I've seen the words "cool" and "bike snobs" used. You won't find them working in any good lbs. You'll find them walking in the door as customers though. They provide some amusement for the lbs workers.

I don't recall saying an lbs should be "arrogant or rude" to its customers? I was making the point they will quickly return the favour when they get that treatment from the customer (and I support them in it).

There seems to be a desperate need to avoid the points I am making just because they are not attractive to the ears of the beholders.

It seems to be the concensus that the lbs ought to obey the supposed dictates of good business administration and grab every bit of business. The point I'm making is that they don't see it that way and don't care what you think of it. The silly lbs is not trying to get rich, just run a bike shop.

A good lbs is primarily concerned with his reputation as a bike seller/repairer in the area of specialist area of cycling that interests him (usually him). Those who aren't quickly mutate into the sort of place you don't want to take your bike, ie a marketing organisation.

There is also an assumption that I own a bike business. No, I don't. No way. I prefer much more lucrative endeavours. I'm not as dedicated as the people who provide good lbs for the community.

Luckily there are highly profitable chain stores for the people who do not wish to engage with their lbs, or who look down on their staff.