autonoz

While the guys at my LBS are cordial and will sell me anything they have that I need, at a ridiculous price, they never have anything I need in stock. And they never have any old parts to sell. New upper end stuff and tune ups, but like someone mentioned, "That is where the money is". I did go through a spell buying only from them at their high prices hoping to get a break on some trade ins or something, but nope.

DiegoFrogs

Whereabouts in The Poconos, if I may ask? I was raised in and later returned to Scranton, but moved about several times since. There were quite a few good old-time bike shops there staffed by great people. Kinda makes me miss the northeast.

JReade

The closest shop to my house is getting better, they love seeing my old(er) bikes coming in, and help me on parts, but they are new, and dont have a cache of parts in the back. The shop with the cache of parts is miles away, and a pita to go to, but has vintage bikes hanging from the rafter (seriously).

kroozer 

The owner of my LBS is an old coot who hoards old stuff. Once in a while he'll sell you a vintage part but he ain't easy. A couple months ago I bought a used Campy Record hub from him, a rather beat-up specimen with a bent axle that I thought maybe I could do something with. He evidently had seller's remorse, because he sent his nephew running three blocks to chase me down and get it back.

RobbieTunes

I visit 3, and pay what they ask.
Sometimes, they ask less than I figured they would.
Sometimes they don't, but it's worth it for the relationships.

javal

My LBS take an active part in my bikes. During winter some of my bikes stands in the shops showroom. I get a "first" look on any C&V Monark entering the shop, if I want to propose the owner a deal. I get discount on every purchase.

WNG

That's what I miss about the Northeast...old shops, knowledge of C&V parts, and a hope of finding a part you need, or a bargain bin.
No luck out where I'm at now. All new stores in newly sprouted towns and sub-divisions. CF, cruisers, fixies, BMX. Brought in an old Ross rear wheel with a french freewheel I didn't have the remover for....kid at my LBS tried to fit a BB spline tool onto it! Older mechanic said they don't have any tools that old. I really wanted to give them the business, but they couldn't accommodate. At least the older guy recognized the Sakae Ringyo high flange hub was worthwhile. Unlike another shop where the fellow replied, "Why?" when I told him I'm salvaging this wheel. :-P

I would likely have to drive into Tempe or Phoenix to find anything old school. There is one historic shop opened by an ex Italian racer in Tempe.

gomango

The folks at the shops like to see my older racing bikes!

For a service related item, I only go to two shops.

I like knowing the owners and the mechanics.

They are world class shops, and they usually just toss the bike up on the stand and do it on the spot, if I have the bike along.

I don't recall seeing advertised labor prices in either shop, but they do charge me team prices for tires and what not.

I just pay whatever they say, and I try to show some extra appreciation.

An occasional case of beer or sandwiches are delivered a couple of times a year.

nikkorod

The LBS I go to usally gives me discounts, because I am a "valued customer". I even got this Holdsworth frame from them for free. It's beat up, but still a Holdsworth

gomango

Good point about the "extra" goodies available at the shop.

I was chatting with the owner of a great shop near our house when he offered me this NOS Walter Croll frameset for a very fair price.



She's at the painter as we speak.

nikkorod

Nice frame. My LBS understands the value and cache of "vintage", but is not obssessed with it like we are. To them a dented Holdsworth has little to no value.

Barchettaman

The owner of my LBS is an opera freak - in exchange for the odd ticket from me I get nice deals and the odd freebie. His shop is a carbon-free area.