Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
Hiflyer112
02-03-09, 11:35 AM
Has anyone seen a shop in CT that is carrying a touring bike that I could try out (I am in Darien, CT near NYC). Also, where could I learn to fix a bike? I am a high schol student and am eager to learn to repair my own bike and maybe work at a shop once I learn.
Standalone
02-05-09, 11:53 AM
my preferred LBS, Devil's Gear Bike Shop in New Haven, has had Surly LHT's in, and I've seen them build up big dummys, too. There are a bunch of cyclocross in stock as well. I'd say that they are a touring friendly shop, but the place has a more of an old school race/ urban hipster fixie vibe overall.
http://www.thedevilsgear.com/
They do give classes on Wednesday nights. If you can make it up to New Haven, it's worth it... heck, make a nighht of it and go for some decent pizza down the street! I think the lessons are like $75 for like a bunch of weeks of lessons. I asked them once if they would ever do a wheelbuilding class, and they said that it would be a good idea.
I plan on taking the classes in the summer as I have choir practice on those nights during the program year.
Farther out east in CT, there is Zane's cycles. I've never been there, but it's apparently a large well stocked store. Their website is impressive and they have a good reputation from what I gather. They seem to me like a roadie-oriented shop, but that's only my impression.
http://zanes.com/
If you are interested in repair work, I know that Devil's Gear has a guy named Skylar who is certified from some school. If you called and asked about that school, it might lead you in the right direction. Maybe also cross post this question in the Mechanics Forum....
Sorry I can't help so much with Fairfield County.... but why not make a mini tour out of it and ride up to New Haven? :)