Originally Posted by wphamilton

Ask them something easy like what a tune-up would cost on your $200 Target bike, or since you've got it right there what would it cost to replace the freewheel. Or refurb the bearings. You'll get an idea of what their attitude is. It it's beneath them, or if they have to "look up" a freewheel or bottom bracket for even a general price or want to charge double retail because it's unusual or "obsolete", I just go on to the next shop.

Originally Posted by wphamilton

These aren't technical, not gochas, they're easy questions that even the sales guy should knock out of the park.

Chances are very good that a $200 Dep Store bike has a freewheel (though you might check). Chances are also good that OP doesn't need one, and if he does he could get an equivalent wheel plus freehub for not much more (or even less) than what the shop might charge to replace a freewheel. I would want to know how the shop handles it.

I think it's a very good indicator of how a store will treat its customers.

Originally Posted by wphamilton

Yep, the vague question is to see how they react. Does he give you the irrelevant 20 questions treatment, ask you directly what the issue is, say he doesn't know (sometimes the most acceptable answer) or just blow it off? Does he realize offhand that your bike isn't likely to have sealed hub bearings? I wouldn't expect him to know about the bottom bracket at a glance (although RollCNY might), but he should be up front about what a un55 costs.