Maybe I have totally missed the boat, but I think we are all saying the same thing. We have had some really good bike shop experiences and some bad ones. The OP started this with a bad one, and I don't think anyone says otherwise.

For my part, I defend the underdog, so when people start railing on ALL BIKE SHOPS, it seems as ignorant as the "people your age like this bike" comment that started the thread. I read the comments, I think of the positive experiences, and feel they should be defended.

And as to the whole "clique" thing with certain shops, we human animals are social creatures with a desire to group and fit in. This isn't a bike shop thing. All the employees at the diner I frequent (Julie's in North Syracuse, NY.. everyone go there now) know my name, they know I eat 3 eggs over easy, sourdough toast, and homefries with onions. I know that they receive $4.04 for this. Does this make me a diner snob because I have a social relationship in a mercantile exchange? PSSAHH.

I have never had a positive new car buying experience. Can we move this to FOO and then start bashing them in earnest?