LBS Thoughts
10-22-13 | 10:46 AM
#51
Dirt junkie.
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 406
Likes: 6
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: Surly Ice Cream Truck, Peacock Groove road bikem, Salsa Fargo
I'm sure you will make haste to be there to put a frown on her face and let her and her parents know how wicked and stupid their bike selection was (of course!)
Maybe you should chastise and sneer at your niece's parents for not checking out her bike, or possibly chastising and sneering at your niece for turning the brake levers to some allegedly "deathtrap"
position.
Maybe you should chastise and sneer at your niece's parents for not checking out her bike, or possibly chastising and sneering at your niece for turning the brake levers to some allegedly "deathtrap"
position.
10-22-13 | 05:52 PM
#52
Keepin it Wheel
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,971
Likes: 5,264
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
My point/question is that, although, this guy was great, I still got the feeling that he was trying to get me to purchase another bicycle to replace mine. Although, he was very polite/understanding in the end, I still felt kind of weirded out by it (for lack of better terminology at this time of the night).
It is my dream to one day open up a bicycle shop that offers all kinds of different bicycles/accessories/parts/services etc. to the public with only helpful and heartfelt advice/sales etc.
If you put a more specific location in your profile, other BF members familiar with the area might be able to recommend a co-op or used LBS near you that you could fall in love with like I did with mine.
10-22-13 | 06:16 PM
#53
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
LOL... I dropped off a friend to a car lot one time and the salesman on the lot insisted on shaking my hand... I had no reason to and I was heading out ASAP and this goon made a big thing of trying to get me to shake his hand. I think the sales pitch was next. I was sooooo outta there.
10-22-13 | 06:22 PM
#54
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
The bike looks good and probably is very good for your purposes. However, the Schwinn of today is all but unrelated to the Schwinn from previous decades. I don't think they'll even warranty the older products if you have the original receipt with your name and a picture of a much-younger you receiving it at a shop.
Sadly brand acquisition like this appears to be here to stay. And then they lasso people in on the reputation of the old company.
Having said that, I had several Asian-built Schwinns of yore and they lived up to their reputation as quality products.
Sadly brand acquisition like this appears to be here to stay. And then they lasso people in on the reputation of the old company.
Having said that, I had several Asian-built Schwinns of yore and they lived up to their reputation as quality products.
I truly hope that Lola holds up, since I bought her at PB (though due to another incident, they have since lost my in-store business), and not a "big box" store. I was discussing this exact same thing the other day with one of the mechanics at another bike store, and asked the mechanic what he truly thought of the quality of my Schwinn, and he said it was obvious that I purchased it an LBS, due to its' higher-grade components, and that it is sad that Schwinn has gotten the reputation that it has in this day due to its' deals with "big box" stores. However, I was looking on Schwinns website, and even they note the difference between the bikes they send out to department stores, and the ones that they send out to LBS - Schwinn Support.
I suppose, it is also the age-old adage that "one covets what one cannot have". It is funny, because before I fell in love with bikes (I was never really into them as a kid, because I had a horse & that took up most of my time & having a physical disability it was difficult for me to learn how to ride a bike & it wasn't all that enjoyable for me at the time as a child) as much as I am now, I never really gave them a second thought, although, I always loved the retro/European look of certain ones. So, before I knew about Linus, Public, Pashley, Oma etc., I went to my local PB to find a commuter, since I was going back to graduate school, and living in a downtown area where I could ride pretty much anywhere (Ann Arbor, although, I go to school in Ypsilanti and do not ride my bike to school, if you know anything of Ypsi then you know how I feel about it, it's just a personal thing, I am more comfortable living in A2), and when I saw Lola I immediately fell in love with her! Her swooping frame, her champagne with little pink stripes paint job, her upright seating position was/is EXTREMELY comfortable for my CP which has now slightly begun to affect my lower back, her pretty seat/handlebar grips, her 7-speeds for hills, and her overall European-style. Even though, she came home "bare bones", I just knew I would start "dressing" her up. I could just imagine me riding in my pretty lace dress with fenders, a skirt guard, a wooden rack, and retro/European lights ... all of which l acquired (I am still on the hunt for a skirt guard), and now, Lola looks like she belongs parked in front of a European cafe' awaiting for me to finish my coffee and continue on to the bookstore.
Anway, the only other thing I want for Lola (okay, I want lots!), is a new saddle and grips, but I'm unsure of whether to get Brooks or Velo Orange. I may just keep the ones she has, which look great, but I don't know if they give her a true European flair.
So, all in all, that is my rambling for today.
Last edited by Bikeforumuser0011; 10-22-13 at 06:26 PM.
10-22-13 | 06:30 PM
#55
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
Yes, he was. That's his job. Good that he was polite and not pushy, but you gotta expect that from a store that sells new bikes.
That's called a "bike co-op". Or perhaps a used/vintage bike/repair shop. My favorite place in the world is Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe on University Avenue in San Diego. They sell used bikes, they have buckets and boxes full of virtually free used parts, they do good repairs at great prices, and they never, ever, look down their nose at anybody's bike. They may do something like, "OK, so this is what's wrong with your bike, it's pretty bad, it will cost X to fix it, which is a lot compared to the worth of the bike. You might also consider these used bikes Y and Z over here, you would spend only a little more, and you'd get a whole bike that is better in these specific ways..."
If you put a more specific location in your profile, other BF members familiar with the area might be able to recommend a co-op or used LBS near you that you could fall in love with like I did with mine.
That's called a "bike co-op". Or perhaps a used/vintage bike/repair shop. My favorite place in the world is Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe on University Avenue in San Diego. They sell used bikes, they have buckets and boxes full of virtually free used parts, they do good repairs at great prices, and they never, ever, look down their nose at anybody's bike. They may do something like, "OK, so this is what's wrong with your bike, it's pretty bad, it will cost X to fix it, which is a lot compared to the worth of the bike. You might also consider these used bikes Y and Z over here, you would spend only a little more, and you'd get a whole bike that is better in these specific ways..."
If you put a more specific location in your profile, other BF members familiar with the area might be able to recommend a co-op or used LBS near you that you could fall in love with like I did with mine.
10-23-13 | 11:54 AM
#56
Prefers Cicero
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 146
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
I wasn't exactly sure where to post this, but since I mainly hang around this forum and the Women's forum, so I thought I'd post it here.
I called one of the LBS's in my area that I have gone to once before, and had a wonderful experience with. Last night, I left them a message on their machine, but they did not contact me this morning, so I called them again, and ended up taking Lola in to get her fenders, rack, and Reelights installed. The quoted price was much better ($30-$40) for all of it, instead of the $30 I paid for the installation of just my Monkey Lights from another LBS, and received a less-than-satisfactory/rude attitude from one of the mechanics. Although, come to think of it, he may have just been moody/on a time crunch that day when I asked him if it was possible to get it back by 5 pm that day, because I needed to be in downtown by 6 pm, so that was probably the upcharge that they priced it at. Although, they had my bike back to me on time, I don't think I'll be going back to that particular shop, but it is what it is.
Anyway, I took Lola this other LBS, and dropped her off. The guy told me it would be ready between 5-6 today, or at the latest tomorrow, which was fine with me, since he was up front regarding it, and very polite/wiling to help (unlike the other one - see above). Later in the day, I received a phone call from him telling me that the installation would take until tomorrow to complete, but he wanted me to come in (if possible) today to discuss my seat height/bike fit. Then, he started talking about the Linus line of bike, how they fit/line up, and how if my bike does not fit me, there is not much that can be done etc. I went to the shop, and we discussed it, and he was very polite/understanding regarding why I originally purchased my bike, how much I love it etc.
My point/question is that, although, this guy was great, I still got the feeling that he was trying to get me to purchase another bicycle to replace mine. Although, he was very polite/understanding in the end, I still felt kind of weirded out by it (for lack of better terminology at this time of the night).
I, also, kind of got the feeling that he was putting down my Schwinn, albeit, in a covert way. I get the feeling that shops like this on that specialize in European-type bikes (which I love - as you all know), and bike restoration tend to lean one way or the other. I have noticed that it is like that with a lot of the shops I have gone into (I can only think of one where I get great service by the sales people/ & good service by the mechanics - see my other LBS post for more on that - nope, scratch that, two, not including this one, so all in all, not too bad, I guess). I feel that they tend to lean one way, or the other (i.e. racing, mountain biking, vintage etc).
It is my dream to one day open up a bicycle shop that offers all kinds of different bicycles/accessories/parts/services etc. to the public with only helpful and heartfelt advice/sales etc.
Anyway, thoughts? Just thought I would post my little story.
p.s. Lola comes home tomorrow! Although, I made this post, I am truly grateful for the service I receive from these people, and the vintage/European feel of the shop (it is even located in an old auto-detailing shop ...).
I called one of the LBS's in my area that I have gone to once before, and had a wonderful experience with. Last night, I left them a message on their machine, but they did not contact me this morning, so I called them again, and ended up taking Lola in to get her fenders, rack, and Reelights installed. The quoted price was much better ($30-$40) for all of it, instead of the $30 I paid for the installation of just my Monkey Lights from another LBS, and received a less-than-satisfactory/rude attitude from one of the mechanics. Although, come to think of it, he may have just been moody/on a time crunch that day when I asked him if it was possible to get it back by 5 pm that day, because I needed to be in downtown by 6 pm, so that was probably the upcharge that they priced it at. Although, they had my bike back to me on time, I don't think I'll be going back to that particular shop, but it is what it is.
Anyway, I took Lola this other LBS, and dropped her off. The guy told me it would be ready between 5-6 today, or at the latest tomorrow, which was fine with me, since he was up front regarding it, and very polite/wiling to help (unlike the other one - see above). Later in the day, I received a phone call from him telling me that the installation would take until tomorrow to complete, but he wanted me to come in (if possible) today to discuss my seat height/bike fit. Then, he started talking about the Linus line of bike, how they fit/line up, and how if my bike does not fit me, there is not much that can be done etc. I went to the shop, and we discussed it, and he was very polite/understanding regarding why I originally purchased my bike, how much I love it etc.
My point/question is that, although, this guy was great, I still got the feeling that he was trying to get me to purchase another bicycle to replace mine. Although, he was very polite/understanding in the end, I still felt kind of weirded out by it (for lack of better terminology at this time of the night).
I, also, kind of got the feeling that he was putting down my Schwinn, albeit, in a covert way. I get the feeling that shops like this on that specialize in European-type bikes (which I love - as you all know), and bike restoration tend to lean one way or the other. I have noticed that it is like that with a lot of the shops I have gone into (I can only think of one where I get great service by the sales people/ & good service by the mechanics - see my other LBS post for more on that - nope, scratch that, two, not including this one, so all in all, not too bad, I guess). I feel that they tend to lean one way, or the other (i.e. racing, mountain biking, vintage etc).
It is my dream to one day open up a bicycle shop that offers all kinds of different bicycles/accessories/parts/services etc. to the public with only helpful and heartfelt advice/sales etc.
Anyway, thoughts? Just thought I would post my little story.
p.s. Lola comes home tomorrow! Although, I made this post, I am truly grateful for the service I receive from these people, and the vintage/European feel of the shop (it is even located in an old auto-detailing shop ...
).
10-23-13 | 01:21 PM
#58
Been Around Awhile
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,680
Likes: 1,993
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Probably even better if you can sell top dollar bicycles to people who could easily buy less expensive bikes and still be satisfied.
10-23-13 | 01:23 PM
#59
one life on two wheels
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 27
From: St. Petersburg, FL
10-24-13 | 07:22 PM
#60
Casually Deliberate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 11
From: Should have made a left turn near Albuquerque.
Bikes: 1995 Trek 820, 1994 Trek 930 (project), 1/2 of a 1980s Colin Laing tandem
I second SnowJob's call for Walmart to not sell ****ing deathtrap bikes. At the same time, there's a part of me that smiles at a mental picture of the niece absolutely insisting the brake levers be placed in an allegedly "deathtrap" position because it's *her* bike and that's how *she* wants them. You go, girl! Just don't go faster than you can stop the bike with your feet.
10-24-13 | 08:12 PM
#61
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,869
Likes: 1,108
From: Tallahassee, FL
I love my LBS. Great service at low prices. They don't sell anything expensive and neither my wife nor I purchased our bikes there, but they were happy to assemble the Salsa my wife bought on-line (we'd have bought it from them, but they can't order from Salsa) and they seem to like working on my vintage Raleigh. We talked to them before we bought anything and they never suggested we should really buy something from them. They just wanted us to find bikes we were happy with, wherever they were purchased.
Only problem is these guys are older than I am and the land on which their shop sits has recently become much more in demand for new development. So I fear they'll retire and close up the shop in the next few years.
Only problem is these guys are older than I am and the land on which their shop sits has recently become much more in demand for new development. So I fear they'll retire and close up the shop in the next few years.
10-24-13 | 08:14 PM
#62
Dirt junkie.
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 406
Likes: 6
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: Surly Ice Cream Truck, Peacock Groove road bikem, Salsa Fargo
I second SnowJob's call for Walmart to not sell ****ing deathtrap bikes. At the same time, there's a part of me that smiles at a mental picture of the niece absolutely insisting the brake levers be placed in an allegedly "deathtrap" position because it's *her* bike and that's how *she* wants them. You go, girl! Just don't go faster than you can stop the bike with your feet.
10-24-13 | 08:19 PM
#63
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,869
Likes: 1,108
From: Tallahassee, FL
I ran into a garage door the first time I rode a bike. My dad had covered the riding part, but we never discussed the stopping. Started out with him running along holding the bike as I rode down the driveway and before I knew it he'd let go and I experienced the thrill of riding on my own with no assistance. Then I realized the garage was fast approaching ....
10-24-13 | 08:25 PM
#64
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
I ran into a garage door the first time I rode a bike. My dad had covered the riding part, but we never discussed the stopping. Started out with him running along holding the bike as I rode down the driveway and before I knew it he'd let go and I experienced the thrill of riding on my own with no assistance. Then I realized the garage was fast approaching ....
10-24-13 | 08:27 PM
#65
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
10-24-13 | 08:56 PM
#66
Casually Deliberate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 11
From: Should have made a left turn near Albuquerque.
Bikes: 1995 Trek 820, 1994 Trek 930 (project), 1/2 of a 1980s Colin Laing tandem
My mom always said that you marry the first time for love and the second time for money. I didn't do either one and I have no idea what the reasoning behind the third time is supposed to be. Thrills?
10-24-13 | 09:09 PM
#68
Been Around Awhile
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,680
Likes: 1,993
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
I've heard that the way to end up with a million dollars owning a bicycle shop, is to start with two million. Good Luck!
10-24-13 | 10:24 PM
#69
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Pics or ban
wouldn't be the internet without some butthurt/pissing contest.
**see location.
Wal-Mart is inherently and entirely a disclaimer already.
lust. and you don't get married a third time.
**see location.
lust. and you don't get married a third time.
10-30-13 | 05:00 PM
#71
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,340
Likes: 6,640
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
The mechanic would have gotten little or no commission if you had bought a bike. He may be a bike snob, but he is not greedy. He works in a bike shop.
Some are just bike geeks, and given that he knows you'll be riding a lot, he'd like to see you on a new bike, because he thinks you'll be happier that way.
There is serious attitude problem at many bike shops, but I'd give this guy the benefit of the doubt.
Some are just bike geeks, and given that he knows you'll be riding a lot, he'd like to see you on a new bike, because he thinks you'll be happier that way.
There is serious attitude problem at many bike shops, but I'd give this guy the benefit of the doubt.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
10-30-13 | 06:21 PM
#72
Casually Deliberate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 11
From: Should have made a left turn near Albuquerque.
Bikes: 1995 Trek 820, 1994 Trek 930 (project), 1/2 of a 1980s Colin Laing tandem
On a somewhat related note, I will be working as seasonal sales floor help at my local Target. I mentioned during both interviews that I've spent the last 16 months as a volunteer mechanic at a not-for-profit bike shop and the guy at the second interview wrote "Bike Builder" at the top of my paperwork and put a big star after it. Not sure how much time I'll be spending away from the clothing departments but I did say I'd love to use my skills to send "fewer killer bikes" into people's homes this Christmas. The HR people seemed excited by the idea so cross your fingers I really get to.
10-30-13 | 06:35 PM
#73
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 107
From: Scranton, PA, USA
Bikes: '77 Centurion "Pro Tour"; '67 Carlton "The Flyer"; 1984 Ross MTB (stored at parents' house)
On a somewhat related note, I will be working as seasonal sales floor help at my local Target. I mentioned during both interviews that I've spent the last 16 months as a volunteer mechanic at a not-for-profit bike shop and the guy at the second interview wrote "Bike Builder" at the top of my paperwork and put a big star after it. Not sure how much time I'll be spending away from the clothing departments but I did say I'd love to use my skills to send "fewer killer bikes" into people's homes this Christmas. The HR people seemed excited by the idea so cross your fingers I really get to.
10-30-13 | 07:02 PM
#74
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
+1 - I agree with you. He was probably just trying to help me out the best he could. In the end, it all worked out, and I would go there again.
10-30-13 | 07:04 PM
#75
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Bikes: Lola (2012 Schwinn Voyageur 7)
On a somewhat related note, I will be working as seasonal sales floor help at my local Target. I mentioned during both interviews that I've spent the last 16 months as a volunteer mechanic at a not-for-profit bike shop and the guy at the second interview wrote "Bike Builder" at the top of my paperwork and put a big star after it. Not sure how much time I'll be spending away from the clothing departments but I did say I'd love to use my skills to send "fewer killer bikes" into people's homes this Christmas. The HR people seemed excited by the idea so cross your fingers I really get to.
Target!
