Comments on: Shopping Online vs The Local Bike Shop

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:34:55 +0000

Purchasing from a LBS and having a relationship with them is good for everyone.

In the Portland area the bicycle business is very competitive, but the smaller shops definitely seem to live the cycling lifestyle more and tend to have better customer service along with very competitive prices.

The smell of a bike shop and the atmosphere is hard to beat.

By: Weiland

Weiland — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:12:34 +0000

Yeah I’ve been down to Lance’s shop, Mellow Johnny’s. It’s kind of a tourist spot though, there seems to be more people in buying novelty shirts and getting their picture taken in front of it than actual customers. I do like the direction he took with the commuter aspect, they offer shower(s) and a spot to lock your bike for downtown commuters. They also have a good schedule of community events and activities.

I wrote a review for Ride-Strong.com with some pictures of the shop: http://www.ride-strong.com/mellow-johnny%E2%80%99s-lance-armstrongs-bike-shop/

By: Red

Red — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:58:33 +0000

Yes some LBS can be rather snobby. I understand Lance Armstrong opened a shop in Austin. Have you been there? From what I read it wasn’t just going to be a high end shop but also promote bicycle commuting.

By: Weiland

Weiland — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:50:55 +0000

Ever since I was 8 or 9 I’ve loved to go to Bike Shops. I can spend all day in there just looking at all the stuff. Whenever I travel I make it a point to seek out 1 LBS in the new city to check it out and buy a water bottle.

Here in Austin, TX there are a few ritzy shops, they’re ok to browse, but definitely have a holier than thou attitude or pushy sales people. They are good to browse but I tend to stick to the smaller shops where they know me by name. I have 3 primary ones that I shop at regularly and will give them first dibs on any of my purchases.

By: RBK

RBK — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:02:40 +0000

Thoroughly enjoyed this post. I am now going to go visit my local LBS- “Spokes” in my area and hope they will be as nice as you have portrayed these folks because I will really need their help (and infinite patience) to find a suitable bike for me since I plan to get back in saddle after years and years…