Originally Posted by Daily Commute
There are two LBS' near me. One sells "Specialized" stuff, the other does not. The owner and employeees of the non-Specialized LBS sneer at Specialized products. They won't even get Spcialized stuff via special order. They say they turn away Specialized bikes needing repair (although they may have been joking about that).
Is there something inferior about Specialized products? The non-Specialized store tends to sell slightly higher-end stuff than the Specialized store, but is that the reason? Does the Specialized company have obnoxious marketing practices that turn off some LBS'? Or is something else going on here?
Walk, don't run away from any dealer that demeans another product like that. Specialized makes some of the best stuff out there whether it be bikes, seats, shoes, etc. I love their stuff. Sure they can't special order Specialized stuff - if you are not an official dealer, the company won't sell it to them. The only way they can get Specialized gear is to buy it on eBay. I like an LBS that says, "Yeah, Specialized makes great stuff, but what I like better about my product is..."
As far as turning away Specialized bikes needing repair - that is really a joke. All bikes run the same gear, and I guarantee you that people don't bring in Specialized bikes to have the frameset worked on. Avoid those clowns - there are too many reputable bike shops around that don't lie.