Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Stoker View Post
Another thing I am also a bit shocked at is that some stores have a policy of clearing floor stock first. I meet a girl on a too large Pinarello mid-level model. She had the seat lower, tiny stem and still she was rocking side to side.

She was told this was the smallest frame. Given no option. I ended up convincing her by getting on her bike (and I was taller than her) and showing why it was too big and then making her get on my smaller bike. Total laziness of the bike shop!
Back in 1994 I went to buy my second MTB. The sales dude was suggesting a model equipped with Shimano STX. I noticed a more expensive bike and asked what the difference was. "That one has Deore LX." How is it different, and why would I want it? "It's Deore LX which is more expensive!"

In '95 or '96 I was back at that shop buying some minor item. I asked about getting lower gearing for my bike. "Nope. Can't do that. Your 24x28 gearing is already the lowest possible gearing."

Fast forward to a few years ago...

On eBay I bought a NewOldStock cassette with a 34 tooth low cog and a lightly used Deore LX crank with a 22 tooth chainring. The manufacturing date code on these parts was from ... 1994/95. (Things aren't quite that simple - I would have had to upgrade the STX derailleur on the bike too.) Net result - I rode less because my bike wasn't optimal - and the LBS lost out on a significant parts sale.