I wasn't exactly sure where to post this, but since I mainly hang around this forum and the Women's forum, so I thought I'd post it here.
I called one of the LBS's in my area that I have gone to once before, and had a wonderful experience with. Last night, I left them a message on their machine, but they did not contact me this morning, so I called them again, and ended up taking Lola in to get her fenders, rack, and Reelights installed. The quoted price was much better ($30-$40) for all of it, instead of the $30 I paid for the installation of just my Monkey Lights from another LBS, and received a less-than-satisfactory/rude attitude from one of the mechanics. Although, come to think of it, he may have just been moody/on a time crunch that day when I asked him if it was possible to get it back by 5 pm that day, because I needed to be in downtown by 6 pm, so that was probably the upcharge that they priced it at. Although, they had my bike back to me on time, I don't think I'll be going back to that particular shop, but it is what it is.
Anyway, I took Lola this other LBS, and dropped her off. The guy told me it would be ready between 5-6 today, or at the latest tomorrow, which was fine with me, since he was up front regarding it, and very polite/wiling to help (unlike the other one - see above). Later in the day, I received a phone call from him telling me that the installation would take until tomorrow to complete, but he wanted me to come in (if possible) today to discuss my seat height/bike fit. Then, he started talking about the Linus line of bike, how they fit/line up, and how if my bike does not fit me, there is not much that can be done etc. I went to the shop, and we discussed it, and he was very polite/understanding regarding why I originally purchased my bike, how much I love it etc.
My point/question is that, although, this guy was great, I still got the feeling that he was trying to get me to purchase another bicycle to replace mine. Although, he was very polite/understanding in the end, I still felt kind of weirded out by it (for lack of better terminology at this time of the night).
I, also, kind of got the feeling that he was putting down my Schwinn, albeit, in a covert way. I get the feeling that shops like this on that specialize in European-type bikes (which I love - as you all know), and bike restoration tend to lean one way or the other. I have noticed that it is like that with a lot of the shops I have gone into (I can only think of one where I get great service by the sales people/ & good service by the mechanics - see my other
LBS post for more on that - nope, scratch that, two, not including this one, so all in all, not too bad, I guess). I feel that they tend to lean one way, or the other (i.e. racing, mountain biking, vintage etc).
It is my dream to one day open up a bicycle shop that offers all kinds of different bicycles/accessories/parts/services etc. to the public with only helpful and heartfelt advice/sales etc.
Anyway, thoughts? Just thought I would post my little story.
p.s. Lola comes home tomorrow! Although, I made this post, I am truly grateful for the service I receive from these people, and the vintage/European feel of the shop (it is even located in an old auto-detailing shop ...
).