I agree about the bike shop dudes. They almost act like you owe it to them to shop there. IMO, if I'm to pay x amount more than I could find it online, they should realize that they're in a competetive market and offer me something I can't get online. ie: cool inviting atmosphere, weekly bike group rides, cycling clinics, zero pressure sales peeps, free basic installs and setups (including aero bars and the like). I've been so disillusioned w/ this stuff at times I've considered starting my own bike shop. "Mr. Nice Guy Bikes"

As for on the road, endurance atheletes think they're special.

I'll have to be +1 on this. I'm a frequent shopper at the LBS right around the corner. But when I walk in it's never "how can I help you?". Instead, I stand at the counter two feet from the guy until he looks up and gives me the blank stare.

I proceed to tell him that I've just bought some new aerobars and would like for him to install them. Once my bike and other cool new stuff is behind the counter he goes on a mini speech about what a pain these are to install. He only had one stem the right length in stock (moving to OS bars). It was a bit pricey and when I asked him what else he could get in he acted like I had just pissed in his shoe.

so I'm done with this chain of generic trek stores in Atlanta (you know who I'm talking about). If you aren't a mountain biker or on their road team they treat you like you don't deserve to ride - and thats whether you bring in a road bike or a tri bike. Guess I'm not cool enough for your 'works'.

on a positive note, mechanic Mark at the Buford GA location of REI is incredible. He always gets it right, helps me understand what was wrong in the first place, and never makes me feel stupid for not knowing. He's also a TNT coach, so he won't give you grief about having a tri bike. If you live in Atlanta go see Mark.

I have had the opposite experience in my area. 90% of the roadies wave and are generally friendly. This has been a positive season for cars as sell, with only 1 or 2 screaming cursing fools.

I have had an experience similar to yours at my local Orbea dealer. 1st and only time in the shop the guy acted like I was a bother when asking him about for some info on the Orbea road bikes. Last time at that place. The other 2 LBS's are great. When I was fact finding for my tri bike purchase 2 years ago, I talked with the LBS guy for over an hour on 2 different occasions. He couldn't have been more helpful, even in giving info on brands he didn't carry.

[quote=jhudalla]
As for on the road, endurance atheletes think they're special. [/quote]
Then yer hanging around with the wrong sort of folks! ;)
Come on over to Ultra running or ultracycling...where everyone has a niche!
I've been riding a long time and used to race in the '80's...left it because of the attitude of many roadies... (notice I didn't say "all") Let it be known ,too that many of these folks are runners , who won't talk to you if your 5k isn't under 18:00...it's not just roadies.
Real endurance athletes, not the guys who train several hundered miles a week in order to look good at the two crits they do a year, have always been a welcoming bunch, at least to me. I have yet to meet a ultrarunner or ultracyclist who's a pig.
It's like "Revenge of the Nerds." The real endurance people are kind of geeks, and as such, are far more welcoming than folks who think their win at "The Smack Down Crit" or "Yo Mama's 5k" makes then a local god...

I hate to say it but you actually have to become friends with the people that work in the shop in order to get things done. A new shop opened up last year and I went in often. I didn't need anything, I just went in to establish a relationship. Now when I walk in, they know my name, they talk to me... we're friends. When I bring my bike in, sometimes they tell me to come pick it up in the afternoon of the same day or I'll get it back in the morning. I'm guessing most people are waiting days for their work to get done.

Having new friends doesn't bother me so I figure it's worth effort.

Unfortunately, and I hate to see this, but I agree with you about the other cyclists part of your rant. Especially when I am on my Tri bike, I get no response as we pass one another. Same thing when I am running BTW. Huge egos in the pack is all I can think of. On the other hand, these guys and gals are all pretty nice as individuals if I see them at the shop, at a waystation on a century ride or after a local group ride. To be open-minded, I don't know how much acknowledgment I would do if I was riding in a pelaton at 28 mph.

On a positive note, my LBS - Bike Doctors in WI - is great. They are always friendly, willing and ready to help, and give me the time I need. Part of the difference I see between bike shops is that the owner is actually at the bike shop most days, he's friendly and he knows tri bikes. This kind of thing tends to trickle down to the staff.

you need a new LBS - the guys in my shop make me lattes, invite me on group rides (i have yet to go), order parts, and they 'wish they had a sweet TT bike like mine'. Love them.

As for the nods on the road, I get plenty, but I'm a big fan of eye contact. And perhaps it's because I'm a chick.

[quote=tsilcyc]I hate to say it but you actually have to become friends with the people that work in the shop in order to get things done. A new shop opened up last year and I went in often. I didn't need anything, I just went in to establish a relationship. Now when I walk in, they know my name, they talk to me... we're friends. When I bring my bike in, sometimes they tell me to come pick it up in the afternoon of the same day or I'll get it back in the morning. I'm guessing most people are waiting days for their work to get done.

Having new friends doesn't bother me so I figure it's worth effort. [/quote]
+1...I didn't talk about it in an earlier post because it's not an issue for me....have two great indie shops...they know me, we communicate well, nice guys... Last Saturday was having trouble with my Zero G's (finicky things, those)..just stopped in with the bike...took care of my problem AND gave the bike the once over.... Out the door in 15...

I have had good and bad experiences with LBS's. I think it just depends on who the owner is, and who does the hiring.

I worked at a record store for a long time, and most of the people I worked with thought they were the bee's knees. I think it's a similar mentality, that being lame.

But, all I can say is that sometimes when I'm riding I don't want to wave because of the traffic and the fact that the roads around here are pretty chewed up, so I never know when I'm going to have to dodge a pothole. But I do try to nod. Honestly though, I think it's usually just because many cyclists do take it very seriously, and they are probably just concentrating on riding.

I don't know where you ride in the north burbs, but I've been on a number of rides up there on my tri bike with guys tucking in behind me. They appreciate the tow and usually thank you once you turn off. You need to know who you're dealing with though. Anyone described here: [url=http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=6007&status=True] Euro Cool [/url] will probably not acknowledge you. I just bought a 1986 Schwinn World Tourist, with springs in the seat, full front and rear fenders, and a position so upright you can't ride into a breeze more than 6 mph, and I get waves from everyone when riding. But I also ride it in a suit on my way to or from work, so I don't suspect anyone thinks I'm just trying to be cool by riding a bike.

Oh, and just find a shop that actually needs your business. They will be much more personable. Or learn how to do everything yourself and never go to a shop again. I only go for incidentals (tape, tubes, water bottles, etc) and do all the work myself. Saves a lot of trouble (and money, now that Chicago sales tax is 10.25%).

You definitely have to find the LBS that is right for you. There is one I will NEVER set foot in again. In fact, I was so displeased that I bought a chain elsewhere and returned it instead of paying for one they had put on my bike. There is another I used to take my bike to and listen to any recommendation they had. Oh, and the owner actually introduced me to my fiance, and is invited to my wedding.

But at the same time, a bit more expensive that online *does* make sense. You want the product now, you pay for the convenience. You want to try it on or inspect it beforehand, you pay for it. The shop, unlike online shops, is paying people to be in the store and carrying all that stock that people might not buy. So while I understand wanting good service, I think some markup is reasonable. The question for me is if the help in the shop and the convenience of getting it now makes that mark up worth it.

I've had nothing but great experiences in my LBS, and I've gone there to buy everything from a Burley trailer to haul my kids with to some new race wheels. The guys there are mostly roadies, but are super friendly and have helped me out plenty of times. And I've enjoyed expanding my cycling horizons too. I rode for them last year and did my first cycling TT's, though I'm too chicken to road race with big packs of cyclists the TT was fun and I stomped my category (I guess triathletes and our funny bikes are at least useful for that!)

I'm sure a lot of it depends on the management of the shop and their employees' attitudes as well. The bike shops around here serve a pretty diverse cycling population, so I guess they have to be versatile.

When it was time to buy my last bike though, I drove to Portland to a shop with a lot of tri-specific bikes and people who knew how to fit them. Our LBS' mostly have road bikes with maybe one or two tri models.

How did 1+ (or is it + 1) come to mean "agree"? Must be a phone texting thing, or something.

Anyway, I also have found an LBS I love (they treat me like I know what I'm asking for - even if I don't) and ones that annoy me (who's employees treat me like I know nothing, and that they know what kind of rider I am - without ever talking to me). Ironically, the one I love is further than two others I find annoying - such is life.

I see a fair number of riders when I commute, most of whom wave or nod, or say hello (most are old order Mennonite's, just going to the farm or something), so that's normally pleasant. I think that for both the LBS people and other cyclists, like tsilcyc says, being friendly will not only be more effective with others 90% of the time, it will be more enjoyable too. Those other 10% of people will get a second chance to be friendly in return sometime, after their intervals or jumps are complete.

danpatgal...did you ride Covered Bridge yesterday? What a great day for a ride....The buggies were out in force! Nothing like drafting off a buggy doing 25mph....kids in the back all hooting and laughing...too much fun.

sometimes folks are too tired or just don't look up, but mostly, i've always gotten nods, smiles or a single finger off the handlebars (the good way!)

as far as lbs, find a new one

[quote=tsilcyc]I hate to say it but you actually have to become friends with the people that work in the shop in order to get things done. A new shop opened up last year and I went in often. I didn't need anything, I just went in to establish a relationship. Now when I walk in, they know my name, they talk to me... we're friends. When I bring my bike in, sometimes they tell me to come pick it up in the afternoon of the same day or I'll get it back in the morning. I'm guessing most people are waiting days for their work to get done.

Having new friends doesn't bother me so I figure it's worth effort. [/quote]

I always take beer in and usually if the mechanic is there I can get my bike looked at all the time! The manager, Jeffery is very helpful too. Make sure just to drop in too and they do remember.

My local shop is pretty good. 90% of the employees are nice and friendly. There is one guy who does the blank stare behind the counter, but as soon as I see him I walk up to anyone else.

Around me, pretty much anyone not on the "euro cool" list will nod and wave and any runner not zoned into their music will do the same. Swimmers... unless their taking a breather at the end of the pool, they're a bit too busy to wave and say 'hi' :-)

[quote=Anton][quote=jhudalla]The real endurance people are kind of geeks, and as such, are far more welcoming than folks who think their win at "The Smack Down Crit" or "Yo Mama's 5k" makes then a local god...
[/quote] Interesting, I've kinda noticed that.

when I go into my bike shop, they all know it the "girl who knows nothing about bikes" and they race to help me, probably b/c they figure they can talk me into buying something (which I usually do)

Nordstrom service is unbeatable. We studied "The Nordstrom Way" as part of a service seminar in the mid-90's. Good stuff there.

If you don't like one LBS go to another. I go to a few and I am friendly and patient, sometimes they are busy. I have a good relationship with them.

As far as other riders, I try to be friendly. If they don't respond in kind, oh well I tried.
Then I move on. I don't take it personally.

If you want to try and meet someone to train with check out trifuel and see who is near you and send them a PM

[quote=Tri-grit]Nordstrom service is unbeatable. We studied "The Nordstrom Way" as part of a service seminar in the mid-90's. Good stuff there.[/quote]

not to thread-jack, but Nordstrom is the only store that ever sold me shoes that didn't match! they were nice about it when I returned them. But, they didn't seem to care that I had to wear flip-flops to a semi-formal Sunday brunch because of the incident. So what is the Nordstrom way?

I loved my bike shop where I used to live before. They were an indie, owned by two young roadies and their service and attitude were awesome (even though at that time I was a young innocent and bike-dumb triathlete). Once I rushed into their store on a Saturday night when they were just about to close because my cleat had broken and I had a race the next day and they fixed it for me right then and there!! Where I live now there is no bike shop within 700 miles (roughly :), just a bike mechanic who'll come to your house and fix things (well, bike related things anyway), and he's cool.

Also, because I live in a small community where there aren't that many cyclists we all say "hi" on the road. Only the newcomers sometimes don't (or roadies newcomers who aren't used to seeing chicks on bikes for some reason) but then we meet at races and it's ok after that. Also, the motto of my bike club is something like "one love" or something equally silly and inclusive.

Jeez, my post makes it sound like I'm living in a bubble... Please don't ever make me go back to the mean real world!

[quote=diva_mom][quote=Tri-grit]Nordstrom service is unbeatable. We studied "The Nordstrom Way" as part of a service seminar in the mid-90's. Good stuff there.[/quote]

not to thread-jack, but Nordstrom is the only store that ever sold me shoes that didn't match! they were nice about it when I returned them. But, they didn't seem to care that I had to wear flip-flops to a semi-formal Sunday brunch because of the incident. So what is the Nordstrom way? [/quote]

Diva - So, you mean to say you actually left a store with two different shoes and you blame the store for that? What did you expect them to do about it- Reschedule your brunch?

[quote=Leroy Bonkers]on a positive note, mechanic Mark at the Buford GA location of REI is incredible. He always gets it right, helps me understand what was wrong in the first place, and never makes me feel stupid for not knowing. He's also a TNT coach, so he won't give you grief about having a tri bike. If you live in Atlanta go see Mark.

[/quote]
I trained with Mark for TNT -- great guy and lots of help, but I NEVER go over to REI -- just another chain.... Have you tried Mama's in Buford? Great people, great group rides, and so far for me, great customer service. I have another couple of friends that are opening a tri specific bike shop in Stone Mtn called TriYourBest - hopefully it'll be open soon.

Well in the upstate of SC we have three or four different bike stores.

One in Clemson is a university store and if you aren't in the 18-23 college age group forget about it.

One is in Travelers rest and is awesome by all accounts but Mtn specific. Then we have the old store, The Great Escape "Mistake", they are basically worthless and as you described, but are heading out of business quickly. A local tri store has opened up and originally only sold Tri bikes, however they are now selling kids bikes, mtn. bikes, anything else bike or tri related. They are friendly and have Latte's available if that is your "cup oh tea". They are more expensive but are the preferred vendor when I need something quickly.

I usually give the peace sign off the front of my aerobars whenever I see other cyclists coming the other way, and I'm in general surprised at how seldom people acknowledge or give me something back.

I think I'm lucky that my LBS has relatively friendly people. I do like them, but I get the sense that I somehow got over a barrier with them, probably because I came in for a fitting early on. I get the sense that's a service they make a decent profit on, as opposed to much of what they sell. They have been very good to me, but I've seen them be not so good to others.

If you're looking for shops with good people, and are willing to travel into Chicago, the best I've gone to are (in no specific order):

Element Multisport: new shop, good selection of tri bikes and clothing, but more specific to triathlon. They have daily computrainer classes too, which I suspect could be pretty fun.

Mission Bay Multisport: they do a ton of online stuff, but have top notch bikes and gear in stock and top notch mechanics. Deals in both tri and road bikes and carries a ton of racing gear in store.

Smart Bike Parts: small indie shop that gets a lot of urban traffic, i.e. wanna be "cool" kids looking to trick out their fixies with mismatched deep V's, but the owner gives discounts on everything, and can get you just about anything you can dream up.

I've been to a ton of others, but don't find the staff or prices to be worth it. Picked up an old 10 speed chain the other day for $27 at one place because my girl's bike had a siezed link, when I could have ordered a comparablepart online for $5, or stood around in another shop for 10 minutes to pick up a frameset I had purchased earlier that day with nary a soul in sight.

[quote=qb ant] I trained with Mark for TNT -- great guy and lots of help, but I NEVER go over to REI -- just another chain.... Have you tried Mama's in Buford? Great people, great group rides, and so far for me, great customer service. I have another couple of friends that are opening a tri specific bike shop in Stone Mtn called TriYourBest - hopefully it'll be open soon.
[/quote]

Yeah, I met the bald guy from TriYourBest at RockNRoll man. Seems nice, and they are probably about as far from me as All3Sports.

I've riden by BoardNBike dozens of times, and stopped in for gels/water before. Never had them work on a bike before... but I might now. Thanks for the recommendation.

Mrs. Bonkers rides in in the Sorellas club, so we also head down to Peachtree Bikes from time to time.

I rode a little with the Sorellas last year - mtn biking though - great group - wish I had more time......

[quote=Anton][quote=jhudalla]
It's like "Revenge of the Nerds." The real endurance people are kind of geeks, and as such, are far more welcoming than folks who think their win at "The Smack Down Crit" or "Yo Mama's 5k" makes then a local god...
[/quote]

I think it all just depends on the roadie or runner, or the club or team they ride/run with.

There is a cycling group near me that is establishing a reputation for being jackasses. I've ridden with them twice, it was 2 times too many. Go to a different group and it's a night and day difference; friendly, helpful even during a race. And the funny thing about it is I'll see both groups out on rides, not ironically the jackasses don't wave and the other group will. There are two running clubs near me too, I've run with them each exactly 1 time. More than enough to learn that if you aren't breaking 6 minute miles for 10k's or better they aren't interested in you being around. Fine by me.

I guess my point in all of that is this, I used to think it would be cool to ride or run with folks who had the same interests. The reality of it is that I run because I love it. I ride because I love it. I'm just as happy out there by myself as with a group. If I wave at someone and they ignore it, no skin off my back, I was friendly and cordial, I'll sleep just fine.

As for the LBS, find a new one. There are several near me. Ohio's largest isn't too far from me, I quit going to it. They were about as helpful as a rattlesnake. I've since found 2 that are super friendly, super helpful and give me discounts just because. I've got to think you'd be in a similar situation.

The LBS by where I live lost my business when they charged me 60 bucks to order a BB and then I got the BB and their price tag said it was only 50 bucks and they said they charged me more because it was a special order. Since when does ordering something because they just sold the last one 2 days ago become a special order?

Well I have nothing but positive things to say about my local bike shop (Niantic Bay Bicycles in CT). They are always happy to help even if all I'm looking to buy is lube or a spare tube. When I was looking for a new saddle one of the guys helped me pick out a couple of different ones and then put them all on for me so I could decide which one I liked better. I think you probably have to make an effort to get to know the people on a more personal level though as some of the others have said. And even though it is a bit of a hike (30 min drive) I try to make sure I buy everything from them, even the tiny stuff. That way I have an excuse to stop in. Also I've been on a couple of the group rides, the last of which I crashed and burned on. :) I keep hearing negative things about cyclists but all the ones I've met so far rock and they have no problem with me tagging along despite the fact that I don't own a jersey and I wear running shoes.

Found my replacement shop. If you're in Atlanta I would now recommend the Bicycle Doctor in Norcross. They were able to diagnosis and fix the shifting problems that my previous shop just chalked up to "that's how tri bikes are", and that in about 5 minutes. Super attitude too.

I regard my LBS to be no worse and no better than any other shop I deal with, whether it be my cable company or my own employer. It's just a business and I take my business where my needs are best served at the best value. Sometimes I buy parts and gear online and sometimes I use the LBS to do things an online store can't. Neither the LBS employees nor I share ideals about some friendship-based customer service. We both respect each other enough to get what we need out of each other.

With other cyciists, I give a wave when I see just one cyclist on the road. If it's a busy popular cyclist path, then no. When I pass, I try to intonate the "on your left" in a non-aggressive manner.