PGZX3

I have been moving around quite a bit learning my trade (USAF) and have finally settled down (Shreveport, LA) and just yesterday decided to explore the cities bike shop options, there is a shop right down the street that I gave some business when I was passing through finding an apartment that I didn't think much of (high end bike road bike type shop). So I went about my way, asking questions talking to local riders, etc. I heard about a nice little chain here locally and visited them both. I thought I had a ringer right off the bat, however the prices were enough to have me on my toes, and for good reason. I break down and bought the 16t cog I needed for my SS from their more mtb/bmx oriented shop and went about my way (knowing full well I paid almost 3 TIMES what I would have paid at my LBS down in houston, though I had to drive 45 miles to get to said LBS, I considered it worth it, they were and still are the best shop I have ever been to!) Well fastfoward to last night, I go to put on said 16T cog. BAM, 15T stamped right there on the cog, and not only that, but it shows SIGNIFICANT wear, not a little, not just shop dust, but chain wear!! OK So I just paid $11 for a cog I could have bought for $4, didn't recieve the correct one, and have ZERO desire to go back even if it will rectify the problem because they will deny it or have to at the very least order a new one (the only other one they have in stock is a 18T). Needless to say I'm furious. Will I ever learn to NOT trust local bike shops? They have always been nothing but problems. Like I said, the only one that has ever been worthwhile was Webster Bike Shop in Webster, Tx. A good 45 miles from my former home in Houston. Looks like its back to the internet bike shops with me!!

dobber

Little pointer here. When I buy something, generally anything, the box is opened up and the article inspected at check out.

Just this weekend I opened up a faucet box in the aisle of the local hardware store. When questioned, I replied "If I'm dropping $150 on a faucet, I'm damn well checking to make sure all the parts are provided".

PGZX3

Good tip, and I usually do look thing over pretty well, but I had my wife with me and was carrying my seven month old daughter. It made for a bit of a rush at the checkout!