First I'll agree with Sydney_B: "I have this wild idea that if women knew they could look a-ok while riding, they might put more time on their bike." I did a 15-mile ride in Lancaster three years ago with my close friend and my husband's bike partner (hubby's knee was wonky, friend's wife didn't bike). She was surprised by the "cute" outfits in fun colors for women. Two years ago she rode a six-mile ride in Lancaster with me. We're getting her there!

Back to bike shops! What I like about my LBS:
* Friendly, informative, helpful, pleasant, respectful (vs. condescending). They make change for the meters; they adjust seats.
* Location: They are a mile or so from Forbidden Dr., one of the most popular trails in Philly (forbidden to traffic, that is), a block from the Valley Forge Trail, and across the street from a soft serve ice cream place.
* Three years of free (or cheap) annual tune-ups (or, three annual tune-ups) when you buy a bike.
* Local guide books for sale
* Bike rentals (or they used to)

They are also half ski shop, which probably pays the bills in winter! For a while they partnered with a local chain, now they do it themselves.

Even if this is a woman-oriented shop, some men's apparel might be good. Men's gloves fit me better than women's. Another woman poster mentioned she prefers men's jerseys because of her shoulders. Plus, it would give the men something to do.

I also wish my LBS had a wider selection of kid trailers, because we're in the market for one. I've seen good and bad about Burley, but would really like to compare. On the other hand, I don't like equating women and children. Every day in and out of my building I pass a portrait of Dr. So-and-So, Professor of Women's and Children's Diseases, 18XX.

Lots of accessories, to encourage customers to keep spending money -- men and women!

--SJ