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-   -   Shout Out to a LBS (https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1265764-shout-out-lbs.html)

rsbob 01-06-23 12:35 AM

Shout Out to a LBS
 
Care to share an amazing experience with your LBS?

Had a chain keeper added by a local bike shop which specializes in MTBs, but a bike is a bike, right? Actually, no. They messed up the front Ultegra mech doing the install and I heard nothing but grinding no matter the gear. I tried every adjustment I could think of to correct it, but no luck - even with the aid of several videos. So rather than going back, I went to Element Cycles in Redmond. Wa which specializes in European rides and servicing. They had a repair stand free and asked if I had 5 minutes. I was expecting that I wouldn’t see the bike for a couple of weeks. They took the bike back and invited me back to see the procedure when they found ‘the hidden’ adjustment screw was completely dialed out, so no amount of using the usual screws would have done anything. They then talked me through the adjustment process and had it completely dialed. Then they spent 10 minutes truing my front rotor/disc. Then they test rode and told me if there were any issues to come back and they would make it right. Everyone in the shop was super friendly, knowledgeable, willing to help and even recommended a product they don’t carry. Wonderful experience all around. Gave them a 5 star Yelp review.

delbiker1 01-06-23 04:50 AM

The benefits of having a good LBS and mechanic, that you trust, cannot be overstated. I have a great relationship with mine, and occasionally stop in with a treat for them, or just to see if there is anything I want to buy. Numerous times they have comp'd a small part , or took care of some kind of mechanical issue with no charge. I never expect anything gratis, and much appreciative if that happens. There have been a few times that I insisted on paying when they said no charge, albeit a discounted price. We both come out ahead on that. A shout out to Bicycle Connection in Bethany Beach, DE.

Kai Winters 01-06-23 07:37 AM

Curious how a "front disk" is trued.
Glad they sorted out your problem.

bampilot06 01-06-23 07:46 AM

My LBS helps me huge, time and time again. Even before I bought a bike from them. When I was newb, and couldn’t trust myself with most simplistic maintenance, I started to bring my bike to them pretty often. Always treated me with respect, even though I was a fred, and most of the time didn’t even charge me.

Years have gone by, and I have since bought 4 bikes from them. Service is always exceptional. Price has always been fair or in some cases I feel like I should pay them more. I ride with the manager pretty often, and have gotten to know everyone that works there.

I am probably in the shop 2-3 times a week, either to say hello or look at stuff or ask questions. Once I get my work schedule more consistent I plan working there. Manager is cool with it and my wife thinks I should get paid with all the time that I am there.

rumrunn6 01-06-23 08:52 AM


Originally Posted by rsbob (Post 22759597)
Care to share an amazing experience with your LBS?Had a chain keeper added by a local bike shop which specializes in MTBs, but a bike is a bike, right? Actually, no. They messed up the front Ultegra mech doing the install and I heard nothing but grinding no matter the gear. I tried every adjustment I could think of to correct it, but no luck - even with the aid of several videos. So rather than going back, I went to Element Cycles in Redmond. Wa which specializes in European rides and servicing. They had a repair stand free and asked if I had 5 minutes. I was expecting that I wouldn’t see the bike for a couple of weeks. They took the bike back and invited me back to see the procedure when they found ‘the hidden’ adjustment screw was completely dialed out, so no amount of using the usual screws would have done anything. They then talked me through the adjustment process and had it completely dialed. Then they spent 10 minutes truing my front disc. Then they test rode and told me if there were any issues to come back and they would make it right. Everyone in the shop was super friendly, knowledgeable, willing to help and even recommended a product they don’t carry. Wonderful experience all around. Gave them a 5 star Yelp review.

:thumb: watching a skilled & experienced bike mechanic, at work, is pure joy

rumrunn6 01-06-23 08:54 AM


Originally Posted by Kai Winters (Post 22759725)
Curious how a "front disk" is trued.
Glad they sorted out your problem.

well the mount can move left-right & the thing that pushes the disk on one side, has an adjustment. maybe "trued" isn't the exact right word ...

veganbikes 01-06-23 11:50 AM


Originally Posted by Kai Winters (Post 22759725)
Curious how a "front disk" is trued.
Glad they sorted out your problem.

There are various tools for just that purpose. Here is a video from Park Tool on how to do it:
Your local bike shop can help out with that though some rotors won't be fully straightened and you might just need a new rotor.

Kai Winters 01-06-23 01:28 PM


Originally Posted by veganbikes (Post 22760048)
There are various tools for just that purpose. Here is a video from Park Tool on how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0c2...annel=ParkTool
Your local bike shop can help out with that though some rotors won't be fully straightened and you might just need a new rotor.

Yeah as I thought...it's a "rotor" not a disk

rsbob 01-06-23 03:16 PM

Next visit to the shop, I’m taking them a pizza.

Inusuit 01-06-23 04:15 PM

Rock on Wheels in Cheyenne is a fantastic shop. My first experience was them correcting a messed up tune from another shop. I've been a loyal customer ever since.

Lombard 01-06-23 07:55 PM


Originally Posted by rsbob (Post 22760213)
Next visit to the shop, I’m taking them a pizza.

I do that from time to time.

veganbikes 01-06-23 09:54 PM


Originally Posted by Kai Winters (Post 22760142)
Yeah as I thought...it's a "rotor" not a disk

Disc Brake Rotor if you want to go for the whole shebang.

Camilo 01-07-23 02:33 AM


Yeah as I thought...it's a "rotor" not a disk
Thank goodness that was clarified. I had no idea what in the world a disc brake disc is that was trued. Could he mean the caliper? the hose? the lever? Confusing. But, being part of the esteemed cognoscenti, I had an idea he was referring to the rotor because, after all, as the WWW explains if you look up disc brakes:

To summarize:
  • DISC brake systems have discs or rotors, pads, and calipers.
And more:

ped·ant·ry
[ˈped(ə)ntrē]

NOUN
  1. excessive concern with minor details and rules

Lombard 01-07-23 07:03 AM

Isn't a rotor a kind of disc? Just about everybody here knows we're not talking about a CD or a computer hard drive. :rolleyes:

wheelreason 01-07-23 09:46 AM


Originally Posted by Lombard (Post 22760691)
Isn't a rotor a kind of disc? Just about everybody here knows we're not talking about a CD or a computer hard drive. :rolleyes:

I got it the first time, but I have to translate customer's requests into a coherent work order, so.....

SoSmellyAir 01-07-23 12:07 PM

My favorite LBS became a Trek store but they still work on my non-Trek bikes. I don't get the vibe that beer would be welcome, so maybe I should just bring donuts next time I need something fixed.

Camilo 01-07-23 05:45 PM


Originally Posted by delbiker1 (Post 22759641)
The benefits of having a good LBS and mechanic, that you trust, cannot be overstated. I have a great relationship with mine, and occasionally stop in with a treat for them, or just to see if there is anything I want to buy. Numerous times they have comp'd a small part , or took care of some kind of mechanical issue with no charge. I never expect anything gratis, and much appreciative if that happens. There have been a few times that I insisted on paying when they said no charge, albeit a discounted price. We both come out ahead on that. A shout out to Bicycle Connection in Bethany Beach, DE.


Originally Posted by rsbob (Post 22760213)
Next visit to the shop, I’m taking them a pizza.


Originally Posted by SoSmellyAir (Post 22760995)
My favorite LBS became a Trek store but they still work on my non-Trek bikes. I don't get the vibe that beer would be welcome, so maybe I should just bring donuts next time I need something fixed.

I don't get this thing batted around the internet forums of bringing beer or a pizza to a business. I've never heard of this locally and it would never cross my mind or the minds of anyone I know. I do try to insist on paying something if they do a little tweak as I'm waiting if they say "no charge", but don't feel horrible if they dont accept it. I just make a point of buying something in their shop from time to time that I could find on the internet easier.

Why not just be a loyal customer, pay for the work they do for you, just like you do for any other business? Maybe a lunch time pizza or some treats - or a cash tip - at Christmas or such.

But this is how to treat a great shop and is what they want:


Originally Posted by Inusuit (Post 22760274)
Rock on Wheels in Cheyenne is a fantastic shop. My first experience was them correcting a messed up tune from another shop. I've been a loyal customer ever since.


retswerb 01-07-23 06:31 PM


Originally Posted by Camilo (Post 22761360)
I just make a point of buying something in their shop from time to time that I could find on the internet easier.

Why not just be a loyal customer, pay for the work they do for you, just like you do for any other business? Maybe a lunch time pizza or some treats - or a cash tip - at Christmas or such.

If the person you're dealing with is the owner, then sure - a purchase is probably most meaningful/valuable. But if the person making the difference to you is an hourly employee, beer or pizza means a lot more than just another purchase.

rsbob 01-07-23 06:32 PM


Originally Posted by Camilo (Post 22761360)
I don't get this thing batted around the internet forums of bringing beer or a pizza to a business. I've never heard of this locally and it would never cross my mind or the minds of anyone I know. I do try to insist on paying something if they do a little tweak as I'm waiting if they say "no charge", but don't feel horrible if they dont accept it. I just make a point of buying something in their shop from time to time that I could find on the internet easier.

Why not just be a loyal customer, pay for the work they do for you, just like you do for any other business? Maybe a lunch time pizza or some treats - or a cash tip - at Christmas or such.

But this is how to treat a great shop and is what they want:

Well since you asked. They gave me a half hour of free labor and advice. I insisted on paying them but they would not accept it. Besides, the employees are not wealthy and probably make minimum wage. I can afford it and rewarding generosity with a token of appreciation is the least I can do, You do you and I will do me. No judgement. We all do what works best for ourselves.

SoSmellyAir 01-07-23 06:40 PM


Originally Posted by rsbob (Post 22761416)
Well since you asked. They gave me a half hour of free labor and advice. I insisted on paying them but they would not accept it. Besides, the employees are not wealthy and probably make minimum wage. I can afford it and rewarding generosity with a token of appreciation is the least I can do, You do you and I will do me. No judgement. We all do what works best for ourselves.

I don't think I know my LBS or anyone working there well enough to just bust open a 6 or 12 pack without getting someone in trouble.

rsbob 01-07-23 06:45 PM


Originally Posted by SoSmellyAir (Post 22761424)
I don't think I know my LBS or anyone working there well enough to just bust open a 6 or 12 pack without getting someone in trouble.

That’s why a pizza is safe, half vegetarian and half pepperoni. Or if you bring beer, just say it’s for quitting time.

Lombard 01-07-23 07:02 PM


Originally Posted by retswerb (Post 22761415)
If the person you're dealing with is the owner, then sure - a purchase is probably most meaningful/valuable. But if the person making the difference to you is an hourly employee, beer or pizza means a lot more than just another purchase.

Exactly this.

Caliwild 01-09-23 12:25 PM


Originally Posted by Lombard (Post 22761461)
Exactly this.

Or, I just take some bottled cold brew coffee...

phrantic09 01-09-23 02:21 PM


Originally Posted by SoSmellyAir (Post 22760995)
My favorite LBS became a Trek store but they still work on my non-Trek bikes. I don't get the vibe that beer would be welcome, so maybe I should just bring donuts next time I need something fixed.

My favorite LBS is also Trek factory. They’ve always been great, have bailed me out a number of times and have not changed a bit since being purchased other than selling only one brand of bike.

They’re also always at the local brewery…


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