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Do you feel this way?

Old 02-19-08, 02:48 PM
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I feel alot less confortable going into a bike shop if I'm not on my bike. Which is weird because no one else is _EVER_ with their bike unless they drove it there. maybe part of it is the fact that I tend to get treated alot differently since it is obvious I am a biker when I look like one rather then just an overweight schlub who is gawking at shiney bike toys. I avoided going into a new bike shop I rode past because from the window I coudl see there wasn't anything there for me *shrug*

No one ever talks to me though unless I go searching for them so I must be pretty abrasive or something. They know me though which I guess is good. One guy after I was looking at saddles for oh half an hour walked past to grab a helmet and said wow I've never seen you in street clothes or something to that effect.
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Old 02-19-08, 03:05 PM
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Sometimes I feel out of place when going into a LBS but it all depends on the people. If I want to buy something and don't get any help I walk its just that easy. I do look around and see what the sales people are doing. If there busy I'll give them more time to get to me then someone thats just standing around doing nothing.

I was in a Walmart the other day and saw a rack of those 'Perfect Pushup' devices that they where selling on TV pretty hard for a long time. I was wanting to try them out when I saw them on TV and being 340lbs I wanted to make sure they could hold me before buying. While I was holding the box two employees started snickering and I saw one pointing out of the corner of my eye. I pulled them out dropped to the ground and busted out 30 pushups right in the isle. All I heard then was a whispered "holy s**t". That made me feel good.
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Old 02-19-08, 03:28 PM
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i guess that i'm just lucky that the lbs around here are staffed with the right folks...i've never been made to feel "out of place" nor that I was taking up the staffs' time...I went to a park tools maintenance school at one of the stores and I know I was old enough to be grandpa to some of them and i certainly outweighed them all and was treated as an equal by them all.
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Old 02-19-08, 03:54 PM
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I sometimes feel out of place at my LBS but that is because of me. I love my LBS and am always treated with respect and never do they treat me as a lesser person because of my weight. They encourage me and they seem to truly care about where I am in life and where I want to be.
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Old 02-19-08, 04:49 PM
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I kind of felt like that when I started (10 months ago). I'm still a bit overweight, though no longer a clyde (getting ready to break 190 in the next week or so at 5'10"). I really think that feeling, however, was self induced and probably more created by the fact that I didin't know ANYTHING about bikes. The first place I went tried to send me a hybrid where I was sitting upright saying that if I was comfortable I'd ride further. I'm sure that's true to an extent. But not what I wanted. The second place wanted to sell me a Kona Dew. I passed on that as well and got a mail order Ibex flat bar road bike. It's really a road bike without the drops (which I wish I had now) .

Since, I have been to the second bike shop for tune ups and asking about bikes and wheels etc. They even invited me back to watch them overhaul my bottom bracket this weekend. We started talking about a new wheel set and bottom bracket and as we talked they recommended that I don't bother upgrading anything on my cheap bike. Just keep it serviceable and save up for a new bike. They have done good work and have been very friendly and helpful. He suggested a Jamis Quest and I am intrigued. About in the right range for $ I'm willing to spend for my next bike.

Now, just trying to figure out how to pay for it ...

So, short story long, maybe it's your own insecurities you are feeling and if you make an effort to reach out to them your experience may be different. Or maybe not...
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Old 02-19-08, 05:25 PM
  #31  
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Some of it is the sizing too. They tend to run out, and not re-stock larger sizes. Which is okay, because you can get great shorts and stuff online, or find some place to try on brands that you have not tried before you buy them. I'm not just talking about shorts, jerseys, and arm/leg covers. I've even found that most of the shoes are below size 10 U.S. (European size 44). Most clydes that I know wear size 11 and up (European size 45 and up). You don't have to be a clyde either, to have a problem. Most guys over 6ft 2 inches tall have similar problems with a lot of the LBS gear offerings.

I know that they stock equipment to sell to their most common customer, but it just seems like there is not much gear out there for guys over 5 ft 10 inches, or over 175 lbs. I see lots of bikers out there that don't fall within that range, and we all trade tips on where to buy gear.
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Old 02-19-08, 05:26 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by andrelam
Here in the Buffalo are I see all sorts of people in the various bike stores. The store I bought my bike is the largest in town and now has three large stores. The staff is helpful, but due to the size it feels a bit "corporate." More recently I found an other bike store closer to home. It is smaller, and the work area is right in the middle of the store so the "guys" doing the maintenance are also the sales personel. I find that this store comes accross as friendlier. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to assist. Both stores cater largely to the family crowd and want to see bikes to moms, dads, and their kids. The smaller store tops out at around $2500 for the most expensive bike, the other store will stock higher end bikes in the $3000 to $5000 range. There are supposed to be stores in the area that are run by former racers and carry the higher end bikes exclusively. I won't bother going into high-end stores as I am dedicated commuter, not a racer wannabe. I would not have the money to spend on the $$$ bikes so I won't waste their time.

For some of the basic cycling supplies I've had good luck with Dicks Sporting Goods. The price for the Park Tools chain clearer I bought there was just about identical to on-line cost, as was the price of the Synlube. The other bike stores wanted at least $5 more for the same part. If the price is close I'll buy at the friendly LBS. I also like Dicks for my riding shirts. I get what ever nice breathable T shirts are on sale for around $20.

Happy riding,
André
I know at least one shop that stocks all kinds of bikes between $350 and $3000 or so, if you really want a more expensive model, he will log onto the suppliers dealer website and special order one for you. He will get it delivered by noon Thursday, and have it assembled and ready to ride by Saturday morning. They hate to keep high end models on the floor, unless they specialize in only high end bikes (I am talking bike that retail for more then $3000 here), it's likely to sit on the floor a long time, that's money (or worse credit) that's not moving.

Typically if you walk into an LBS looking for a high end model, you already know what you want, and it's a simple thing to just order it.

Your in Buffalo, which is only a couple of hours drive from Toronto, the Toronto International Bike Show is March 7-9, and often the Toronto dealers have lots of stuff on sale, I want to go, just need to convince my financial advisor that a $100 budget for the show would be a prudent move. Things like jerseys and shorts for half price (or less), the companies often show the high end stuff, so if you want to see a $10,000 5lb bike madeof pure unobtainium, it's the place to go.
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Old 02-19-08, 06:19 PM
  #33  
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My buddy always says, "What you think about me is your problem". Let it go. Most bikers just love the the sport and the more the merrier'. I had bells palsy which affected the nerves in my face. I went from people not saying anything to me, to, after the nerves came back and over-corrected, said they liked that I always had a smile on my face. All thier perception. We just do what we like and need to do.
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Old 02-19-08, 09:13 PM
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I've never really had a problem in a bike store, even when I weighed 300. They're generally very helpful to anyone who's going to inevitably drop some cash every time he walks in. Like was stated above, helps when you ride in on your bike, nobody really looks at you funny when you're dressed like you mean it, and you have the paraphrenelia to prove it.

The only place I really get some funny looks are in some of the group rides. While most people (80-90%) are generally cool, some of these guys have egos that extend way beyond their dura-ace, and simply can't stand being behind you at any point whatsoever. It's fun to watch them kill themselves over this superiority complex, for no real gain whatsoever.
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Old 02-21-08, 01:23 AM
  #35  
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i am used to being the largest guy in the shops. i never worry about my ability against theirs, because anybody who mouths off i just invite to ride. after a bit of pain it a great ice breaker when you run into them at the same store with their friends . usually the conversation starts with "thats the big guy i was talking about. you would never believe our ride"

i was lucky enough to find a couple of shops around me that was very helpfull about choosing a good bike for my size. i bought a fuji and i was lucky enough to talk to the fuji rep and both the owner of the store. they helped me choose a good carbon frame. i was still 275 at the time. and my other shop will be building me a set of rims that will be best suited for me and super light (safely).
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Old 02-21-08, 11:14 AM
  #36  
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I have a couple of favorite bike shops I really like and they are staffed with great people. No problems at all. Maybe being in the city that Fitness Magazine has stated is the most overweight (also the one where most people tend to eat out) makes the difference. Maybe a couple of times I've been ignored, but it's been a while.

When I get my Bushy Bux I'm planning on going bike shopping (gotta help the economy). I already know pretty much what I want. I'm leaning pretty heavily towards the Jamis Aurora, fixing it up for my commuter/randonneur bike (from one of my favorite shops). Maybe I'll hit a few shops I haven't visited before just to see what kind of reception I get. If it's bad, it would do them some good to remind them that overweight guys pushing really hard against 50 are serious cyclist too.
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Old 02-21-08, 12:22 PM
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I just soothe myself with the thought that if I ever hit one of the scrawny dudes it would make their mommy cry
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Old 02-21-08, 12:42 PM
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Can just be a matter of the the individuals too. I've been into the same shop in my area and one day I get snubbed and the next I get great service (off season so they're not too busy or anything). If you get consistently snubbed at one shop, try a different one. There are shops that cater to all kinds of different people (and a few really big shops that try to cater to everyone). Once you find a good shop, stick with them, that relationship will make you feel more comfortable and give them a regular customer.
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Old 02-21-08, 04:15 PM
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I did discus and shot in a small high school. I ran the mile to fill in with some 3 mile runners. I stayed with them and won a race once. But those skinny guys killed me on anything over a mile. These are the guys I see riding nowdays. So you should expect skinny people to predominate in the sport and sales. He is not saying he was snubbed, just uncomfortable. You want to get snubbed? Go to your bike store, ask a ton of questions and don't ever buy anything.
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Old 02-21-08, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Ray Dockrey
I sometimes feel out of place at my LBS but that is because of me. I love my LBS and am always treated with respect and never do they treat me as a lesser person because of my weight. They encourage me and they seem to truly care about where I am in life and where I want to be.
+1
That's the main reason FatCat Bicycles in Lake Worth, FL is my favorite LBS. Other bike shops either ignored me or tried to steer me to what THEY assumed I would want without even taking the time to listen to me!! (Hey - there's nothing wrong with pink flowered beach cruisers with wicker baskets if that's the kind of riding you plan to do, but at least ASK me. ) They have always answered my many questions and don't hesitate to encourage me to ride. They rock.
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Old 02-22-08, 11:35 AM
  #41  
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I felt anxious when I first went into my LBS, but they've turned out to be incredibly friendly and supportive. I sometimes get curious looks from other customers, but they're not hostile.

There are enough cyclists here (mostly roadie types, but some commuters) that I often cross paths with someone on my rides, and I usually get a smile and nod. One woman actually slowed down to ride beside me and chat for a bit, for a few hundred yards.

Unfortunately those rides have been few and far between lately, and I haven't been able to brag to the LBS guys about losing another 10 pounds... so... time to get back at it.
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Old 02-23-08, 06:11 PM
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I have three shops in a local town that are on street corners across from each other. When bike shopping it is kind of funny to watch folks go from one store to the next and then finally back to whichever store suited them best.

When I first started riding last year I was 277# and did the three store dance. The first store had Specialized and Gary ?? (whatever that is?). This store didn't seem to have any interest in helping pick a bike.

I went to the next store. It sported Kona and Raleigh. These guys were the college skate board grinding, BMX crowd. All that was missing was an empty swimming pool and the boys of Dogtown. They looked at me as the old, suburban, overweight Dad type. During my time in this store I would ask questions and get smirky condescending answers. The funny thing was that probably if we had played a game of war with cards of our life experiences, they would have made me their king after they uncovered all the dope I've smoked, women I have encountered and brushes with the law. But again, they saw me as old and boring. Another funny thing about this encounter was that I was hell bent on dropping $1000 this day. They lost!

The final store, a Giant - Canondale - Schwinn dealer: I walked in and the owner met me and introduced himself. He was me He was seasoned, a little beat up by life and a bit heavy in all the wrong places. He asked what I wanted and listened. He then offered me multiple solutions within my price range. When I left, I walked out with my new Giant Ranier. Over the next four months I dropped an additional $400. He WON! (Three Cheers for Phoenix Cycle in Carbondale, IL)

I have also patronized Cumberland Outdoors in Nashville, TN a couple times in the last year and they were extremely nice and helpful.

I think that most store owners and employees scrap to keep the doors open. Because of that I also think that if they have been in business for a while, they know that the fat people probably have just as good of money as the skinny people.

Jay
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Old 02-23-08, 06:39 PM
  #43  
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I am the biggest guy to shadow their doorway. Sensitive? Yes, but what are my options? You could just say, "I'm here getting parts for my son's/daughter's bike."
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Old 02-24-08, 05:26 PM
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You know when I was shopping for my first bike I did have any problem getting people to pay attention to me. Thye all wanted to sell me something, but none wanted to sell me a road bike or a mountain bike they all wanted to sell me a cruiser or something along those lines. Then I went to a shop that actually listened to me and what I wanted to do and what my goals were and guess what I have spent lots of money there. Now after not riding much last year because of family issues last year , I waiting for the weather to cooperate and get back on the road. I am ready to get back losing weight and get some of my old form of when I was young and skinny Guess what the shop that worked with me is still there and there are plenty of ex-clydes that are their encouraging me and other cyldes, no judgement no looking down their nose just fellow cyclists.
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Old 02-24-08, 05:46 PM
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My neighborhood shop has several shapes of riders/employees, so I don't really feel out of place.

They don't ask to help me much anymore, but that's only because I go in there so often just to spend time. When I do have questions, though, they're right on top of things.
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