Originally Posted by NoF3ar
(I had it real wrong)
Act dumb- when walking into a bike shop act dumb. If the bike shop employee asks if he/she can help you you say yes. Then a good bike employee will shower you with questions about where you ride, where you live, how often you plan to ride. If the employee doesn't ask these things, chances are he wont be able to find a bike fitted to your body. You should give your target price range(don't know why I thought they said not to).
I've done this a few times, and it really separates the pearls from the swine. I'm totally biased, as I used to sell bikes for a few years. The "investigatory" approach is my style for anything I might sell to anyone. It's all about the needs assessment, baby...
WRT the OP, I always give an "Everybody okay?" when I ride by somebody stopped beside the trail. If they need help, I stop. The exception is if a bear is behind me on the trail. Then I just keep riding until I'm past them and then scream "BEAR". Bear takes the hindmost...
