What do you look for in a bike shop?

Question

What do you look for in a bike shop?

Answer 1

I'm usually looking for babes. But I'm ALWAYS looking for babes.

Answer 2

honesty, knowledge, selection, local business. you're building a relationship. today you may be buying a bike, but tomorrow you'll be riding the weekly club ride, or repairing a busted derailleur hanger, or just hanging out over a coffee..

Answer 3

Tubes, spokes, bicycles stuff like that.

EDIT: OK just joshing... I like friendly, knowedgable staff. Honest people and fair prices. It's a plus if they are really into bikes, most usually are. I don't like being treated like I know little or nothing, since I know as much or more than most staff - that pisses me off. I visit a good shop close to me and they meet all these requirements.

Answer 4

Good question fer sure.   Here's what I've learned:

1.  Low pressure...a good shop will let you take all the time you need and not rush you to a sale.

2.  Freely given advice.  Some places wont answer your questions specifically until they are sure you are gonna buy from them.  A good shop will welcome the chance to educate you.   I visit any bike shop I am near just for the chance to talk bikes and see how the atmosphere is there.

3.  Enthusiasm.  A good biker dude or dudette will be generally interested in you, even if you are looking at the cheap bikes.

4.  I prefer the smaller shops to the larger chain shops.   The bigger stores will have more bikes and are a good resource to see all the varieties.   But when it comes to buying, I prefer to buy from the small guy who knows his stuff.  They will also usually work harder to make sure you are satisfied with your bike and accessories.

The best way to find one you like is to visit several.   Stop in a few times at each one so you get a chance to talk with several employees to find one you are comfortable with.   Ask a question or two that you know the answer to in order to see if they know their stuff.

One shop I like has only one or two good salespersons;  I found that 2 of the 'wrenches'(mechanics) were more my speed, so I seek them out when I stop there.   Developing a good relationship with one or two people is a great way to gain more from biking.   Make sure you buy all your 'little' things like tubes, chain lube, tires, etc. from the place you like; that way you show them you respect their store, and you'll get much better service when you do buy your next bike.

Ask for Ben at Milltown of you are ever in the S. Minnesota area:

Answer 5

Somewhere local (mine's not more than 1.5Km away from my house).

Friendly mechanics, who are willing to answer sometimes simple questions.

A shop which accepts used bikes for resale, with a warranty of sorts (my main ride is a slightly used Trek hybrid for my LBS & is still going strong)

Standing in the driveway, watching the wreches give the  brakes, gears etc a quick check-over - and not charging for it

Cause my LBS is a small shop, with a somewhat limited range of stock, being able to order any parts not in stock.

Getting a 5dollar discount on a front light, cause I am a "regular".

One which caters for children, once-a-week sunday bikepath riders, commuters, mountain bikers & roadies - on 2 wheels we are all equal.

And one who understands that I like quality parts with paying too much money for them - no preassure from sales people to buy stuff I can't afford.

Answer 6

A good atmosphere, good selection, a fitting area, and people that know more than humanly possible but are still willing to patiently answer even the simplest questions.  In short, a place that actually LOVES bicycling.

Answer 7

I like a shop where they treat all people the same regardless of thier attire or bike quality.

I also like a shop that lets you go to the techshop to talk to the staff.

Answer 8

No elitism, knowledgeable staff, loads of components available and plenty of purrrty bikes to look at (and never be able to afford)