My LBS is better than your LBS

[Gooby]

Long time and loyal customer to my LBS.

Here is how they help me out - if I buy a component from them, they will fit and set up that component for me. I have never had a debate or a question asked over any component fault - simple apology and replacement. Because I am loyal, I get 10% discount - always. Not bad, but I bet many LBS do that...

I snapped the axel on my Pro2. I am awaiting the components to upgrade the internals to pro2 evo and I have ordered the parts through the shop. These have taken some time so I have been given a demo orange 5 pro to use while I await delivery and install of the parts on my bike. This is an expensive sales tool for the shop and no doubt will cost them sales but this is the kind of service that seems to come easily for these guys.
So if you are looking for a decent bike or bits (they dont sell crap) go take a look.

http://www.ridebike.co.uk/

Let us know if your LBS is really good to you!

[CanadianScot]

Yeah yours sounds better. Mine is st.

Unbelievably over priced with little product knowledge. The only time he gets my money is for something like inner tubes/grips etc. Thankfully there's a couple good ones about 20 miles away.

[itsnotarace]

Mine would have to discount about 50% before they got any trade from me. Would rather spend an hour driving into Oxford to at least get a better selection, if not lower prices.

As it is, I will order 99% of stuff via the internet

[R.P.M]

I understand the importance of a good local bike shop, but I rarely use them.
When your life depends on it I would rather do all the spannering myself and the age old 'your a loyal customer so have a special 10% discount' is a pi$$ take.

I purchase all my bits and bobs on-line, and any big parts I purchase from a shop some 450 miles away who give me a much more reasonable discount.

Having said all that a top class local wheel builder is worth their weight in gold. Yet to find one though

[budgie smuggler]

My LBS is Chelmer Cycles. They are spot on.

The 'discounts for regulars' seems a bit counter-productive to me. Surely they want to be attracting new customers?

To be honest I'd gone over to mainly using Merlin, CRC etc (as I can do all my own maintenance these days) but I needed some bits urgently and headed into town fully expecting to get fleeced. To my surprise they gave me a decent deal on the bits, and some good advice so I tend to get everything I can from them now.

ETA: You won't find a better wheel builder either. Got some old D521s which were (ab)used for dirt jumping/trials duty for about 10 years, still going strong

Edited by budgie smuggler on Monday 18th July 16:19

[CanadianScot]

R.P.M said:

I understand the importance of a good local bike shop, but I rarely use them.
When your life depends on it I would rather do all the spannering myself and the age old 'your a loyal customer so have a special 10% discount' is a pi$$ take.

I purchase all my bits and bobs on-line, and any big parts I purchase from a shop some 450 miles away who give me a much more reasonable discount.

Having said all that a top class local wheel builder is worth their weight in gold. Yet to find one though

You can take a course in wheel building at one of the Bike Shops near to me. Very helpful, although I'm still not great, yet. I'd recommend it anyway.