Originally Posted by Koyote

How about a LBS positivity thread?

When I was working with my LBS on a custom gravel bike, we were going to do a workaround to fit a subcompact crankset and still preserve the tire clearance and other features I wanted. About a week before the bike was going to be built up, Shimano announced their GRX groupset -- complete with a 48-31 crankset and matching FD. The shop owner suggested that it would be perfect for my bike -- a much better solution than the one we'd planned -- but I pointed out that he wouldn't be able to actually get the parts for several months. "No problem," he said. "We'll put on a take-off crankset for now, and when the GRX gets here we'll swap it in." The bike was ready a week later with a new-looking Shimano 50-34 crankset and the new Ultegra Di2 FD that he'd ordered in for my build.

Fast forward four months, during which I have raced the hell out of the bike and put much wear and tear on it. Shop manager called up and told me to bring in the bike for the swap. I dropped it off at 10am, we went to a museum and then out to lunch, and afterwards went to pick it up. Bike was now sporting a brand new GRX 48-31 crankset, brand new GRX Di2 FD, and worked beautifully. The charge? Only the upgrade cost of the new components compared to the old ones -- with no depreciation, no labor charge, nothing.

This is one of many great experiences I had with that LBS -- they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude.

What's your story?