Originally Posted by
notarealsoccerm
So my question is, why do bike shops not like kids? Contrary they seem like they want "us" out as fast as they can. It may be the one that I went to but I've heard other stories of this happening to other kids my age who are just interested in looking for bikes
Most people tend to view teenagers as potential troublemakers. It's not fair, but that's the way it is. Heck, I didn't like teenagers (as a group) even when I was one, not so long ago. Of course, regardless of how you feel about teenagers, treating them this way is not any more acceptable than treating a black person as a potential criminal just because he is black. Ageism, like racism, is a form of discrimination that's just wrong.
It may be possible to mitigate some of this effect by interacting politely with people: they'll be relieved and pleasantly surprised to talk to a teenager who is not another surly mumbler avoiding eye contact with non-peers. Sometimes speaking in complete sentences does wonders. So does a smile, coupled with a respectful but confident demeanor. There will still be jerks out there who will treat you like crap no matter how good of a person you are, but types like that do not reserve this sort of treatment for teenagers only.
As far as that particular store goes, I'd avoid it if I were you, and suggest to everyone you know that they do the same. If you really feel like it, you could go there with a bunch of friends and be loud, obnoxious and unnerving. That will certainly reinforce the stereotypical view of teenagers, but will at least annoy the nasty shopkeeper.