I have been trying out various shops near me over the years. I would like to have a good shop when I don't want to buy a tool or want some work done before the weekend.
Here are my choices:
Mr. 90's: His shop is an absolute disaster with huge boxes of bike stuff piled all over. All of the displays and bikes are impossible to see because you can't get to them. He does have the part/bike you need, but it was made in the mid 90s, so is probably outdated or lame.
Mr. Can't Get That: Anything you want is not in stock at the distributor, but THIS brand is available. You are not told this right away, you have to wait a week, then go back. "Sorry dude, I forgot to call you again. That part is SUPER HOT right now and no one has it." I was told this about the ACS freewheel.
Note: The same part is always available from thousands of web retailers at half the price and in half the time.
Mr. Too Busy For You: Don't make the mistake of leaving your bike there, it takes at least 3 weeks to install a pair of grips. And don't call to ask if it's ready, or the crabby woman at the counter will say "Sigh .We will CALL you when it's READY. Sigh."
The Pusher: Has absolutely no real interest in helping any customers. His only goal is too get you to spend as much as possible. "A new chain? You really need to replace the gears as well, so the chain doesn't slip. Let me get you a price on that."
Maybe I am expecting too much.
Here are my choices:
Mr. 90's: His shop is an absolute disaster with huge boxes of bike stuff piled all over. All of the displays and bikes are impossible to see because you can't get to them. He does have the part/bike you need, but it was made in the mid 90s, so is probably outdated or lame.
Mr. Can't Get That: Anything you want is not in stock at the distributor, but THIS brand is available. You are not told this right away, you have to wait a week, then go back. "Sorry dude, I forgot to call you again. That part is SUPER HOT right now and no one has it." I was told this about the ACS freewheel.
Note: The same part is always available from thousands of web retailers at half the price and in half the time.
Mr. Too Busy For You: Don't make the mistake of leaving your bike there, it takes at least 3 weeks to install a pair of grips. And don't call to ask if it's ready, or the crabby woman at the counter will say "Sigh .We will CALL you when it's READY. Sigh."
The Pusher: Has absolutely no real interest in helping any customers. His only goal is too get you to spend as much as possible. "A new chain? You really need to replace the gears as well, so the chain doesn't slip. Let me get you a price on that."
Maybe I am expecting too much.