Bicycle Mechanics - Beer & Cheer for your LBS Wrenches

So. The holidays are upon us, and I want to bring some Beer and such over to my LBS, but I have a problem. I don't drink, so I don't know what is considered 'Good' and such. My question then is: What Beer should I bring?

Guinness Extra Stout.

Long Trail Ale, RedHook ESB, Harpoon IPA, Otter Creek Copper Ale, or any good microbrews ;-)))

Call the shop owner/manager and ask? Or next time you are in the shop, and talkig to the guys, explain you are a non drinker and planning a party and ask them what type of beer they like. They will never know you are planning the party for them!

Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout! Obviously!

Or, if in Western Massachusetts, Berkshire Brewing Company's River Ale or Steel Rail Pale Ale.

Magic Hat #9.

This "mystique" of the bicycle mechanic as some kind of sophisticate is ridiculous. They are to be treated like mushrooms -- feed them crap and keep them in the dark. Coors light, Busch, Pabst -- plenty good enough for the likes of them. Bas-tards! Save the boutique beers and spendy microbrews for the sales guys in the front of the shop -- those are the guys that bring in the dough, keep the shop open, and provide a place for those lowly wrenches to work! LOL

seems like Fat Tire Ale would be a good choice

:)

+1 on asking the shop.

"Good" beer is lost on me and although there are those that drink beer, there will be those that don't. I'm not in a shop but used to be. I'd guess that pizza and a case of some really hyped energy drink would get them pretty bonkers and even the pit-slaves (affectionate term we used for the kids that work in shops, including me when I was a kid) will be able to partake without getting in too much trouble from their folks.

cdr

This is a nice break from the inevitable "What's the best grease/chainlube/whatever" threads that pop up periodically.

I have posted occasionally about dropping by my favorite shop (Zombies in Santa Monica) with a six-pack. I do drink so I know what I am doing and I like to take them interesting selections.

Last time it was Red Stripe (Jamaican); they had never had it and really liked it, which was additionally gratifying.

IMHO, a gift is a gift; it's hard to go wrong when you are being generous.

:beer:

seems like Fat Tire Ale would be a good choice

:)

+1 - that's a great ale, though perhaps a bit too light for this time of year.

If you think they would like a darker, more robust beer, I'd recommend Black Butte Porter from Deschutes Brewery. Not quite as "chewy" as a stout, but thicker than an ale...and, very smooth.

I have the opposite problem: they don't drink. Oh well, guess i'll have to drink it for them.

I have the opposite problem: they don't drink. Oh well, guess i'll have to drink it for them.

I wouldn't trust a wrench who didn't drink.

Hell, I don't trust the OP! :eek:

Lots of PBR or the beast :)

Nah, ask 'em. They'll appreciate something better. I know what mine drink 'cause I've been there @ closing time. If you don't want to ask, that way is stealthier.

If it's a non-drinking crowd, then bring pizzas and soft drinks.
No one can turn down free pizza.
:D

BTW, I don't drink alcohol either. I can't, missing an enzyme.

+1 for Fat Tire (they are big supporters of racing and recreational cycling around here). Shiner Bock is made in TX, is Lance's beer (for better or worse depending on your point of view) and is good. Also anything from Sierra Nevada brewing as they also directly support cycling. If they are afficiandos of Italian bikes get them Birra Moretti (Rossa). 7.8% alcohol, so a couple go a loooooooooong way. My favorite beer is Kaltenhusen Hefewissen from Austria (but it is tough to find).

If it's for me I like the one that says ALE or BEER on the label. :D

+1 on the Red Stripe. The bottle compactness will probably add several yards to your throwing distance in case you need to hit a guy riding off on your bike because you're too drunk to lock it up right.

I'm not really familiar with Texas beers. There are probably a lot of local brews which are totally awesome which your bike shop buddies would probably enjoy. Getting something with high alcohol content is always appreciated, too!

The closest brewing companies that I know of which I like are in Colorado. I believe one is called Longmont Brewery. Maybe not. There is also a brewing company based in Lyons which has some good stuff.

+1 one the Red Stripe, that was always my fav back when I was "The town drunk" :D

I no longer drink (un)fortionately.

My moto that I learned from my last shop is Free beer means shut the F*** up and drink it. I do have my faves but will drink most anything. If they are real good guys a bottle of wiskey or Vodka works well also well atleast on me. Those are the customers that get alittle higher priority on getting stuff done quicker.

My moto that I learned from my last shop is Free beer means shut the F*** up and drink it.

As long as its actually beer of course and not Budweiser or one of its clones. I would suggest some sort of Ale, preferably micro brewed. If all else fails, there is always something from Sam Adams. That's sold pretty much everywhere these days.

I wouldn't trust a wrench who didn't drink.

Hell, I don't trust the OP! :eek:

I don't trust me either. This is why I ask. I think I'll take the beer/pizza approach soon, and then once again closer to the holidays. Still not sure what I'm bringing tho \:

FWIW, I think I was the only beer drinker that didnt like Heineken (sp?) that seems like the most commonly loved beer I have seen. Unless you want to save a few bucks, then Bud Light is pretty much loved by all.

FWIW, I think I was the only beer drinker that didnt like Heineken (sp?) that seems like the most commonly loved beer I have seen. Unless you want to save a few bucks, then Bud Light is pretty much loved by all.

The problem being...it's not beer.

If any of them are into alt bikes get them Abita Purple Haze. There's a great classic/alt bike show in Abita Springs LA in the Spring.

If any of them are into alt bikes get them Abita Purple Haze. There's a great classic/alt bike show in Abita Springs LA in the Spring.

Details?

I need an excuse to get back home for a long weekend.

Amber, Turbodog, Purple Haze...:drool:

Any of the Abita beers are good. :D

This evening, to thank my LBS wrenches for their help with two recent bike builds (a TT bike, and a Surly LHT commuter/shopping bike), I brought them a 6-pack of Fat Tire ale, and some deli chocolate chunk cookies.

It was the first real "shopping experience" for the Surly, so it seemed appropriate to use it to thank the bike shop guys.

FWIW, I think I was the only beer drinker that didnt like Heineken (sp?) that seems like the most commonly loved beer I have seen. Unless you want to save a few bucks, then Bud Light is pretty much loved by all.

I don't love Heineken but I would drink it. As has already been pointed out though, Bud Light isn't even beer. I would rather drink bottled water.

FWIW, I think I was the only beer drinker that didnt like Heineken (sp?) that seems like the most commonly loved beer I have seen. Unless you want to save a few bucks, then Bud Light is pretty much loved by all.
<----Not this guy. Ugh, you can't pay me enough to drink a Budweiser product.

Seriously, Fat Tire is great if you can get it. I also like Singletrack's copper ale.

On the non-bike-related front, Arrogant Ba$tard is good stuff. :D

You can always stop by our local brewery, Pagosa Brewing, and pick me up a growler. :D

Please never mention "Bud light" and "beer" in the same thread again.

Details?



http://www.ucmmuseum.com/bikefest.htm

Also, try the limited brew Abita Restoration Ale. Proceeds go to help rebuild NOLA.

i would never not drink a free beer--however giving your mechanic fat tire or singletrack copper is a bit of a cliche. "oh, he works on bikes, i'll give him a bike beer." i would say 90% of the beer tips i have gotten have been one of those two. branching out is not a bad thing. seasonal is a great thing.

+1 on the Red Stripe. The bottle compactness will probably add several yards to your throwing distance in case you need to hit a guy riding off on your bike because you're too drunk to lock it up right.

Best reason I've heard to bring the bike inside.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is always appreciated at our shop, and I like a good wheat beer.

Beer is good. So are cookies, a cake, brownies(The regular kind). No pie, it is a little to messy. Got a homemade Chocolate cheesecake once. That is still the tops.