Originally Posted by
RPK79
Don't bike shops make crap margins on bikes and make it up in accessories and service? Why would they care where you buy your bike if you're giving them the better secondary sales?
This was my understanding. I truly don't think you have a thing to worry about. You show up to buy ANYTHING, they will most likely just be grateful for your business.
Originally Posted by
lsberrios1
What happens if you want a bike like a lynksey, crumpton, parlee or english? You just spent most likely 15k on a bike. Where do you take it for servicing? Many bikeshops don't appreciate dealing with bikes that aren't their own....
I deal with one shop in my area primarily. They're really cool. The manager remembers what we talk about and asks how rides were the next time we're in. We bought PhotoJoanne's Quik there and a bunch of accessories, but not my Lynskey (no, I didn't spend 15k on it!). There was one time I took it back to the service counter and immediately got swarmed by the mechanics. They were enthusiastically checking it out. The lead mechanic even asked me if he could take it for a short ride. I let him. He came back all smiles and said he wants one. They dialed in my gears at no charge and sent me on my way. So, my experience does not support your opinion. YMMV.