LBS woes

[Kubla]

My LBS unfortunately closed this winter so I have been searching for another shop. I had a great little shop where I was treated like a cyclist and not a middle age lady with a new little hobby. There are not many too pick from in this part of the world...

Ridenread, we are in the same geographical area. I have to wonder if we visited the same LBS recently. (Though in my case it was a well-known, established shop.)

I ventured out of my comfort zone (i.e. an unfamiliar city) 2 weeks ago to test ride two Masi bikes that were not available nearby. While far from an expert in the world of cycling, I had done some homework and knew what type of bike I wanted.

I had my older helmet with me that day, and immediately was met with "Ma'am, you need a new helmet!" (I don't particularly care to be called "Ma'am"-especially when it's followed by a condescending tone-so they were starting off on the wrong foot...)

Before I had ridden Bike #1 10 yards, the chain fell off. I walked it back to the sales person, who asked, "What did you do-shift it or something?" (Well yes, why test ride a bike in just one gear?) Then he shrugged and informed me that I wouldn't be needing the larger front ring most of the time, anyway. (What!?)

Bike #2's ride went more smoothly. I actually liked it, but could not get past my first (red flag) impression of the shop. I'd read some mixed reviews before I had made the trip. As much as I liked the second bike, I decided against it and went back to a shop where I'd bought my hybrid last year. The contrast in between these two shops was like night and day.

I've been to a number of LBS's in this area-both good and awful. Please feel free to PM me if you need a recommendation.

[ridenread]

I will give them another try and hopefully will have a better experience with a different person. I do have the gift card and need to use it, so will end up going back and trying to find a pair of shoes to fit my big feet.

Kubla, the shop I went to is actually in RI.

I also detest being called Ma'am. I know, as has been discussed here before, in many regions it is a sign of respect, but it always sounds condescending to me.