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!