Keeping My LBS
09-12-25 | 08:05 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 10,385
Likes: 14,926
Keeping My LBS
How about a LBS positivity thread?
When I was working with my LBS on a custom gravel bike, we were going to do a workaround to fit a subcompact crankset and still preserve the tire clearance and other features I wanted. About a week before the bike was going to be built up, Shimano announced their GRX groupset -- complete with a 48-31 crankset and matching FD. The shop owner suggested that it would be perfect for my bike -- a much better solution than the one we'd planned -- but I pointed out that he wouldn't be able to actually get the parts for several months. "No problem," he said. "We'll put on a take-off crankset for now, and when the GRX gets here we'll swap it in." The bike was ready a week later with a new-looking Shimano 50-34 crankset and the new Ultegra Di2 FD that he'd ordered in for my build.
Fast forward four months, during which I have raced the hell out of the bike and put much wear and tear on it. Shop manager called up and told me to bring in the bike for the swap. I dropped it off at 10am, we went to a museum and then out to lunch, and afterwards went to pick it up. Bike was now sporting a brand new GRX 48-31 crankset, brand new GRX Di2 FD, and worked beautifully. The charge? Only the upgrade cost of the new components compared to the old ones -- with no depreciation, no labor charge, nothing.
This is one of many great experiences I had with that LBS -- they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude.
What's your story?
When I was working with my LBS on a custom gravel bike, we were going to do a workaround to fit a subcompact crankset and still preserve the tire clearance and other features I wanted. About a week before the bike was going to be built up, Shimano announced their GRX groupset -- complete with a 48-31 crankset and matching FD. The shop owner suggested that it would be perfect for my bike -- a much better solution than the one we'd planned -- but I pointed out that he wouldn't be able to actually get the parts for several months. "No problem," he said. "We'll put on a take-off crankset for now, and when the GRX gets here we'll swap it in." The bike was ready a week later with a new-looking Shimano 50-34 crankset and the new Ultegra Di2 FD that he'd ordered in for my build.
Fast forward four months, during which I have raced the hell out of the bike and put much wear and tear on it. Shop manager called up and told me to bring in the bike for the swap. I dropped it off at 10am, we went to a museum and then out to lunch, and afterwards went to pick it up. Bike was now sporting a brand new GRX 48-31 crankset, brand new GRX Di2 FD, and worked beautifully. The charge? Only the upgrade cost of the new components compared to the old ones -- with no depreciation, no labor charge, nothing.
This is one of many great experiences I had with that LBS -- they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude.
What's your story?
__________________
09-12-25 | 08:45 AM
#2
ignominious poltroon
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 6,027
Likes: 5,378
My story was posted, but now locked. (Everything except the obvious at the end was true.) But here is something I didn't put in: When we fled an 88,000 acre wildfire five years ago that wound up destroying almost 1000 local residences, our same LBS offered to put us up (family, bikes, dogs, etc) in their shop! We had a temporary place sorted, but it was extremely kind of them to offer.
09-12-25 | 08:47 AM
#3
Long time part timer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 235
Likes: 217
Just last week I went to my LBS to buy a set of replacement SPD-SL cleats (blue) as a replacement to have on hand since the end is near with those on my primary shoes (I buy this sort of stuff from the LBS...way too many fakes out there). They didn't have them in stock and offered to order them for me - good timing since they were in the middle of placing an order as I walked in. Sure I said as I'm in no big hurry. It turns out their supplier did not have them either. I mentioned their other store ~ 30 miles away had them and next time I was in their neighborhood I'd just pick them up there. I was told "hold on a sec", he picks up the phone and I hear him ask "are you going home after work? Can you drop off a pair of blue Shimano cleats?" - so he called the other store and had someone drop them off on their way home. I biked down at lunch the next day and picked the new cleats up.
Now that's service!
Now that's service!
09-12-25 | 09:03 AM
#4
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,350
Likes: 3,551
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I am keeping my lbs despite my many attempts to shed them
Kidding aside, when I stripped the puller threads on my crank arm, they took care of it
Kidding aside, when I stripped the puller threads on my crank arm, they took care of it
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
09-12-25 | 09:13 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 2,292
How about a LBS positivity thread?
When I was working with my LBS on a custom gravel bike, we were going to do a workaround to fit a subcompact crankset and still preserve the tire clearance and other features I wanted. About a week before the bike was going to be built up, Shimano announced their GRX groupset -- complete with a 48-31 crankset and matching FD. The shop owner suggested that it would be perfect for my bike -- a much better solution than the one we'd planned -- but I pointed out that he wouldn't be able to actually get the parts for several months. "No problem," he said. "We'll put on a take-off crankset for now, and when the GRX gets here we'll swap it in." The bike was ready a week later with a new-looking Shimano 50-34 crankset and the new Ultegra Di2 FD that he'd ordered in for my build.
Fast forward four months, during which I have raced the hell out of the bike and put much wear and tear on it. Shop manager called up and told me to bring in the bike for the swap. I dropped it off at 10am, we went to a museum and then out to lunch, and afterwards went to pick it up. Bike was now sporting a brand new GRX 48-31 crankset, brand new GRX Di2 FD, and worked beautifully. The charge? Only the upgrade cost of the new components compared to the old ones -- with no depreciation, no labor charge, nothing.
This is one of many great experiences I had with that LBS -- they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude.
What's your story?
When I was working with my LBS on a custom gravel bike, we were going to do a workaround to fit a subcompact crankset and still preserve the tire clearance and other features I wanted. About a week before the bike was going to be built up, Shimano announced their GRX groupset -- complete with a 48-31 crankset and matching FD. The shop owner suggested that it would be perfect for my bike -- a much better solution than the one we'd planned -- but I pointed out that he wouldn't be able to actually get the parts for several months. "No problem," he said. "We'll put on a take-off crankset for now, and when the GRX gets here we'll swap it in." The bike was ready a week later with a new-looking Shimano 50-34 crankset and the new Ultegra Di2 FD that he'd ordered in for my build.
Fast forward four months, during which I have raced the hell out of the bike and put much wear and tear on it. Shop manager called up and told me to bring in the bike for the swap. I dropped it off at 10am, we went to a museum and then out to lunch, and afterwards went to pick it up. Bike was now sporting a brand new GRX 48-31 crankset, brand new GRX Di2 FD, and worked beautifully. The charge? Only the upgrade cost of the new components compared to the old ones -- with no depreciation, no labor charge, nothing.
This is one of many great experiences I had with that LBS -- they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude.
What's your story?
09-12-25 | 10:50 AM
#6
New here
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 15,571
Likes: 8,615
From: Tejas
Keeping mine. The guys there have done a lot for me over the last several years. I've paid for service and have received help with things I had difficulty with at no charge.
It is a Trek company store to boot.
It is a Trek company store to boot.
09-12-25 | 12:13 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,920
Likes: 1,002
From: Louisville KY
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline
Maybe I've just been lucky, but the majority of LBS around here have all been good to deal with. I do most of my own maintenance, but when I needed something done, it was always taken care of quickly and accurately. Of course, there are some I like better than others, but can't say I dislike any of them. Even had one shop, when I was looking at new bikes, and I asked if he saw what was in my truck bed (my "06 LeMond), replied "don't ever sell that bike". Meant a lot to me, and if I ever have a need for a new bike, I'll check them first. For all he knew, I may have been ready for a new one, and he could have lost a sale, but was honest that the LeMond was worth holding onto.
09-12-25 | 01:00 PM
#8
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,448
Likes: 6,758
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
I am keeping mine but to be fair I have a vested interest in this one. However most LBS I have gone into despite groans from friends (you work at a shop, why do you want to go into another one?) have been good before and while I am in the industry it has been great. There was one shop that didn't give us the time of day but I spoke with the owner and he was going to look into it and take care of it and was a really sweet guy so I chalked it up to a language barrier and some need of staff training and all good. Most local businesses I go to are pretty nice if you treat them right they will respond in kind. Every once in a blue moon I find one that doesn't get a good experience but that is the exception to the rule generally and in some of them I go back and everything is good and maybe it was an off day or the owner or manager was out and the kids were at play.
09-13-25 | 07:28 PM
#9
Old and in the way
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 1,077
From: City of Oaks, NC
Bikes: Look 765 Optimum, Spesh Aethos
How about a LBS positivity thread?
When I was working with my LBS on a custom gravel bike, we were going to do a workaround to fit a subcompact crankset and still preserve the tire clearance and other features I wanted. About a week before the bike was going to be built up, Shimano announced their GRX groupset -- complete with a 48-31 crankset and matching FD. The shop owner suggested that it would be perfect for my bike -- a much better solution than the one we'd planned -- but I pointed out that he wouldn't be able to actually get the parts for several months. "No problem," he said. "We'll put on a take-off crankset for now, and when the GRX gets here we'll swap it in." The bike was ready a week later with a new-looking Shimano 50-34 crankset and the new Ultegra Di2 FD that he'd ordered in for my build.
Fast forward four months, during which I have raced the hell out of the bike and put much wear and tear on it. Shop manager called up and told me to bring in the bike for the swap. I dropped it off at 10am, we went to a museum and then out to lunch, and afterwards went to pick it up. Bike was now sporting a brand new GRX 48-31 crankset, brand new GRX Di2 FD, and worked beautifully. The charge? Only the upgrade cost of the new components compared to the old ones -- with no depreciation, no labor charge, nothing.
This is one of many great experiences I had with that LBS -- they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude.
What's your story?
When I was working with my LBS on a custom gravel bike, we were going to do a workaround to fit a subcompact crankset and still preserve the tire clearance and other features I wanted. About a week before the bike was going to be built up, Shimano announced their GRX groupset -- complete with a 48-31 crankset and matching FD. The shop owner suggested that it would be perfect for my bike -- a much better solution than the one we'd planned -- but I pointed out that he wouldn't be able to actually get the parts for several months. "No problem," he said. "We'll put on a take-off crankset for now, and when the GRX gets here we'll swap it in." The bike was ready a week later with a new-looking Shimano 50-34 crankset and the new Ultegra Di2 FD that he'd ordered in for my build.
Fast forward four months, during which I have raced the hell out of the bike and put much wear and tear on it. Shop manager called up and told me to bring in the bike for the swap. I dropped it off at 10am, we went to a museum and then out to lunch, and afterwards went to pick it up. Bike was now sporting a brand new GRX 48-31 crankset, brand new GRX Di2 FD, and worked beautifully. The charge? Only the upgrade cost of the new components compared to the old ones -- with no depreciation, no labor charge, nothing.
This is one of many great experiences I had with that LBS -- they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude.
What's your story?
.
__________________
--
Shad, Kitted up half wavin m’fer.
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Shad, Kitted up half wavin m’fer.
09-13-25 | 08:45 PM
#11
Highly Enriched Driftium
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 6,949
Likes: 2,266
A lot of bike shops have gone downhill, just concentrating on sales, often a one-brand shop.
One in my area is way above the rest, my fave, I first learned of them in 2002 because they were the only ones in town that had used parts, I was visiting, someone else told me about them; I was volunteer-fixing a locally made pedalboat at a non-profit boating center, that blew a crank, and was able to get a replacement crank cheap. These days they still have huge bins of used parts, sorted well. They appear to have a great service department, I haven't used, but it's open to the sales floor and I can easily ask a question about parts compatibility or such, and I give info in return; "Bicycle Quarterly available to read free at <x> library!" (BQ is a bit expensive at $44/year/4-issues.) Independent shop with multiple brands, good used bikes, even used accessories. I've bought a lot of stuff there.
One in my area is way above the rest, my fave, I first learned of them in 2002 because they were the only ones in town that had used parts, I was visiting, someone else told me about them; I was volunteer-fixing a locally made pedalboat at a non-profit boating center, that blew a crank, and was able to get a replacement crank cheap. These days they still have huge bins of used parts, sorted well. They appear to have a great service department, I haven't used, but it's open to the sales floor and I can easily ask a question about parts compatibility or such, and I give info in return; "Bicycle Quarterly available to read free at <x> library!" (BQ is a bit expensive at $44/year/4-issues.) Independent shop with multiple brands, good used bikes, even used accessories. I've bought a lot of stuff there.
09-13-25 | 10:43 PM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,633
Likes: 2,502
From: Bastrop Texas
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
...they always went waaay above and beyond my expectations, so I responded with loyalty -- bought a lot of stuff there, never haggled over price (never would've thought to do so, especially since they were quite reasonable), and always found ways (tangible and intangible) to express my gratitude...
Bravo to any of you'se guys that still have a Local Bike Shop. Treat them well...
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
Last edited by zandoval; 09-13-25 at 10:51 PM.
09-14-25 | 07:33 AM
#13
Just a cyclist
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 97
Likes: 72
From: In the middle of NJ
Bikes: Trek Checkpoint ALR4, Giant Cypress DX, Trek 800. Liv Sedona DX (hers)
I'm happy to patronize my LBS any time I need anything and would miss them if they went away. They've always been fair with me and I trust them for advice when I'm not sure what I want to do. Bought 3 bikes from them, uncountable numbers of tools, parts, numerous maintenance visits, etc. If they can save me a few $ on something they're happy to offer advice on that too. Do I know everything about bikes? No, for sure...but they've never made me feel like a Noob and I've learned a bunch from them.
Could I get some of the stuff I bought there online for cheaper? Sure. Do I sometimes buy it online? Sure. But if I need advice who am I going to talk to at any particular online store?
Could I get some of the stuff I bought there online for cheaper? Sure. Do I sometimes buy it online? Sure. But if I need advice who am I going to talk to at any particular online store?
09-14-25 | 08:31 AM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,525
Likes: 13,528
From: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
My LBS guy retired a few years ago and left me out in the cold, cruel world to fend for myself. Not entirely true, the guy he sold out to is pretty cool.
I first found him in 1989, iirc. First bike I bought from him had a bunch of parts swapped to my preferences, no problem. I bought a new cf bike for my girlfriend and when we broke up a few months later, he took it back and gave me a 100% refund. Ended up getting back with her and she had bought her own bike by then.
He helped me through a warranty issue on a Trek and got me a Landshark in a super deal. When I wanted a Tesch in 1992 he wasn't a Tesch dealer but he made it happen and sold it to me at a discount. Same thing when I wanted a Gunnar in 2006. I wanted a Cannondale in 2001 and he found one at a friend's store which was a new in the box frameset and built it up for me.
He sold me 3 NOS frames cheap including a Nishiki Seral touring frame.
Bought a mountain bike from him in 2008 and he took the cheap fork off and upgraded it at no charge. Bought my current mtb in 2018 and he sold it to me way under msrp.
He sold bikes, wheels, and parts for me which is a big help. I didn't have to advertise or deal with anyone. Just drop things off and later pick up the cash.
Always willing to find small parts which didn't have any profit for him and found a machinist to make things for me.
I first found him in 1989, iirc. First bike I bought from him had a bunch of parts swapped to my preferences, no problem. I bought a new cf bike for my girlfriend and when we broke up a few months later, he took it back and gave me a 100% refund. Ended up getting back with her and she had bought her own bike by then.
He helped me through a warranty issue on a Trek and got me a Landshark in a super deal. When I wanted a Tesch in 1992 he wasn't a Tesch dealer but he made it happen and sold it to me at a discount. Same thing when I wanted a Gunnar in 2006. I wanted a Cannondale in 2001 and he found one at a friend's store which was a new in the box frameset and built it up for me.
He sold me 3 NOS frames cheap including a Nishiki Seral touring frame.
Bought a mountain bike from him in 2008 and he took the cheap fork off and upgraded it at no charge. Bought my current mtb in 2018 and he sold it to me way under msrp.
He sold bikes, wheels, and parts for me which is a big help. I didn't have to advertise or deal with anyone. Just drop things off and later pick up the cash.
Always willing to find small parts which didn't have any profit for him and found a machinist to make things for me.
09-14-25 | 08:37 AM
#15
I have heard these still exist but I have not seen one in decades. In my AO we don't have any bike shops. Up the road over in Austin there are a few left. More likely any new Bike Shops are Bike Dealerships with increased interest in creative Financing... Rats!
Bravo to any of you'se guys that still have a Local Bike Shop. Treat them well...
Bravo to any of you'se guys that still have a Local Bike Shop. Treat them well...
09-14-25 | 09:21 AM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,633
Likes: 2,502
From: Bastrop Texas
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Its an old acronym from US Army days. AO = Area of Operation
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
09-14-25 | 09:57 AM
#17
Thanks for the explanation!
Unexplained acronyms in forum posts remind me of a guy who posted one in a musician's forum a few years ago. Huge unbroken wall of text, with this one acronym buried in the middle. Several posters called him out on it.
Turned out that his two-letter acronym represented the first and second syllables of his misspelling of the name of some esoteric guitar effects pedal. Grrr.
Unexplained acronyms in forum posts remind me of a guy who posted one in a musician's forum a few years ago. Huge unbroken wall of text, with this one acronym buried in the middle. Several posters called him out on it.
Turned out that his two-letter acronym represented the first and second syllables of his misspelling of the name of some esoteric guitar effects pedal. Grrr.
09-15-25 | 09:46 AM
#18
Commuter, roadie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 2,378
From: SE Wisconsin, USA
Bikes: Trek: Domane AL3, Checkpoint SL7; Priority Apollo 11, ZiZZO Forte + eBikes
I went in to one LBS, which is a big Trek retailer after a Saturday club ride. 40 minutes until closing. I had an out of true wheel I was planning to drop off to be trued.
The guy found a broken spoke before he got to the back room, handed it to a kid who is their wheel expert. He replaced the spoke and trued the wheel in about 10 minutes and saved me a trip back there (13 miles away) the next week.
The shop owner also throws me a bone now and then. For example, I asked for a simple drivetrain clean. He asked his employee to give it a full clean and he would just charge me the price of the partial clean. Very nice.
They've got a new single speed bike in my size from a local company that now is gone. He wants to get rid of it and is only asking $275 for it. I might buy it, even though I need it like a hole in the head. It's just so COOL. Only problem with this shop is that it's 13 miles from home and hard to get in while they're open.
******
We have another LBS, this one is only 6 miles away. They're a more traditional ma 'n pa shop, 2nd generation, been around since 1986. Seems they just started carrying Cannondale and Giant. I've only used them a couple times, trying to support the Trek shop that sponsors our club. Always helpful. The owner is usually behind the counter, wrenching on a bike.
We just had the oldest LBS close. He was walking distance from my work. That was a big loss. I bought 3 bikes from them in the last 2 years.
The guy found a broken spoke before he got to the back room, handed it to a kid who is their wheel expert. He replaced the spoke and trued the wheel in about 10 minutes and saved me a trip back there (13 miles away) the next week.
The shop owner also throws me a bone now and then. For example, I asked for a simple drivetrain clean. He asked his employee to give it a full clean and he would just charge me the price of the partial clean. Very nice.
They've got a new single speed bike in my size from a local company that now is gone. He wants to get rid of it and is only asking $275 for it. I might buy it, even though I need it like a hole in the head. It's just so COOL. Only problem with this shop is that it's 13 miles from home and hard to get in while they're open.
******
We have another LBS, this one is only 6 miles away. They're a more traditional ma 'n pa shop, 2nd generation, been around since 1986. Seems they just started carrying Cannondale and Giant. I've only used them a couple times, trying to support the Trek shop that sponsors our club. Always helpful. The owner is usually behind the counter, wrenching on a bike.
We just had the oldest LBS close. He was walking distance from my work. That was a big loss. I bought 3 bikes from them in the last 2 years.
__________________
-Jeremy
-Jeremy
09-15-25 | 10:24 AM
#19
I AM AI
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,291
Likes: 1,172
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: 2008 S-Works Roubaix SL, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS, 1978 Schwinn Volare
I buy from the LBS when I can, and I make a point to check there first before buying online. If I'm looking for a specific high-dollar thing like shoes or a helmet I'll often end up online to get exactly what I want. But cleats, chain lube, tools, and other random bits I will almost always buy from them. And yes, it costs a little more. And yes, I'm fine with that.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
09-15-25 | 11:12 AM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,766
Likes: 5,405
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
We still have a variety of LBS's around here, though we've lost some good ones.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
09-15-25 | 01:22 PM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 935
Likes: 704
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Bikes: More than I have room for.
Got two LBS stories. First, my favorite shop growing up. They unfortunately went out of business around 8 or so years ago but before that, all of us in the family would only go there. Bunch of really laid back older guys who really knew their stuff. They would let my brother and I roam freely in the back on quests to find old spare parts that they would often charge us next to nothing for or give to us for free. Let us learn while they worked and let us use the tools too. We would still get all of the brand new, regularly priced stuff from them too like helmets and gloves.
Once, I was looking for a quill stem and noticed a brand new Salsa stem on the shelf in their back room. Saw the eye watering price of $90 but asked about it anyways. One of the guys looked it, said a customer ordered it but wound up not wanting it so it had been sitting on the shelf for ages, shrugged and said I could have it for half off.
The other is more current. Granted, this is my brother's shop so I'm rather biased but he is the only one I trust to put hands on any of my bikes aside from me, he's that good. He does service only but still has wholesale accounts to get the usual replacement parts for routine servicing and any major replacements or custom builds. So, if I need anything, he can get it. In the end, I'm not paying much different than what a regular LBS would charge for parts because running a business ain't free but if I'm going to give the money to someone, I might as well support my brother. I kind of owe him anyways; he never charges me for labor, I get free range of the tools, free range of the spare parts and I store stuff there all the time.
Edit: Things come full circle. My brother's first bike shop job was at said old LBS that is now out of business. Now that he has his own shop, his old boss from said LBS now brings all of his bikes to my brother for servicing. I think he has one other former employer who brings him bikes now and again.
Once, I was looking for a quill stem and noticed a brand new Salsa stem on the shelf in their back room. Saw the eye watering price of $90 but asked about it anyways. One of the guys looked it, said a customer ordered it but wound up not wanting it so it had been sitting on the shelf for ages, shrugged and said I could have it for half off.
The other is more current. Granted, this is my brother's shop so I'm rather biased but he is the only one I trust to put hands on any of my bikes aside from me, he's that good. He does service only but still has wholesale accounts to get the usual replacement parts for routine servicing and any major replacements or custom builds. So, if I need anything, he can get it. In the end, I'm not paying much different than what a regular LBS would charge for parts because running a business ain't free but if I'm going to give the money to someone, I might as well support my brother. I kind of owe him anyways; he never charges me for labor, I get free range of the tools, free range of the spare parts and I store stuff there all the time.
Edit: Things come full circle. My brother's first bike shop job was at said old LBS that is now out of business. Now that he has his own shop, his old boss from said LBS now brings all of his bikes to my brother for servicing. I think he has one other former employer who brings him bikes now and again.
Last edited by Pantah; 09-15-25 at 01:26 PM.
09-15-25 | 03:05 PM
#22
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,448
Likes: 6,758
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
We still have a variety of LBS's around here, though we've lost some good ones.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
09-15-25 | 07:10 PM
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,525
Likes: 13,528
From: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
We still have a variety of LBS's around here, though we've lost some good ones.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
09-16-25 | 05:13 PM
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,694
Likes: 2,616
From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
We still have a variety of LBS's around here, though we've lost some good ones.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
How many of you have experienced this?
You have some kind of mechanical out on the road, and you or the group you are in just don't have the item or the tools that will get you going again - a tire destroyed, a chain broken and nobody has a chain breaker, etc.? And you or somebody looks at their phone and there's an LBS not so distant. Get the bike in, and THIS:
They stop what they are doing, fix your problem, and get you back on the road.
I've had this happen a bunch of times. And in several cases, they didn't even charge me labor.
09-16-25 | 05:44 PM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,700
Likes: 2,586
From: Jacksonville, FL
Bikes: Trek Checkmate, Lynskey Elysium, Trek FX 5 Sport
My preferred LBS is a fantastic place. When I was looking for the Stages bike I wanted during the Covid drought, he located one in Tampa, 4 hrs from where we are, and drove down there to get it and then called me to tell me he had a surprise for me. I showed up and there it sat. One other time, when I was interested in the Gen 4 Domane, he just happen to get one in my size and pointed to it as I walked into the store. Told me it was my size and then told me he was matching the price of a store getting bought up by Trek, so I saved a lot of cash on it. I've been going to this store since 2003. Great store, great people. I don't want to say I get special treatment, but sometimes, I might need to take my bike in for some work where I don't have the correct tool, but it might jump a few spaces in line.