The LBS near me, where I just got my new bike (yeah internet coulda got me cheaper probably, but I wanted it right now.) I really like. With the new bike, I get lifetime tuneups free, which will be nice if I run into a problem mid week, drop it off and pick up next day after work.

Also, it has one of the biggest BMX sections in the whole area, and I've never been in there where they've been D's to anyone. Half the time I walk in there all confident in what I'm going to ask for and end up just word vomiting until they figure out what it was that I had in mind, and they're always glad to help :]

I also think having a relationship with more bike friendly, bike savvy and knowledgeable people is always a good thing. Even if I do have to pay to start the relationship :/

Dude, my LBS lets me use his rack and whatever tools I can find, whenever I want. It's really awesome...I've bought a nice wheelset from him and had him do some odd jobs, but I really haven't given that much business. Am I lucky or is this commonplace?

If only they were always experts... Just cause they work at a shop doesnt me they are experts...

I'd have to say you got lucky. As far as seattle goes, I've only been to one shop with amazing service. Its a triathalon shop, walls lined with zipps and high end tri bikes. I walk in and the mechanic drops the cervelo he was working on the cut a handful of spokes for a few bucks. Speedy Reedy is the name, for you locals. Seriously the coolest guys ever.

My LBS gave me an old gigantic Nishiki frame for free. In the end it was a smart move, since I got many of the parts from them, but it was still great of them. They've been very nice to a FG noobie like me and I'll be bringing my roadster to them in the future, too. (I just got hosed for $115 Can. for a &^%$ tune-up at a diff. shop).

My original LBS just around the corner burnt down, literally, two years ago, unfortunately.

Our prices for parts are ridiculous compared to the US.

my local has "Fat Tire Fridays". free new belgium fat tire for everybody who walks through the door.

true, but these guys are good :)

The same thing happened to me. I had just been dealing with my LBS for about 1 -2 months. I walked in one day and was talking to the owner about how a friend of mine wanted to build a SS from all his extra parts, but didn't have a frame. The owner asks me how tall my friend was and the next thing I know the owner walks to the back of the shop and returns with a marin hardtail frame and gives it to me!! That totally blew me away! Especially considering the frame was for a friend who didn't spend a dime at his shop.

x2