Originally Posted by
TimothyH
The situation is pretty dismal given the number of shops in Atlanta.
Haven't been to Roswell Bikes in ages.
All3Sports is a candy store. I have not used them for repairs but they have been very helpful ordering things like gear bags and bib shorts. Their mechanics work on super high-end bikes and their workshop is like a lab. It is worth a visit just to see the machines.
Performance is hit and miss but one of the mechanics at the Town Center store is my go to guy. Forgot his name, Cory maybe, but he has a full beard. He is excellent - soft spoken, no drama, very experienced.
Don't forget REI either. Some of their mechanics are Shimano certified. The guy near me is Di2 certified and was a great help when I built my gravel bike.
Michel at Free Flite in Buckhead is an old school frame builder and very willing to discuss a problem and help with keeping old bikes on the road. I will order something through his store whenever he helps.
Richard at ProWheelBuilder.com services my wheels. He is all the way in Cumming but I drop the wheels off in a box and he ships the box back for $12.
There are a lot of arrogant mechanics in this town, young guys who think they know everything and very impatient if you want to discuss a repair or ask a question. I realize that they don't have all day to stand around and talk but it seems as if they don't want anything to do with a repair other than a new chain and cassette or something that can be bolted on to a new bike quickly.
-Tim-
Thanks for the ATL bike shop rundown
I do like supporting local shops and businesses. For instance, Home Depot and Coca Cola are based in ATL, so they get my money instead of Lowes and Pepsi (though I slightly prefer them).
There's a shop nearby that I like called Cycleworks. I will probably give them more business since they helped me pick out a mtb chain and some more complicated stuff. They talk to my 1 and 4 year old about their favorite show paw patrol. They even opened the door for me a few times while carrying my kids. Might have to stick with that shop. That's above and beyond to me.
I get that the profit margins are a factor too. One of my friends at my old job had a friend with a bike shop. Apparently the biggest margins aren't the bikes, but the things like bike accessories and parts. They got me for $8 for a shifter cable and a foot or two of housing. To me they're doing pretty well.
Dave