That's the best part.

I said that we'd had a number of bikes come into the bike shop that had been assembled at "big chain stores, not *necessarily* this one" and they'd had certain issues like the fork was on backwards or cables were run to the wrong brake making it essentially useless. Both interviewers seemed sold on the idea that functioning brakes would be an excellent thing. (The first interviewer gave me the impression he runs now but would like to ride.) The second guy said "You seem pretty passionate about this. I mean, you've done this as a volunteer so..." And I said, "Yeah. If people screw this up, some poor little kid could get hurt or killed. So I'd like to help send them out right in the first place; I want to contribute to sending fewer killer bikes out. I'd like *everyone* to be safe and have a happy Christmas."

I really wanted the job on the sales floor. At the same time, there *are* things I'm passionate about- bike safety, aged Gouda, Peruvian coffee, my man, the DH rule- and since, by this point in life at least, I know I'm not going to have a personality transplant or be able to somehow hide who I am it seems better that everyone just put their cards on the table at the beginning. And they did hire me. Whether they'll keep me on after the 1st of January remains to be seen but it would be wicked cool if they do.

Damn, I do love some aged boerenkaas, like 4 and 7 year...

It sounds much better with the added context!

We'd get along swimmingly, then. What's the "DH" rule, though?

M.

That stands for "designated hitter." In the National League, all nine guys who come onto the diamond take their turn at the plate. In the American League, pitchers don't bat because a guy known as the designated hitter does it for them. (Unless they're playing in a National League park which is how Felix Hernandez hit a grand salami off Johan Santana in 2008.) I'm highly in favor of the DH because 1) most pitchers even in the NL don't hit very well so what's the point and 2) pitchers are often the most expensive players on the team and who wants to take a chance having one out of the rotation because he got cleated by a pissed-off opponent while running the bases? Edgar Martinez DHed for the Mariners, did a spectacular job and, it is hoped, will become the first DH to go into the Hall of Fame.

HIJACK:

Why not have a second DH, then, for shortstops who don't hit much, or catchers who can't clear the Mendoza line? The game is a balance of skills, from defensive to offensive. The DH ruins that balance by allowing some players to be purely offensive and some to be purely defensive.

It's a game, though, so you can play by any rules you want.

Dear Ms. Chick:

This is a subject that really burns me up. The snooty attitudes of several LBS have forced me to go elsewhere. I ride two low end commuter bikes (a Huffy and a Free Spirit (a Sear’s brand)). I know I will never ride the Tour de France on these bikes, but I like them! The last time I took one to the “hipster” LBS the service dude told me they don’t work on ‘those’ kind of bikes. So I went on line and found a bike shop catering to the Mexican community. The service rates are more than half the price, the work is done professionally and on time and best of all there are no conversations about buying a new bike or expensive accessories.

I do hope Lola came back fine. Here is another thought….go to a co-op. When you go there you will do the work yourself and someone will supervise you. This way you learn a new skill and save a lot of money. Most co-ops actively promote cycling so there will be no annoying up sales. This will also put you closer to your dream of your own bike shop! John

Thanks John! When I had my MTB a little while back (I have since sold it, as it just didn't work out of me in terms of being the type of person who likes to MTB, but I did learn a lot mechanically from it), I went to a local co-op, and they helped me put my shifters on, and I was able to put new brakes on myself. So, all in all, that worked out okay.

I, suppose, when it comes down to it bike shops are simply trying to do their job of "pushing product," but I hate it when people are pushy. Oh well.

Huh?

That's how I based my decision when I bought my 1st road bike. I did a little research online, before going to any LBS, to look at all of my options in terms of entry level bikes. When I visited LBS in my area, all I told them was my intention for a road bike (only for exercising) and specifically requested an entry level bike. After going to 4 LBS, 2 out of 4 tried to sell me a bike with Tiagra components which I know is not entry level. Long story short, I purchased my bike from the LBS (who didn't up sell me) nearest from me

I don't know if I'm off topic or not...

However, the LBSs around here do have their own personalities with each one catering to their own niche'.
I've yet to visit a commuter oriented shop around here.. although I have a name/location awareness of one with that reputation.

There's only one that has proven to be a waste of my time darkening their door.
The last time I was there, they told me they were opening a 'spin-off' shop for those not specifically looking for $5K+ bikes.