Originally Posted by
big chainring
Less knowledge, fewer skills, and a fat wallet. I have come to realize over the past couple months of riding with various groups, the new riders drop big dollars on trivial "latest thing" products. The "new" LBS is more of a boutique shop. Pricey, exotic bikes, components and clothing. Its a very different rider out on the group rides I do. Lawyers, stock brokers, businessmen, these guys are loaded and drop huge amounts of money on their bikes. I overheard one say that his time is worth more than what the bike shop would charge to do some work on his bike, so why not have the bike shop work on it. Most of these guys would have a hard time changing a tire anyway.
I'd agree with this. I'm on another board (audio) that some of the members have gotten into cycling, and it floors me how much money they will drop and what they feel is indispensable. $250 bike fittings are considered normal for any purchase. They are into steel, but it is modern, and if it isn't custom, something is wrong. One of them crashed a couple weeks ago, and took the bike back to the LBS to have one half of the bars retaped...
If a component, such as a bottom bracket, wears out within a year, they consider that normal and just have it replaced. And these are high-end parts (ceramic bearings, etc.). I guess their LBS' love them though, and well they should.
Me: I don't have a local LBS that I really like. Performance? Ehh. There is a small (2 store) chain LBS that I find to be really snooty, as well as another 2 store LBS that I don't mind, and those guys (some of them) seem to be somewhat vintage knowledgeable. I had them reface the BB on my Raleigh and they were ooohing and aahhing over it, did a good job, and were reasonable.
I have been to Lickton's a few times (but its been awhile), and once took my frame in where they put it on the frame table, checked alignment, and aligned the derailleur hanger... all for no charge. Those guys rock, at least they did then (probably in the '90s).
I do feel for the LBS' that have to play the big manufacturer's game... that has to be tough to make a go of it.