Some things are just cursed...

[Blueberry]

I'm so sorry about your seatpost and saddle. I would love to know more about how it happened and what they're doing about it.

As far as the cassette swapping: I'm sure a lot of it goes on in some shops. I have most of my work done at a very small LBS that is repair focused. I've worked hard to develop a relationship with the owner, and he's the one who does most of the work on my bikes. Because I know him, I would be shocked if something like that went on in his shop. The larger shops with higher mechanic turnover, sure. That said - the fact that the owner in this case would do that is doubly disturbing. My stuff is also not "fancy" by anyone's standards - so I don't think anyone would be all that interested in it, but still....

[malkin]

All's well that ends well--it just took some angst to get there.

Shop agreed to replace my saddle--sort of, because that color B18 isn't made anymore.
I indulged my obsessive-compulsive side to keep looking for it (I still look for the sunglasses that I lost at CDG airport 2 years ago. I don't know why.)
I found my saddle- weirdly wrapped in a bag in the garage.

So I was thrilled and sent an embarrassed and apologetic note to my LBS guy.
I figured he might be justifiably furious for all the fuss, but he sent a wonderful, --erm-- 'colorful' response indicating his relief.

I'm gonna be baking them bunches of cookies, and I have in mind some gift cards for the kid who checked the bikes in who seemed to be our suspect.

So, cookies for them; humble pie for us; all is right with the world, AND BEST OF ALL WE DON'T HAVE TO FIND A NEW LBS!!!

(the seat post is still a mystery)
(I still think the Bike Fridays are cursed. We need to do some kind of ceremony.)

[emily_in_nc]

I indulged my obsessive-compulsive side to keep looking for it (I still look for the sunglasses that I lost at CDG airport 2 years ago. I don't know why.)
I found my saddle- weirdly wrapped in a bag in the garage.

Glad you found it! But I'm uncelar on how it got into your garage if it was on your bike when you delivered it to the LBS.

I'm obviously missing something?

[malkin]

Oh, yah, there will be offerings of beer.

Brewer delivered the bikes in to the shop and I guess he didn't notice that there was no saddle on my bike. I can't imagine not noticing (especially since my saddle is the most beautiful part of the bike!)-- but whatever...(I'll worry more about his mind and the losing thereof later, right?) The shop should have made some kind of intake slip that recorded the state of the bikes--especially since with Bike Fridays it is tricky to unfold the bike with no saddle.

As far as the shop is concerned, I guess is better to have an embarrassed, absent minded and forgetful but loyal long-term customer than a dishonest employee.

[redrhodie]

That sounds like something I would do. Good thing you found it.

I bet the seatpost is somewhere.

[malkin]

I think we're just meant to order a new seatpost from the shop when we're in there delivering beer and cookies.

[Kiwi Stoker]

I do know that parts do get swapped between bikes on the floor. One bike I purchased had a different (and brand) stem and a much better seat post on it than what was the standard.

I suspect however that the bike shop setup the bike for someone to try and then forgot to swap the parts back. I was happy to get the better seatpost however so I didn't compain.