Originally Posted by
john426
Dear Ms. Chick:
This is a subject that really burns me up. The snooty attitudes of several LBS have forced me to go elsewhere. I ride two low end commuter bikes (a Huffy and a Free Spirit (a Sear’s brand)). I know I will never ride the Tour de France on these bikes, but I like them! The last time I took one to the “hipster” LBS the service dude told me they don’t work on ‘those’ kind of bikes. So I went on line and found a bike shop catering to the Mexican community. The service rates are more than half the price, the work is done professionally and on time and best of all there are no conversations about buying a new bike or expensive accessories.
I do hope Lola came back fine. Here is another thought….go to a co-op. When you go there you will do the work yourself and someone will supervise you. This way you learn a new skill and save a lot of money. Most co-ops actively promote cycling so there will be no annoying up sales. This will also put you closer to your dream of your own bike shop! John
Thanks John! When I had my MTB a little while back (I have since sold it, as it just didn't work out of me in terms of being the type of person who likes to MTB, but I did learn a lot mechanically from it), I went to a local co-op, and they helped me put my shifters on, and I was able to put new brakes on myself. So, all in all, that worked out okay.
I, suppose, when it comes down to it bike shops are simply trying to do their job of "pushing product," but I hate it when people are pushy. Oh well.
