I've gone into American several times with a will to enjoy the experience, and yet, have always left feeling sour. Once in search of a Silca pump for my schrader valve, I recieved an acidic comment from a worker as to Silcas ONLY being presta. Duh, Wrong. Another time, I knew exactly what I needed; a new freewheel. I asked If I could purchase the part for my own installation and was barked back: "leave your bike overnight."

Of course, all the stanyan shops blow and their relation to the haight confirms this.

Freewheel on Hayes, or the Bike Kitchen, or Pedal Revolution, or Box Dog Bikes on 14th.

Never American Cyclery.