Choosing an bike shop

[Biciclista]

We go to a lot of different bike shops, some are better for some things, like Sammamish Bike is better on electric stuff, so when i need a new lamp for my generator hub set up, I go there.
For easy stuff, I go to BikeWorks, which is very close to home and they have one excellent mechanic.
For bike maintenance, i go to the bike shop where my bike was made; Elliott Bay Bikes.

And if i'm near ANY bike shop, i will visit, and maybe buy something, because you never know, you might find the best bike in the world or the best bike mechanic in the world, or THAT jersey on clearance in your size, or... I'm just saying...

[redrhodie]

If you have several to choose from, go to the one with the nicest staff. If everyone who works there seems happy, it's probably a good shop.

[momtohanna]

Stopped by a couple bike shops today and there is some difference. Who knew!! I also realized that I have like 10 to choose from around here, so I'll be checking them all out. Thanks for all the advice.

[Kelly728]

For me it was the one that didn't blow me off. There are quite a few shops in my area but I actually go to one way out of the area. I was a complete beginner when I first stepped foot in a bike shop and I had two shops say something along the lines of "Well you can get this bike...its all we have since you are a woman and need a women's bike...ok I need to help another customer". Good times.

Looking back I wish I had been a bit more educated about what I really wanted in a bike, but you can only know so much having never sat on a road bike! There are a few shops that were much much better in my area but just didn't have a large selection of bikes. I am quite happy with what I chose, I just wish it was closer. Now I moved and it is even further away.