Why I love my LBS (or not): Jump In!

[Antaresia]

worst bike shop: You may have heard me complain about my soma? Worst bike shop likes to say "you'll get used to it" when I have a problem, rather than listen to me. They're ~experts~ you see. Even the compliments are back-handed, upon seeing me on a more aggressive road bike he says: "wow, I never expected you to become such a strong rider" Uhhh....thanks? They are also terrible at ordering in parts and keeping in contact.

Best bike shop: Has NEVER made me feel crappy for being a stupid newbie. They understood it, they lowered the seat & put in thumb shifters on my fist bike so I could ride it easier. I'm not a stupid newbie anymore, but it is where I started out and I was so impressed with this bike shop for helping me and not giving me attitude that I've since bought another bike there, and took my friend there when he needed a new bike. They're two cities away, but it's a really nice ride. When I got my first bike, I thought riding there was impossible. I now consider it to be a "short" bike ride, and usually do more riding afterwards to make up for it, haha.

[Koronin]

I really like our new LBS. It's brother's who opened and run it. They are are great at making sure they ask the right questions to help determine what is best for you. They don't try to push anything on a person. The other LBS (actually their parents) I don't like as well because that LBS does try to push things on you. The other "LBS" I like is up in Raleigh (2 hrs away), well there's two. There is Preformance (I prefer the Raleigh location to the Cary location just due to the store being larger) and there's a Trek/Felt store right downtown Raleigh. Preformance just has great selection on everything, sales people are around, but not in your face. The Trek store is small, but very knowledgeable and wanting to help you find what is right for you. Also loved our old LBS in Charlotte (also a Trek dealer). They are great. They want to help you find what works for you as well and won't push anything. The reps are there if you need help, but won't bother you unless you ask for help.
What I HATE and I mean HATE is when sales people try to tell me I have to have women's anything just because I'm a woman. I really hate that. First of all most women's jerseys won't fit because I do have broader shoulders. I need an XL jersey at best because of my shoulders and then most of those are too tight. So I just buy men's jersey's. Yet some LBS's seem to have this problem of if you're a woman you have to wear women's clothing or ride a WSD bike or girly stuff. Um, NO, I HATE girly stuff, I hate flower prints and I despise the color pink. Oh and most of the time if I can find a men's/unisex bike small enough it will fit me better than a WSD bike. Why is that so hard to get through people's heads? Hence the reason I like our new LBS and Preformance and our old LBS in Charlotte. They leave me alone to find what I want that actually fits properly.

[redrhodie]

My shop can get me anything I want, usually at a discount. But that's not why I love them. The reason it's my shop is the guys. They're like family to me now, but even before I knew them so well, they were special.

It was the first place I went in when I was thinking of moving to that town. I still remember the conversation I had with Jon that day, how cool he thought the place was, how great the cycling was. He totally influenced my decision to move there.

All the guys are funny, smart, and deep. They are passionate about bikes. They love to talk. They love to ride.

When I had the bad mammo, this is where I went, who I needed to talk to. These are the people who convinced me to get the biopsy when I wanted to wait and see, because, no you can't just leave it in there! and the first ones I told when it turned out to be cancer, because I knew they would calm me down with logic and reason. These are the guys who convinced me to do group rides when I was down, and who took shortcuts back when I was fatigued. These are good friends.

Just today they lent me a brand new pump because mine died and I the one I want needs to be ordered. They always have my back. And even though I feel like family, I am one of many who feels that way. It's more like a club than a store.

[lovelygamer]

I found out yesterday that my bike shop has been open for 37 years. AND, they have a beautiful Trek Lexa there I am thinking about making my entry level road bike. It's around $750.00 and is white and aqua.

[Megustalaplaya]

I found out yesterday that my bike shop has been open for 37 years. AND, they have a beautiful Trek Lexa there I am thinking about making my entry level road bike. It's around $750.00 and is white and aqua.

Hey, that sounds like the bike I have! Mine is pearl white with seafoam bar tape. Nice entry level bike. I have put 1200 miles on her so far!

[lovelygamer]

Oh yes, it's Pearl! That's right. I'm glad you like it. Sixteen Gears? I have seven now so I am pretty stoked.

Btw, does anyone know where the saddle posts all went? I was searching the thread this morning but I can't find the main threads we had up recently.

I know I am going to need a larger more comfortable seat so I may as well order one with the bike.

I think I remember the Bontrager Afinity being recommended?

[indysteel]

Larger does not necessarily equate to comfort when it comes to saddles. Have you ever measured your sit bones? Any saddle wider than that may cause chafing and soft tissue discomfort.

[Sky King]

Oh yes, it's Pearl! That's right. I'm glad you like it. Sixteen Gears? I have seven now so I am pretty stoked.

Btw, does anyone know where the saddle posts all went? I was searching the thread this morning but I can't find the main threads we had up recently.

I know I am going to need a larger more comfortable seat so I may as well order one with the bike.

I think I remember the Bontrager Afinity being recommended?

go to gear and accessories and search about saddles