As for loaning tools... Im on his side about that. I have a recording studio, and if people came by and asked to borrow microphones I would say no, or charge them to use.
His business is repairing bikes.

you know, this is my first post here. I despise that guy on Grand, he tried to charge my GF 85 dollars for a derailler adjustment. I just don't know what his problem is.

But, I only registered to say that the difference between a bike shop and a recording studio is that most recording studios don't hang a sign on the street, or expect walk-ins. With a bike shop, I'd assume they make up 40 percent of your business.

"Hey can I buy a used bike?"
"Hey, do you sell gloves, it's freezing out."

and so on and so on.

So when someone comes in for a tool, for a quick fix like a seat adjustment, or a spot of air, or something simple like that you basically have to do it for them if you ever want them to come back.

There is a closer shop - the name escapes me and I can't find them on the internet but they're on 7th ave bet 13th -14th, next to the Union Market.

That said - I usually end up at R&A, though service is biased towards those who know what they are looking for already and are ready to spend.

Yeah, that guy on Grand is a real peckerhead.

As for loaning tools... Im on his side about that. I have a recording studio, and if people came by and asked to borrow microphones I would say no, or charge them to use.
His business is repairing bikes.

Just to follow up, an indestructible wrench or key is different than a very abusable mic or mixer. And bicycling is a community venture. Treat people well and they'll come back to you for parts and service. And you should especially treat people well if they've BEEN purchasing stuff at your shop.

If you had a longtime recording client (hypothetically, 2 records and 50+ days in your studio), and they were totally hard up for a mic for a concert one night, wouldn't you, out of appreciation for past work and interest in future business, lend it to him?

Mr C's Bicycle Shop
4622 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Phone: (718) 438-7283

The three people that run it are very knowledgeable and helpful. The prices for some of their items are a little over MSRP, but they have some amazing deals on clothing and other things. They sell mostly Cannondale and Specialized, and their selection is varied, but not as large as I've seen at some other shops. The maintenance they provide is great!

Actually, I recall this entry (sorry that I didn't post any sooner).

After a few more times going there, I hated the fact that they ALWAYS treated me like I had never entered their shop before. The owner was a nice person at first, but seems to get offended when I don't buy parts from him (despite the fact that they are cheaper everywhere else). Going to their shop is always awkward, and I shouldn't feel that way. Their inventory is okay, but for road bikes R&A is MUCH better. It sucks that this is the case, since they are really close to me.

I really like Bay Ridge Bike Shop; they make you feel really comfortable, even if it's for something small. Tune-ups are done REALLY QUICKLY, and they are probably the best place to go to for repairs (cheap and quick). The only bite I have is that they leave grease on my frame sometimes, but it's no big deal to wipe it off. Their road bike selection is pretty rank, though, since they seem to be mostly a mountain bike op.

It seems that the consensus stands:

R&A for the super serious bike purchase and Bay Ridge Bicycles for the repair.

If you're in my end of Brooklyn, Roy's on Coney Island Ave. has some really good mechanics
who don't nickel-dime you on minor repairs or adjustments.
A nice, well deserved, tip will get you remembered on your next trip there.

Bicycle Station on Vanderbilt.

Those guys are awesome mechanics, with A+ attitudes. They'll build you a custom ride from a used frame in stock, true a wheel with zero attitude. It's not far from Prospect park if the other shops are giving you problems, and the prices are totally fair.

Also:

Affinity on Grand.

Jason will really try to make you happy there, and will go out of his way to turn a bike around fast if you need something quickly. Good experiences dealing with him, even though they're really out to sell their custom (and nice looking) fixies. They also have nice accessories for a small LBS.

And

I want to second B's on driggs. Ethan and Brendan are totally awesome to deal with. Prices are good. Close to McCarren. If you live in Williamsburg or Greenpoint, there's no reason to hit any other place first.

I'd rather not resurrect a very old thread but here's one from a few years ago: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-120869.html

B's owner announces his opening. Spokes and Strings (NYCBikes) get kind of trashed. And one guy really likes that wrench on lorimer next to the italian men's club.

R&A is a nice shop to look at bling. prices are high. almost everything is at MSRP.


two choices to be treated by the R&A guys:

A: you will be looked down upon if you don't buy something because "you can't afford it anyway"

B: you will be looked down upon because "you are a sucker for paying the inflated price"

R&A is a nice shop to look at bling. prices are high. almost everything is at MSRP.


two choices to be treated by the R&A guys:

A: you will be looked down upon if you don't buy something because "you can't afford it anyway"

B: you will be looked down upon because "you are a sucker for paying the inflated price"

Heads I win/Tails you lose.