Originally Posted by
itsajustme
...I think they're all about their bikes. Bikes are very personal items and the problem with "good" bike shops is that they're completely unwilling to understand anything that doesn't fit their own personal preferences....
Why should they? They are doing work that they like on the product they like and are usually booked out for weeks ahead. To their target audience they are a good lbs, they don't have the time to worry about anyone else. It's a case of unlimited demand and limited supply.
You don't go to a butcher for your fish, or a truck dealer to fix your motorbike, so find a bike shop that is interested in the sort of bike you like and you have found an lbs.
Originally Posted by
itsajustme
...This kind of attitude is fine among friends, but as long as I'm paying you I expect you to be attentive to what I like....
Sadly, your post gives me the impression that you are looking for lackey type service rather than a bike shop. Possibly the bike shops you have gone to have picked up on your impressions of their inferiority.
I heard one dealer bundle a customer who was arrogant right out the door with the words "This is a bike shop, not Tesco".
If you want the full subservient retail experience, go to a chainstore. Like it or lump it, as the saying goes.