rsbob 

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 

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

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

bampilot06

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

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

rumrunn6

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

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

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

rsbob 

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

Inusuit

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

I do that from time to time.

veganbikes

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

Camilo

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

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.

wheelreason

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

SoSmellyAir

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

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:

retswerb

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 

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

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 

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

Exactly this.

Caliwild

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

phrantic09

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…