KevinmH9

Within the small town I live in there are three local bikes shops in my general area. Within the time that I have gotten my bike I have been to all three to get my bike serviced. In my experience of going to these bike shops I have likes and dislikes from all three. For those of you who do have multiple bike shops in your area, do you go to just one shop you are familar with or do you go to all of them and really have no prefrence? Is there anything that you base your decison on when choosing your permanent bike shop, if you have one?

Joeagain

I went to between eight and ten different shops when I was looking, and decided upon just one. Can't help you on the part about "what made me decide on that particular one," as it was obvious which was the best.

Joe

tom cotter

There is a shop less than a mile from my house that I use to buy little things like tire tubes. The big stuff, bikes, trainers, clothing, the major bucks, all that biz goes to a shop 30 miles from my house. There must be a dozen shops that are closer, but none that give better service or care more about their customers.

I have three friends who are serious cyclist. We all use different shops for the same reason. We deal with those who treat us the best. Or make us feel the most comfortable. For us, cost is a secondary factor.

I realize this doesn't answer your question. Only you can answer your question.

7stitches

The first bike was from a shop that had a staff that was rude. I've heard this from others that shop there too. My parents bought the bike there, so I had no say in the matter. The current place I shop at has a highly trained, friendly staff. They must have been pretty annoyed with all my repeated visits and questions, but never showed it once. I was in there about 30 times in a 8 month period trying to choose the best bike for me. My advice to you is go with the place that feels right for you. Not everyone has the same experience at the same store.

hi565

I have 3 shops in my relative area.

One is a small shop, doesnt carry that many bikes. Can do any fixing needed. Dont hanve many products (such as jerseys/shorts etc.) I know the owner well ive tried to apply to work there. I go there if I cant go to my other shop and I need a wheel trued or ajdusted, dont realy bring anything major to them anymore.

Next I have a shop that is bigger than the first one has a good selection or bikes and not that many products but ok. They can do anyfixing needed as with the first shop. But I dotn really care for them. The one thing that happened was there was this one salesman who Twice didnt know what the hell he was tlaking about. That turned me off.

Then my last shop. Belmont Wheel Works. Best shop around. Although it is further away, they have the best biek selection, best product selection, do the best work on my bike, and has the best customer service. The people there no the most out of my shops. It is a really big shop but they are great.

Now having a huge shop doesnt mean you are the best shop. I would say try them all and see how they interact with you and how they handle situations and is the over all best shop for you.

drumbum

Another thing to consider are wait times. Have you tested how long it generally takes them to repair things?

anthropete

I have three LBS in my town. One of them happens to be Performance and I usually go there when purchasing equipment b/c they always have the cheapest prices. When it comes to repairs and maintainance I call around to see what they charge and how long it will take.

Pete
https://www.viovio.com/anthropete

webist

Two bike shops in town. One is both owned and managed by friends whom I knew before getting on the bike. The other is newer. Most of my (substantially discounted) business goes to my friends. I do enough at the other shop that they know I am a customer though. I don't believe in burning bridges.

Fredmertz51

Service first, attitude a very close second, if you like the first two, prices won't really matter.