommendations in the area?

[Reesha]

Well I've been using Big Shark mostly, as they're one of my bike team's sponsors. They just seem... realllly big! Although, they do seem to be one of the friendliest toward beginners so I always refer my friends that want a first bike to them.

I've only had one Alpine Shop experience so far and I was a bit disappointed. It was just one young guy and basically ignored me for forty minutes or so even when I was the only one in the bike area. I'd ask about trying out a bike but then he'd preoccupy himself with another customer who comes in after... eventually I just walked out. I was all because I was very polite. Did I smell perhaps? Anyway, I won't hold it against the shop because anyone could have a bad experience, but I feel a little sheepish like maybe I did smell. I figure it's best to visit the Alpine shop when its not busy. They do deal in Salsa and I have thought about building an El Kaboing... so maybe?

Also... you're totally right. I've been a member of STLBiking for many a month now and hadn't thought of asking them. I might even find someone willing to do the work separate from a bike shop if I have all the parts.

[uforgot]

At Alpine just ask for Traci! I have to agree about Big Shark being friendly. I took a couple of their classes. Anyway, I'll go ahead and shamelessly plug Route66 Bicycles in Rolla. His website hasn't been updated in awhile. I think business is booming and he's pretty busy. One owner and as I learn more and more I realize what a terrific mechanic he is. If I email him he replies within the hour unless he is off on a mtb race somewhere. Pyannyplayer goes there too. He also lets me think I know what I'm talking about even though I just know enough to be dangerous. Personally I think he's worth the drive.

Good luck and let us know what you finally do.