pj7

Those guys rock.
As alot of people know I've had alot of trouble out of my wheels due to my weight and the roads I ride on. The guys at the LBS hooked me up with a loaner wheel hoping that it might do the trick but after 40 miles (2 commutes) the wheel quickly became more of an egg.
The owner was there when I went it yesterday, I explained to him my frustration in not being able to commute because of this, and he did something I never expected.
They are building me a wheel, totally free, no labor costs, no parts cost, nothing! A 700c Velocity Dyad wheel, Shimano XT 36H hub, and Swiss DT Tripple-Butted Alpine III spokes all around.
I have a great relationship with them and always spend my money there instead of ordering things online, the owner knows this and knows how I like to support local, small businesses and respects me for it. He said this is his way of thanking me for all the money I've spent there and all the business I've drummed up for them by putting out a good word to the local people.
So it looks like Monday morning I'll be back to commuting, and it's about damned time.

soda

Awesome! That's also why I try and spend my money at the shop. So why don't you tell us who it is or is that against the rules?

pj7

Metro Bike and Sport in Clinton Township, MI
Small, very small bike shop. But what they lack in size and inventory they make up for in customer service, which IMHO is more important than cost/selection any day.

MediaCreations 

Well that's not very polite of them. I wouldn't want to go there if they're going to kick me.

You're so right. It always pays to have a very good relationship with your LBS. Getting to know those at the shop has paid off for me and the shop many times over. They look after me and I refer business to them. It goes both ways.

billh

I used to support my LBS religiously, then "the incident" . . .

pj7

The Incident?
Sounds like this summers blockbuster animated-action-adventure-sci-fi-comedy-drama.
Please, tell us more.

konageezer

Before I found my new LBS, I used to deal with a bike shop that is very highly regarded in Vancouver, but I always got the weirdest vibe there. I didn't buy my bike there, but over a couple years I probably dropped $500 on wheels, tires, lights, and accessories.

The staff were bike geeks, which you'd expect, but they were snobby geeks (if you can imagine). If ever I asked a question—or God forbid, asked to see a product—there was always a kind of a sniffy, eye-rolling response, and one of them would drag himself away from their conversation to explain or show something.

After a time, I wanted to say, "Get over yourselves. You guys know bikes, but you're still just GEEKS. Geeks aren't snobby. Geeks are geeky. It's kind of self-evident."

I can say this with some confidence, as I have a long history of geekdom myself—Monty Python geek, heavy metal geek, comic book geek; there's a whole geekin' list.

The happy ending of this somewhat rambling offering is that I moved to a new neighbourhood, and my new LBS guy is the friendliest, chattiest guy ever. He's always keen to talk about—and show—new stuff, and let you take things home. "If it dosn't work or fit right, bring it back, I'll get you sorted." The guy rules, and gets all my bike business.

billh

It's difficult to describe. There is a local listserv and I took some unpopular positions on several hot button topics like the war, the election, how far down to list race results (geesh, don't mess with local tradition). Then actual death threats along with my picture, address, and phone number were posted, of course, without my consent. I file a harrassment report with the police but the board is anonymous and I have no names. The listserv owner is not helpful. Then I find out this guy who works as a mechanic at the local shop is friends with some of the guys making the threats. I call him for help. He basically says not to mess with fire. I didn't take kindly to his advice. It's a free country after all. Result: I just stay away from that shop.