Rode 15 miles into New Orleans to go to a community bike project shop because I had some derailleur adjustments/issues I wanted to learn about fixing. Things got a bit worse on the way in - ghost shifting and unable to shift to inner front chainring (most likely due to new bike cable-stretch). The mechanic there took a look at it, said the mechs there mostly worked on OLD stuff, not STI as it was too new/high-tech, and advised I run around the corner to a fairly well-known LBS because that guy was a friend (he said). Ooookay. Rode another mile there, spoke with the fellow who told me, "Leave it. I'll be able to get it back to you in 5 days." I explained I had ridden it 15 miles in and needed it to return home. I also mentioned I could easily leave it and come back later inthe day. He basically laughed at me but when asked about who might be able to at least tweak it so I could make it home without damaging the derailleur/chain/chainrings, mentioned 2 other shops - 1 a mile away, the other 3 miles away but actually on my way home. He recommended the former.

As I was leaving, a customer who was in this shop actually followed me outside and told me that the closer shop had the worst mechanics of the 3 shops but was the most expensive and relied heavily on overflow from "this" shop to stay in business.

I chose the shop that was on the way home. When I rolled the bike into the shop & explained the situation, the mech's first response was "Well, of course it doesn't shift properly. Your handlebar bag interferes." Hmm. Right. This after having had no noticeable problems until 4 days ago. I mentioned that to him and suddenly he thought he might have to take a look at it. 15 minutes later, it's adjusted, works just fine and my wallet is $12 lighter. I still don't know what he fiddled with or how he made the adjustments, so I still can't do it myself, but the derailleurs now work fine.

Btw, both shops supposedly are known for "bring it in, same day repair for minor adjustments!"

These 2 LBS's have "stellar" reputations in the metro area. I'm not sure exactly what that's based on as their employees' communications skills are certainly lacking.

And the community bike project shop advertises that they can help you fix any bike - though they won't do it for you. What a day.