roundnround

Or rather, LBS' that seem to care, and are open with their customers really make the difference.

I've got 3 bike shops all within about 10 miles of each other and my house. For a while there was only one that I knew of, and so I took my bike the few occasions I needed to, there. Well, after getting hosed a few times with parts that were sold to me that were not the right ones, services not being done as part of a package deal, and getting parts that when they WEREN'T on the bike were in fine shape, and once on, had these odd grind marks on them, I said enough was enough. So I went to the other reputable bike shop the furthest away. Knowledgeable folk, willing to help those that knew what they were talking about. Didn't really want to spend the patience dealing with someone who had questions about the bike they already had, and was looking to give them business with proper upgrade recommendations.

So I decided that once I'm through with my police training, i was treating myself to a brand new MTB, and retiring my Mesa to extra rider on the trail duty. But I wanted a place that was friendly, and willing to put up with my newbie-ish questions.

The last bike shop I went to, is now the closest to me, and just opened up a few weeks ago, as their second storefront.

WOW. I told them my situation, how I couldn't afford a bike right now, wanted to do some research, and try out bikes. They practically threw them at me. They helped fit the proper size to me, explained the features of each bike I rode, even helped give me comparisons of each component ON each bike.

i really wish i could have taken my Visa out right there and bought one of the bikes I tried. But I've done a little more research, and I'm sold. If not 100% on the bikes I've tried, but the bike shop at the very least. They told me about (and of course saying and doing are different, but confidence was instilled in me) how they want to help take care of the bike with the proper tunings, and parts assistance for me, and all that stuff.

they talked to me as a fellow rider, and not just a customer. It was great. Online shops are good, but I'll be taking my cash to this shop 99% of the time. its great to know that some places still have customer service as #1.

crash13

Congrats!
There's nothing like finding a great bike shop.
BTW what bikes did you test ride?

roundnround

29er Gary fisher cobia and a 26"tire x-caliber. And the shop told me they could get the xcaliber in 29" as well as in the proper height. They helped me discover that a 21" bike (Which is what I have now) is too much, and that the 19" cobia was just the right size. Especially after seeing that the xcaliber at 17" was too small. Had three different guys help at that same point.

And I fell in love with the 29" setup. At 6'4", it feels like I'm actually riding the bike, and not hulking over it.

crash13

I've been checking the 29" Fishers as well. I don't really need another bike, but.....
One thing I've found at bike shops is time of day plays into the level of service.
If you can get into the shop during less crowded times, you will almost always have a better experience. Weekends and right before closing during the week can be a bad combo if you want to chat about bikes and get great service.
However, when a shop gives me great service, I don't mind spending a few extra dollars on a product. And, if you buy a bike from a good shop, you will most likely get a discount on accessories for a year or even a lifetime!
Oh yeah, if you visit in the morning, bring coffee and donuts/pastries/bagels for the shop employees. If you visit in the afternoon, stop by with a case a beer. You will make GREAT friends with everyone in the shop. And, you will continue to get great service!

Maelstrom 

Sounds like a good shop. Keep them ...Sounds like they know how to fit a bike too