sinkFLsink

I go into this lbs today after work. I went there because it's one of two shops within a reasonable driving distance from my house. Anyway, I had never been to this shop before (I bought my Pista at the other shop). This place was a mess, more dust then bikes...and turns out to be more dust then knowledge in that shop too.

I mention Pista and it was like I was looked at like I had a spike through my head. This is a freaking Bianchi dealer... They had no clue why i would even consider riding a track bike outside a track. Then they act all surprised when i say it's a fxed gear...are you freaking kidding me here. By this time I'm starting to realize that the boss is away and these guys are mechanics or stupid brother-in-laws or something. These two idiots are left to run the shop while the boss is at Interbike.

So I'm in there for two things.
1. Get some Bianchi grip wrap and tape.
2. Get a front brake and lever.
This was like asking if they had the Mona Lisa for sale. "You're a bike shop!!!" They have to call their boss in Vegas to find out if they carry brakes and then how much they are. I was done at that point and told them to forget about it.

I did walk around the shop real quick and noticed a few things... Some old frames and componets that would make me go back when the brains of that operation returns to inquire about. Lots of old Campy stuff, old Cinelli stems and drops, etc. Not to mention it looked like a lot of stuff in boxes. I asked how long they had been there and they said years...this guy must have ordered all his stuff 20 or 30 years ago and never updated anything. What a joke, but maybe a gold mine if I play my cards right. We'll see what gems can be had in a few weeks when I have the patience to go back in there.

Oh yeah, I've decided to scrap the brake hunt. I'm getting more and more comfortable on the bike so I'm thinking of jjust leaving it brakeless. All I was looking for was a cheap dual-pivot caliper brake and cyclo brake lever ($20-$30). Oh well, still need some grip so I'll swing by another lbs that I trust.

dustinlikewhat

not everyone is the brainiac that you are when it comes to bikes...

baldylocks

Right, 'cause mechanics are all stupid.

BTW genius, it's "than". As in " more dust THAN bikes.

TheRobbStory

Which shop?

transplant

ADlBOO

I think he made that comment refering to their lack of knowledge of what was on their sales floor. Anyways sounds like a pretty bad shop, but you also gotta realize that just cuz they carry bianchi doesnt mean they know about everything bianchi makes, but hopefully at least what the store carries. I get things like that when somebody comes in asking for a bike we dont carry, but is made by trek. (Trek Dealer)

sinkFLsink

Why am I a brainiac...I mean I didn't even use the correct then/than. I don't think I implied that I know everything. Silly me, I expected an employee at this bike shop would know stuff about bikes. I also don't think I said ALL mechanics are stupid, but in this scenario this was the case. Listen, these guys should not have been left to handle the shop. Two other customers walked out for the same reason I did...lack of assistance and knowledge from the employees.

I agree that I should not have expected them to know every model a company makes just because they are a dealer. Focusing on the lack of overall bike knowledge and what was in their store is what prompted my thought that they were not the usual sales guys.

Sorry if I offended any mechanics or brother-in-laws.

TN!

haha

hyperRevue

Is that sarcasm or just a ******** interpretation of what was actually said?

baldylocks

It was sarcasm. Sorry to start anything. Stupid computers not expressing emotions! Jeesus, these things are worse than mechanics.

hyperRevue

Haha, then I take back my total dick head comment.

In Absentia

Also, it's "brothers-in-law." As in "mechanics or stupid brothers-in-law."

xthugmurderx

all mechanics are stupid...come on evan...we both know that...and why would you be offended? aren't you a bike builder? (no offense, but not the same as a mechanic)

hyperRevue

When did I say I was offended?

xthugmurderx

it's true...i just assumed...i'm a dummy.

baldylocks

Effin bike builders with their freakin Pake bikes...

Aeroplane

Don't wait 'til the owner comes back, he's probably the only one who knows what that stuff is worth! Go in there right now, and say, "Hey, I'm moving out of town next week, and I'd be willing to take all this old garbage out of here for $200. Take it or leave it."

Red Riding Hood

I understand what you are saying. I get frustrated when my questions aren't answered because of lack of knowledge. Even something as simple as a brake, you'd think they could handle that! Wrong move on the owner of the shop, leaving it in the hands of those jokers. Def do what aeroplane said though.. Rip'em off for the beautiful campy stuff. (Though I can't see them not calling about it.. if they can't even sell you a brake without calling, who knows)

Oh man, I would love to see the owners face when he comes back to find all of it gone for something ridiculous like $200. Perhaps he would faint? Or just murder his brothers-in-law.

baldylocks

How old were the guys working there? I worked at a dry cleaner in high school with a friend of mine and we used to do stupid crap like that to customers a lot. But it was because we were 15 and morons. (it was on 31st and Loomis you MKE kids)