(shudder)
Ugh I hate this.
Why?
Presuming you actually like the small guys that own LBS’s, wouldn’t it be better to have the large corporations suffer the losses associated with operating a shop rather than them?
It’s a point, but before that I have to watch those indie shops all go out of business.
Plus, eliminating any choice in products, reducing my chances of even seeing/testing small brand stuff… It goes on.
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The point was a facetious one. The folks that are still around are doing it out of passion. While they may objectively be better off if they go out of business, getting there would entail a lot of suffering.
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I blame the customers.
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Probs a little of column A and a little of column B.
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“I was just working on your bike but I had to stop to answer the phone”
“yea, we’ll call you when it’s ready”
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List some cool shops I can leave a good Google review for.
Not sure if you’re serious but:
Revolution Cycles, Madison WI.
Earl’s Bike Shop, Atlanta GA.
Broken Spoke, Iowa City IA.
Definitely not kidding.
i’d say wissahickon cyclery but they are now just engin cycles and don’t really do service anymore.
definitely germantown bicycle supply
keystone bicycle co
I stand by my recs then. Solid shops. Solid peeps.
BikeSport in Trappe, PA has been good to me for two decades.
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Zach’s in KFalls OR
Paul’s Alder St. in Eugene
Rainy Peak in Cottage Grove, OR
I don’t know about y’all but ever few weeks now I’m making a point to think of any businesses I’ve patronized in the past and kick them a Google review. Because, why not.
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Walked into the bike shop in town today and told the sales guy who has been working there for at least a year I needed an 11 speed chain. He says “chains are sold by length not speed.” I don’t want to be super rude so I say, “I’m not sure how many links exactly but I have an 11 speed 10-42 cassette with a 40 tooth chain ring and the chainstays are 435mm.” He goes to get the mechanic. Mechanic comes out and says, “You need a chain?” I see the chains behind the counter so I just ask for the one that says x11 on it. The mechanic says “Bring your bike in I’m getting pretty good at putting chains on.” I bought the chain and got the fuck out.
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Sounds like they are down to some bulk rolls and not much else. Or dummies.
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They had a decent amount of Sram and KMC chains behind the counter but I’m sure they’re so used to only dealing with beach cruisers and e-bikes that they’re not used to answering other questions. Having a mechanic tell me that “he’s getting pretty good at putting on chains” does not inspire much confidence though.
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