My LBS guy retired a few years ago and left me out in the cold, cruel world to fend for myself. Not entirely true, the guy he sold out to is pretty cool.

I first found him in 1989, iirc. First bike I bought from him had a bunch of parts swapped to my preferences, no problem. I bought a new cf bike for my girlfriend and when we broke up a few months later, he took it back and gave me a 100% refund. Ended up getting back with her and she had bought her own bike by then.

He helped me through a warranty issue on a Trek and got me a Landshark in a super deal. When I wanted a Tesch in 1992 he wasn't a Tesch dealer but he made it happen and sold it to me at a discount. Same thing when I wanted a Gunnar in 2006. I wanted a Cannondale in 2001 and he found one at a friend's store which was a new in the box frameset and built it up for me.

He sold me 3 NOS frames cheap including a Nishiki Seral touring frame.

Bought a mountain bike from him in 2008 and he took the cheap fork off and upgraded it at no charge. Bought my current mtb in 2018 and he sold it to me way under msrp.

He sold bikes, wheels, and parts for me which is a big help. I didn't have to advertise or deal with anyone. Just drop things off and later pick up the cash.

Always willing to find small parts which didn't have any profit for him and found a machinist to make things for me.