berner

I've been needing some lower gears for some lightly loaded touring in mountains. So I drove to Boston and Harris Cyclery for a smaller chainring for my triple and two cogsets for a custom built rear gearing. What a pleasant experience it was. Even though the store was busy, the staff took time to talk and confirm that what I wished to do was feasible and they did indeed have the parts on hand.

Checking out I commented on the excellent experience and offered the suggestion that a slight improvement may be to place a sofa along a wall somewhere with a few magazines and in winter, a pot bellied stove with a coffee pot atop. They promised to look into it.

cyclinfool

Of course they are legendary

BikeWNC

I would think if one needed a special setup for whatever purpose, Harris Cyclery would be the place to go. I'd like to visit the shop sometime.

doctor j

Never been in the shop, but that's where I got my 28T granny ring and my MKS GR-9 pedals.

DnvrFox

I actually talked once to Sheldon Brown on the telephone. It was a pleasure, and he was so helpful.

B. Carfree

The bike shop in tiny Newport, OR has a bit more than a couch. https://bikenewport.net/
Nothing like a place to shower and do your laundry while getting a tune-up at the coast.

Ranger63

Did a club tour up there back in the earlier 80s.
'bout the time Sheldon was doing some writing for Bicycling magazine.
Someone asked him who or what he attributed his never ending inquiztivness (regarding all things cycle related)
He looked up as if someone had asked him the stupidest question ever and said:
Frank Berto.
That sold me on the guy right there and then.
Sheldon had little truck with stupidity but he had a wonderfully dry sense of humor that would stay with anyone who ever met him.
A re-do visit to Harris Cyclery is on my bucket list

trackhub

I've been a customer of Harris for a long, long time. Put it this way: Many years ago, the bike shop was actually in the back of "Harris Hardware". Yep, it grew out of a hardware store. The hardware business is long gone, but the bike shop has grown to legendary status.

They've always done right by me, and my experience there has always been 100% satisfactory. A little quirky, and sometimes, a little strange, but that suits me just fine.

Oh yeah,,, They're just a few doors down and across the outlet of Elm street from the Blue Ribbon Barbeque. Eat you must.

Rick@OCRR

Agreed trackhub,

I met Sheldon a couple of times. I was left with the impression that quirky (and strange) is actually a very good thing!

Rick / OCRR

dcmurf

I've done business with Harris several times. I go there even though it is far from convenient for me to do so. The people are great.
Not long after Sheldon died, Harris had stickers with his famous "winged" helmet picture and an "RIP". I have mine stuck on my bike tool chest - where else could it possibly go?