[Skidmark]

This past weekend my wife was shopping for her first road bike. We have four LBS within the same driving distance. Closest one was a Trek store. As we entered a woman greeted us asking if she could assist. As my wife started to explain that she had never been on a road bike but wanted one for group riding, touring, and hopefully some half and full century rides. She also was attempting to say that comfort was as important as speed as this was not intended to be "race" bike but wanted more speed than her comfort hybrid. The sales lady basicly blocked our approach to the road bikes instead, insisted my wife look at another hybrid with thinner tires and upright riding position. Being polite my wife rode it one lap around the lot, then stated franky that it was just like her bike with thin tires, and that she wanted to look at a Madone. With a bit of "superior attatude" it was explained in detail how dangerous a road bike was for beginners without experience. Group rides were dangerous and took a lot of concentration, and finally the road bikes were for serious riders and needed pedals to ride! She then recluctantly pulled out a entry level road bike, saying the Madone was a "next level" bike. We thanked her for her time and left the store. Headed to the Specialized store where were greeted with enthusam and offers to ride anything in the store. She did! Unfortiounatly they did not have the womans specific all CF bike that my wife liked a LOT in her size. They were happy to order it though even if just to try. Instead there is another Trek store 12 miles further, SAME owner as first store so you can imagine my expectation. A young (they are all looking younger these days) greeted us. Instantly a different feeling as he anounced that she should ride several road bikes to sort a few out, then if she had time get on this trainer thing and get one fitted right. NO purchase needed or even comitment. They drug down a Tri bike from the celing (hated it), three Madones in different sizes, changed stems, adjusted, and tweaked for two hours! Rode those things on a half dozen three mile test rides and the trainer. In the end they did not have the correct size Madone she liked, but quickly offered to GO to the OTHER store and get it, set it up, and invited my wife back to ride tonight with the fitter guy. Still no request for cash or deposit, nothing! Nothing but encouragment from these guys, offers for beginner group rides, etc. My wife gave them a 50% deposit on the way out. Who you hire to represent you makes all the difference! The week before I had shopped at the Specialized store and drove them nuts calling back changing my mind three times on bikes they just kept saying no problem thanks the business. LBS, like many business are only as good as who works there!

[whyeyebike]

What a great story!!! Thanks for sharing. My LBS, Bike Barn Racing in Whitman, MA was really good to me and sold me on my first road bike, almost before I had even tested one out. Its all about the service. It can be overwhelming when you realize you are about to spend a couple grand on a bicycle. You want to make sure you get the one thats right for you. Congrats to your wife on her new purchase. I think she will have many years of enjoyment on her new road bike.

[Industry_Hack]

I've yet to have a pleasant experience in a Trek store. Locally, we have one shop that regularly provides me with two standard answers - "We don't carry that", and "I don't know". The other local shop has been able to meet my odd requests, takes time to shoot the breeze, and if they don't have something, will either order it and have it in a few days, or suggest I try the shop down the street, even though they're competitors.

Having worked in a shop myself, plus run my own web business, I may have different expectations. But I cannot understand why the first shop doesn't even want to try and make a sale. The second shop is less concerned about making a sale than about getting my bike back together.

[funetical]

You would think with such a cool job, with I'm sure a commission on the line, they would be the nicest people in the world. I've never been steered away from an expensive car but I have been turned away from an expensive bike, and shown the less expensive one. I think I smell poor or, stupid or something. Whatever it is I am dedicated to finding good bikes online without dealing with the LBS. After that experience I went to another LBS and was ignored for twenty minutes while this kid behind the counter talked about energy drinks with a man in tight pants. I gave up all hope.

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by funetical

I think I smell poor or, stupid or something.

So much to work with here, but I'll just let it go.

I walked into the Harley dealer with $14k in cash in my pocket, (yes, it's bad for your back) and couldn't get anyone to take my money.

[baj32161]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

So much to work with here, but I'll just let it go.

I walked into the Harley dealer with $14k in cash in my pocket

can I be your best friend

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by baj32161

can I be your best friend

It's all gone. Every penny. I'm selling off toys to pay for the wedding and more work on our house.

[Skidmark]

Two LBS told us there was no commision for selling a bike.

[Industry_Hack]

The one I worked at didn't offer commission either. Just $18/hr.

[waldowales]

I took my granddaughter and her friend to my favorite bike shop a couple of weeks ago. We told them we weren't sure what kind of bikes they wanted, they wanted to try a few. After nearly three hours, we left with two entry level bikes, one road and one hybrid. They went the extra mile fitting them, trading saddles, installing tire liners and bottle cages, etc. The girls are tickled pink with their bikes, and stacking on the miles.
These kids will be buying better, more expensive bikes before long. Guess where they will go first for the next bikes?