I don't know if this is the right forum, but I've got to vent a little.

I believe is supporting the local guy. I believe this for a number of reasons however suffice it to say that I will even go out of my way to support a local shop; any local shop. That being said, I am, fortunately or unfortunately, in an area where there are not a great deal of competition when it comes to bike shops. There are two here, which are both owned by the same person. They have worked on my bike and that has not been the problem; it's there CS that's the problem.

I ask them about ordering clothing items to see the fit (jackets). I was told that I would have to pay for it and if it didn't fit, tough or I would have to pay the shipping BACK to the manufacturer for a different size. If the manufacturer didn't make a size that fit, I was SOL and should keep the tags on it and sell it on ebay.

Next, I currently have a set of tires on my bike that was recommended to me by the owner. They are Specialized Pros. Well I have been unimpressed with their performance to the point that I don't know I would use them again. I called him and asked for another recommendation. He told me he doesn't want to give me one as the last time it didn't work out (for me). I told him there was more than one way to skin a cat. He told me my opinion of the tires was just that, my opinion, and he sells a number of them with no complaints so I must be wrong.

I don't know if I was spoiled because the last shop I dealt with were so great, they are the standard by which CS is judged, of if my expectations are too high.

As much as I hate to do it, I may have to become my own mechanic and mail order for everything. I really don't think this guy is going to get any of my business again.

Rant off.