How's your LBS ?

[Zog]

There tends to be a lot of bashing of Local Bike Shops on bike forums. Let's spread the word about the good ones.
There are alot of shops that support NEMBA. Look at the back of Single Tracks.


Who do you like?
Where are they located?
What makes them good?

[johnnyt]

Kudos must go to the East Burke Bike Shop in Vermont. These guys are not only the stewards of the Kingdom Trails, they welcome riders to their shop with no expectations, give tons of trail info, they have a washing station out back for free use after riding, and they know bikes.

I was set to spring for a new king headset and the owner of the shop told me I didn't need it and gave me a tip on keeping the one I have tight.

Criteria of any good lbs is that they are not used car salesmen! The guys at East Burke ROCK!!!

[Shubnigurath]

VICTORY CYCLES in Hope Valley R.I. rocks!! Regardless of wether you spend $150 or $5000, Randy (owner/sales guy) bends over backwards to ensure that your happy with your bike and keeps it running. I havnt bought a bike there (he sells Fuji/Harro mostly), but hes my bike's doc, and is able fix anything. My friend bought an entry level bike ($250) there, and has since trashed it many times...and it runs as good as day one, at virtually no cost. This guy eats, breaths, and (ouch!! :o..well, you get it) bikes....no kidding. Check em out.

[NEMBA_bkr-dude]

On Martha's Vineyard, MA there is a small bike shop run by two people. It is called Craig's Cycles I think. Anyway everytime I brought my bike there, they fixed it on the spot and fine tuned it to what I want at no extra cost. Also, there service is inexpensive. In Newton, MA there is a dedicated small bike shop called Harris Cyclery. I have purchased 2 bikes from there and when one of my bikes went horribly wrong for no apparent reason they managed to get a hold of and get me the next year's model before it was officially in stock at any store. They are also very good with warranties and because of that you can save some cash. For parts I suggest using www.pricepoint.com because the prices are incredible. I got a pair of $100 pedals for $60 and $80 shoes for $50.

[MtnBikerChk]

Pedal Power.

Middletown, CT.

They rock.

what makes em good? the fact that I can walk in there, talk to one of the owners, and they will take the time to explain stuff to me. they don't treat me like a "stupid woman" who doesn't understand techno speak.

in fact, I own all the bike tools, not my husband.

[Thedewser]

Got two more to add to the CT Bike Shop list, North Haven Bike and Newington Bike! The staff at both are very helpful and don't try to sell you something you don't need. Pedal Power is one of my personal favorites, was just there tonight. They get your ride in and out nice a quick so you can have it for your weekend ride!!

Dewser

www.pedalpowerct.com (http://www.pedalpowerct.com)
www.northhavenbike.com (http://www.northhavenbike.com)
www.newingtonbike.com (http://www.newingtonbike.com)

[MtnBikerChk]

Got two more to add to the CT Bike Shop list, North Haven Bike and Newington Bike! The staff at both are very helpful and don't try to sell you something you don't need. Pedal Power is one of my personal favorites, was just there tonight. They get your ride in and out nice a quick so you can have it for your weekend ride!!

Dewser

www.pedalpowerct.com (http://www.pedalpowerct.com)
www.northhavenbike.com (http://www.northhavenbike.com)
www.newingtonbike.com (http://www.newingtonbike.com)



I was there (PP) picking up my new road bike. I probably saw ya :)

btw, Newington Bike - eh, not so much :(

[turch]

A blatant plug for CT NEMBA Sponsor shops:

http://www.ctnemba.org/links.html

[johnnyt]

I originally posted this in another topic, but it fits here too:

I know a shop for wheel building!

Pig Iron in Glastonbury, CT. I had a set built there some time ago (all there parts) and since I am in the market to have a new one built (with all my parts sans spokes) I figured I'd give them a shot. So I went there last night and asked them point blank, "What is your take on building a wheel for me with my rim, hub and nipples (ouch!) and your spokes?" They said great bring it in.

They would charge about $30 for the build based on lacing pattern plus whatever the spokes cost (about $1 - $1.50 each). They built wheels for a guy who was on the podium for downhill at the Mt Snow Norba races. I have to say also that the set they built for me a few years ago are awesome.

[sizlinseagulsoup]

http://www.northamptonbicycle.com/ (Northampton Mass)

Their service is great and generally fast. Fairly priced too!

[snemba-BR]

I know CT isn't the only place with good bike shops. Right here in NH there is at least one I will continue to go back to. Wheel Power in Exeter. These guys continue to provide top notch service well after the sale.

Keep up the great work guys and thanks for supporting NEMBA by being a sponsor!