Fat Girl on a Bike

[schnitzle]

I didn't notice the misspelling, that's hilarious!

Thanks for the recommendations KnottedYet, those Kona bikes look interesting and definitely worth a test ride It's good to hear that you like recycledcycles! I've read so many bad things on yelp about them that I kind of crossed them off my list, even though they have bikes I wanted to try. It's probably all in the timing (first sunny weekend since August, probably not a good time!) and the knowledge level of the shopper huh?

[KnottedYet]

It's that, and that they don't cater to the racers, they are far more focussed on the independent cusses who are utility riders, the odd ducks, the passionate tinkerers, the middle-aged heavy ladies in love with bicycles (that one would be ME!). They are an independent shop, so they don't pledge allegiance to any particular Large Bicycle Corporation. Which means they legally can't sell some brands that are well known. (unless it's a used one)

I've seen some grumpy customers looking for a particular model of Brand X, adamantly refusing to consider a better quality bike at lower cost made by someone else.

And it is their modus operandi to assume customers know what they are doing. I love that they never NEVER talk down to me, or instantly peg me as a dumb blonde, or tell me that the bike I'm looking at is too sexy for me. But when I need something explained, they will do it. I didn't understand something about my V-brakes once. Andy took me around the shop to show me bikes with various styles of brakes and explained how they were different and how they worked.

Recycled Cycles is extremely popular and often very crowded. Sometimes it's hard to get elbow room at the used parts bins, sometimes you have to wait what feels like forever to pay for your goodies. It wouldn't hurt to call them if you want a good hour or so of attention, and ask them when the best time is to come in.

I've been there at opening on a summery Saturday morning, standing outside their doors with 5 or 6 other people. Within 10 minutes the place was packed. Not a good day for an intense and involved conversation with one of the clerks or wrenches!

ETA: my other LBS is Freerange Cycles. They are a couple miles west of Recycled Cycles. TINY independent shop (so small they can't keep repair bikes overnight). If more than 3 customers are in there, it's crowded. Usually there are only 2 wrenches there, and they do the counter work, too. Owned by a very cool gray-haired woman who loves bikes and will talk to you as she's working on one. www.freerangecycles.com They also never talk down to me, and also cater to odd ducks suffused with velo love.

[schnitzle]

Tulip, I think what you wrote to me is such a good way to think of it! I am worth the effort

Thanks Pfunk12, my butt is already hoping it will get easier! hehehe

KnottedYet, thanks again for all the insight into RecycledCycles and the info on Freerange Cycles! You should really write a review for Yelp to help balance out some of the existing reviews. I'm also thinking of checking out Bothell Ski and Bike since they have Kona and are also close to me. I'll let you know how it goes if you're interested. I'm not much of a gear head though, so I don't know how insightful I'll be

Enjoy the weekend everyone!!

[KnottedYet]

Hey, if you go to Recycled Cycles, be sure to check out their bike museum. They have a display case of cool stuff, and scores of antique or unusual bikes hanging from the ceiling. Lots of folks miss that, because they never look UP.

There was an interesting little kerfluffle here on TE over a TEer's experience with Bothell Ski and Bike.