Originally Posted by BFisher

It can take a lot of insecurity to feel the need to bash another person's material possessions unsolicited. Just keep that in mind.

As far as bike shops, if one is at a place where they can turn away customers like that, then they must be doing something right business-wise.

The truth is, the LBS is just another option - sometimes a good one, sometimes a poor one. Most people with a decent understanding of how bikes work, and some basic tools, can enjoy years of wrenching and riding without ever setting foot in a bike shop. For technical advice beyond one's own knowledge, just read Sheldon Brown's website, and use the Googles.

Just ride on.

BTW, got any pics of the bike?