Originally Posted by cc_rider
I use the HTO at Fairfax Circle for all my maintenance and repair.
My high school physics teacher's son works there. Nice guy, last name's definitely Scholla, I think his first name's Greg. Nice user name, I love that song (and riding cross).
As far as not getting ripped off, there's a lot to be said for starting out with an affordable (read: cheap) bike and riding it while you figure out exactly what kind of riding you like. Definitely go for comfort and smooth ride over appearance and brand names. Get a bike that makes you want to hop on and ride it!