I haven't been to the Bike Barn in Katy (though I think I've heard some negative things before), but the Bike Barn on Westheimer at Wilcrest (near Tollway 8) is very good. I've been there many, many times for even just something as simple as CO2 cartridges, and the guys are always friendly, and helpful, or ask if I need help, or just chit chat. I've bought shoes, a helmet, and countless other little things from that store, and the staff was always super. I can't remember the name of the guy who is the manager, but he is often out on the floor also being super helpful. I brought my bike there to get inspected for the MS150 (free) and it was cake - the guy in back even complimented me on my Cross-Check when he brought it back out to me.

The Bicycle World on Memorial is the closest shop to our apartment, but we never go there. That Bike Barn is 2nd closest so we go there for quick stuff. West End Bikes is our main shop, though. Place is just awesome - it's everything you'd imagine and want a bike shop to be. The guys are phenomenal, they offer some really excellent choice bikes, and they have a lot of other great gear. It's where my wife and I both bought our bikes. It's a little further away, but worth the slightly longer drive hands down.

I'll also throw a shout-out to Urban Bicycle Gallery which is off Shepard - near West End Bikes. The guys at West End referred me to them for the project bike I am currently working on because they didn't have the parts I needed, and UBG was also a really neat shop. One of the guys helped me for about an hour, answering my questions, giving me suggestions, looking up and ordering parts, etc, and he was patient and friendly the whole time. They have some really cool niche bikes there too (single speeds/fixies, folding, etc) which I've not seen anywhere else. Definitely work a visit too.

Don't be afraid to drive a little further for the better experience.