Hi everyone,

I came back to the US just a couple of days ago. I've been living in South Korea for the past 4 years and I really developed my love for cycling there. I am looking for a new LBS in the central Jersey area and also one for the north Jersey area around Bloomfield when I move there a month from now. I am looking for a Bike Shop similar to what I experienced in South Korea.

Over there, service is done at the shop right in front of you (you just need to wait your turn). The service men are really knowledgeable and sociable and you are able to develop a personal relationship with them. Also the local bike shops in Korea can also act as a hangout/meeting place for cycling enthusiasts and clubs. There were a few times when I walked in and saw the bike shop owner showing off his video of his MTB club going down mountain trails in the snow at night time

So ........... anything like that in the area? I wouldn't mind traveling to NYC if I can get that type of service.

What county/town are you living in?

I've had great luck in two places.

Bike Haven in Fair Haven

Marty's Reliable , I had a build done in the Morristown location

I don't have long experience with either, but both have treated me very well and much better than others in the area generally speaking.

Relationships take time to build, talking to people in the shop, particularly if you can get in during off hours like afternoons on week days can go a long way to get to know the staff more. It's really hard locally, particularly in the summer to even get a word in with the overloading that happens with summer tourist season so just keep context in mind. That said, I've walked into shops with a blank check in my mouth and couldn't get anyone to even speak to me here too...