GOOD Bike shop experiences!

[LukeTheJoker]

Ok, I know most of us find local bike shops to be unhelpful to the customizer/ratrodder and this has been discussed in detail even to the point where threads are locked, but what about good LBS experiences? Share them here and remember to keep it positive!


I went into my favourite of the local bike shops today, they have the biggest range of parts and tools, the best prices and are more than willing to help or bounce ideas off.

Unfortunately they had no 20 tooth freewheels in stock for my latest build, but they have one on its way for me, I mentioned what it was for and they asked to see a picture, showed them a pic on my phone and they want me to bring it in when it is done so they can get some pics and go for a ride, then I mentioned my Swingbike, and now I have to take it in too!

Also picked up some bar tape ($15) and a Shimano type BBB freewheel/BB remover ($20) and they only charged me $25 total! The freewheel will only be $15, so you can see why I keep going back to that shop!

(Co-incidentally it is owned and run by a former BMX and road-bike world champion, someone who is passionate about all bikes and I think that is what makes the difference.)

Luke.

 

[Bicycle808]

My local, where I used to work p/t, is a pretty good spot, even for vintage/rat ppl. They've helped ppl do restomods on 50s Schwinns, have been known to sell the occasional ratty old American cruiser, and the owner has built up a few old American frames in a custom/fun kind of way.

I like that they're aware of a knowledge gap with the older cruiserish/ US-spec bikes (it's a newish shop, with youngish staff), so the owner'll ask me for ideas to help out customers who need something offbeat for their old ride. I'm more than happy to help...

Still, not my favorite place to buy spokes from; even though he's not entirely crazed on the price of stainless Wheelsmiths, he only offers spokes in whole box increments, which means I have to buy 100 even if I only need 72 and 50 if I only need 36. I like having a few extra spokes in a given size, just in case, but 28 is too many "extras", imo.

 

[todhunter]

My limited experiences with Best Bicycle in Chattanooga has been positive. Joe has dug out some parts that I needed last-minute and even cut me a deal on some tools since I was buying a bunch of stuff. However I could see your typical road bike rider having a meltdown going in that store...it's not all swanky and I didn't see any high-end stuff. Having said that, it's my kind of place...buckets of parts here and there and parts strewn all over the counters.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

Berlin Bike in Berlin, CT are nice people and never judge what I'm working on. If I need the part, they're more than willing to rummage through boxes of used parts, look in the attic storage for it, or look for it on the web for me. They like to hear about the NERRBs getting together and restaurant-hopping.

 

[DJ Bill]

Good shops are out there, seems to be a bunch in Iowa that do internet and walk in business that are good, I found one that had the tires for my tandem in stock, at a great price. Got a bagfull of goodies from them and they were very helpful Wish I could remember the name of the place, but it was south of Newton..

 

[Thxcuz]

We have a ton of bike shops in St. Louis. Some or more spandexy than others. When I was first starting out building the kid working at one near me said "A bike can be anything you want it to be". Good advice for sure. They are mostly Trek and Giant but they have always been cool to me with my weird requests.
My all time favorite everything is BWorks in St. Louis. Bins of used parts as far as the eye can see. good old steel bikes for sale and a army of non judgmental hipsters to help you out or loan you a tool if you want to take care of something yourself quickly while you are there. http://www.bworks.org/

 

[user 135]

Boise has more must have more bike shops per capita than anywhere else and each bike segment has a shop that fits. The different shops that exist are: Touring, Triathalon, Roadie/MTB , Cruiser, All Purpose, Cruiser, BMX, Use etc......

My goto shop in the Boise Bicycle Project, the local cooperative. I have purchased 5 or so used bikes from them and a multitude of new and used parts. They are trying to not compete on all levels of other LBS in town but do offer new for tires, cables, grips, racks etic.... I go to other shops when I need a BB or Headset.

 

[decotriumph]

I'm fortunate in that my local shop (Smoopy's in Murfreesboro) is owned by a member here on RRB. I highly recommend that shop. They're always helpful and either have or can get whatever you need. They ship, too, so if your LBSs aren't helpful or turn up their noses at modified bikes, give Smoopy's a PM or call.

Also, some other nearby shops - Woody's in Sewanee, TN (Trek dealer), MOAB in Murfreesboro, TN (Trek & Specialized dealer), & Trek Store in Chattanooga - all have employees or managers who are into vintage bikes to some extent, so they've been receptive, too, when I tell them about my vintage bikes. Woody has a few TOC bikes mounted on the wall.

 

[yoothgeye]

Didn't there use to be a sticky thread dedicated to RatRod friendly bike shops?

 

[mikeeebikey]

I have had some really good experiences, best old parts shop was "Billy's bikes," in Augusta Mi.
I worked at a swanky road geek shop, was the sweep and rebuild coaster brake kid. No matter what clutch or brake shoe, he had them....
Also alot of bikes!

 

[Bicycle808]

Didn't there use to be a sticky thread dedicated to RatRod friendly bike shops?

Yep; it's stuck up top of the F/S forum. Still, this site is suffering from having a bunch of members but not enough threads, so I (for one) encourage some cross-posting, just to keep it bubblin'.

While I'm typing, I gotta say that the best truly crusty shop in my neck of the woods is VIA in Phila, PA. The place is owned by a madman, it's chock-full of ancient bikes and parts, and they fixed my cycletruck's steerer tube for a cool twin, when most shops probably would've been appalled at a 20" fork with a 16" steerer...

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Didn't there use to be a sticky thread dedicated to RatRod friendly bike shops?

Sorry Yooth, I know of that thread and was not trying to double up, just wanted people to know that there are some good bike shops out there after all the negative talk lately, seems like quite a few of us have found good bike shops and those are the ones that will get our business, the rest will miss out...

Luke.

 

[Shanker]

I had another good experience today @ http://www.bigshellbikes.com/

left empty handed, but got some more stuff ordered

I've got 3 LBS's within 40 miles....only one worth going to.

 

[yoothgeye]

Sorry Yooth, I know of that thread and was not trying to double up, just wanted people to know that there are some good bike shops out there after all the negative talk lately, seems like quite a few of us have found good bike shops and those are the ones that will get our business, the rest will miss out...

Luke.

No problem Luke, I guess I just get upset about people bragging about their local bike shops since I don't have that ability.

 

[yoothgeye]

I thought you WERE the local bike shop...

True, but I can't seem to get anything from myself for less than retail and my inventory of cool old stuff sucks.

 

[CCR]

My bike shop is good to me Even before I frequented there. First pair of new bikes I bought off him he loaned me his truck (brand new <3,000 miles on it) to get them home the next town over. Been letting me raid his back rooms and parts garages ever since. I dont think I've ever paid full price on anything since.

 

[Bicycle808]

True, but I can't seem to get anything from myself for less than retail and my inventory of cool old stuff sucks.

Sounds like a terrible shop.

 

[slowriderz]

Every time i have stopped into Ichi bikes in Des Moines it has been amazing. Dan and staff are very cool people that are into making and riding cool creations. Dan has even encouraged me to jump on some of his crazy electric builds and bomb around the streets for a while. Ichi is always a MUST stop shop when I am in the area.

 

[yoothgeye]

Sounds like a terrible shop.

Trust me, you wouldn't shop there.

 

[clamdigger]

Positive bike shop to share; Second Life Bikes , Asbury Park,NJ The video " Learn More" on their web site (lower right) tells the story best. secondlifebikes.org