Trouble deciding on a LBS to take my bike
04-04-23, 06:53 AM
#27
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EDIT: I don't see my edit reflecting, but this is far SE Chicago/NW Indiana border if anyone has local recommendations.
I want to take my bike in to a LBS (today would be great) to ask some questions about issues I'm having, but I can't decide where to go.
First of all, there are no shops that are actually local to me. I've looked for "local" suggestions on social media, and most are over an hour away (not convenient). There are a handful that are relatively closer, but I can't settle on one. I read their online reviews and zero in on the most critical ones. 😕
I have anxiety so decision-making in general is a very overwhelming and stressful thing for me. I'm literally in tears right now because of this. 😢
I want to take my bike in to a LBS (today would be great) to ask some questions about issues I'm having, but I can't decide where to go.
First of all, there are no shops that are actually local to me. I've looked for "local" suggestions on social media, and most are over an hour away (not convenient). There are a handful that are relatively closer, but I can't settle on one. I read their online reviews and zero in on the most critical ones. 😕
I have anxiety so decision-making in general is a very overwhelming and stressful thing for me. I'm literally in tears right now because of this. 😢
I wouldn't fret too much about your decision unless one shop stands out as having many negative reviews. One thing to note is that the better shops have more customers and therefore will have longer wait times for repairs. So don't disqualify a shop just because you will have to wait a week or two to get your bike repaired. Just the opposite. Unless it's a very simple problem, you will have to leave your bike. Just like with contractors, if the shop says they can do your major repairs today, run the other way!
04-04-23, 06:54 AM
#28
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I have 2 that I use depending on what I need done. local is better if possible, but sometimes traveling a little for a certain kind of service, makes sense to me
good luck! don't be nervous, bike shops are mostly very friendly places. sometimes can be very busy, especially in the spring. but it's early yet
good luck! don't be nervous, bike shops are mostly very friendly places. sometimes can be very busy, especially in the spring. but it's early yet
04-04-23, 07:09 AM
#29
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...I have no local suggestions, because I have never lived there. But given your description of the circumstances, it might be wise to just pick one of the close ones, show up with the bike, and ask your questions. If you are uncomfortable with the replies, apparently there are few alternatives. Generally speaking, local bike shops are not run by people hoping to get rich, so there's an excellent chance you might wander into one that is helpful.
If it is a bicycle you bought cheaply, at Walmart or Target, it's less likely most local bike shops will choose to work on something like that for you. It's nothing personal, but a decision dictated by economics and liability insurance.
Good luck with the issues. It's not worthwhile getting upset over a bicycle that is temporarily not working well.
If it is a bicycle you bought cheaply, at Walmart or Target, it's less likely most local bike shops will choose to work on something like that for you. It's nothing personal, but a decision dictated by economics and liability insurance.
Good luck with the issues. It's not worthwhile getting upset over a bicycle that is temporarily not working well.
04-04-23, 07:15 AM
#30
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I have 2 that I use depending on what I need done. local is better if possible, but sometimes traveling a little for a certain kind of service, makes sense to me
good luck! don't be nervous, bike shops are mostly very friendly places. sometimes can be very busy, especially in the spring. but it's early yet
good luck! don't be nervous, bike shops are mostly very friendly places. sometimes can be very busy, especially in the spring. but it's early yet
The owner of a small shop also builds custom ti frames. Before he closed due to the pandemic, I took the bike he built for me back to him for work even though it meant a drive. My touring/commuting bike went to a shop close to home. I could ride it there and pick it up when the work was finished and ride it home.
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04-04-23, 10:54 AM
#31
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a friend once brought me a bike that her husband bought for her, to get it ride ready. he literally bought her a new bike that she couldn't ride. took about a minute for me to turn her away, w/ my apologies. some parts looked like they were made from thick tin foil. um ... that's a NOPE
04-06-23, 12:19 PM
#32
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I find Yelp.com very helpful to find good dealers and tradespeople. There are likely to be dozens of reviews for a business and you can get a good overall idea of the level of service they provide.
