Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Happy trip to a bike shop...

The other day I was in Boston on business and got a few minutes to stop at Harris Cyclery to pick-up a few parts for my fixie project.

It was SO refreshing to talk to a bike shop guy (not even Sheldon) that actually understood what I was building and what I was looking for. He even answered my questions about chainline with different BB lengths and the crankset I am planning on using.

I am in NO way a part of Harris Cyclery, I just found it very nice to see an actual operating, friendly, well stocked bike shop. There were a bunch of different road bikes as well, not just two models in five sizes, but different models.

They even had new fixed gears on display!

Just a pleasant experience I wanted to relate...I haven't found any LBS in CT that compare.

PJBAZ

Come by my shop. We feel your pain. Cogs in stock 16t to 22t 1/8 and 3/32, burly chains with traditional master links, cheap aero levers and side pull brakes, track hubs, even a complete handbuilt wheel set for the fixed commuter.
Come to Raleigh, it's not as cold, riding season is longer, mountians on one side, sea on the other. You are getting sleepy, you want to move south, you...are...a...CHICKEN

Ha, nice to know when I go back to Raleigh to visit the folks there will be another bike shop to check out.

I'd love to live there...but I have a problem. My wife doesn't want to move right now. Maybe someday.

PJ

Man I wish every town had a bike shop that good. Luckily both my (tiny) home town and my college town have really good shops, but not quite to Harris' or the good Revrend's standards (although I did manage to find not only a 17t Shimano freewheel but also a 16t DA fixed ring AND lockring, all in stock and brand new!)

Yeah, a good LBS is really hard to find, and they are like a mechanic, once they know you, you go back. It's the little things. The LBS I was at this AM, the sales person knows me, knows about my quirky bike habits, and talked, and listened, made a suggestion on my project (building a wheel).

The LBS near my house, the last time I went in there, ignored me until I was heading out the door and then charged me 2.95 for a generic brake cable, I've checked other LBSs and they aren't that high. So, I won't be back. That is really tough cause they are close. There is another, but I feel really out of place there, as it is mostly highend bikes, and equipment. I feel out of place going in there to talk about fixed gears, although they probably have track hubs, just takes time to get to know them and them to know me.

Come by my shop. We feel your pain. Cogs in stock 16t to 22t 1/8 and 3/32, burly chains with traditional master links, cheap aero levers and side pull brakes, track hubs, even a complete handbuilt wheel set for the fixed commuter.
Come to Raleigh, it's not as cold, riding season is longer, mountians on one side, sea on the other. You are getting sleepy, you want to move south, you...are...a...CHICKENMinimal club scene for my tastes. Plus what's up with the 'Canes?