LBS made me laugh.

I thought I'd give my (new, I've just moved house) LBS a visit .

I needed 2 disk brake adapters, and long story short, the guy was dismissive, told me I was wrong when I asked for a certain size adapter, and was generally unhelpful. The other staff in the shop practically ignored me.

To prove I was right about the adapter size, I returned later with frame, fork and brake in hand. Carbon frame, hope wheels, formula brakes.

They were suddenly climbing over themselves to help, with 3 guys crowding round, offering advice. I was ushered to their glass cabinet, where they proudly showed me the XTR groupset that they had for sale!

When they thought I had money, they couldn't help enough - shame they weren't a little better when I was looking for the basic parts. :cry:

Made me laugh, anyhow. (And I was right about the adapter too!)

:roll:

Just goes to show - got to find the right LBS. Popped in to a couple recently (Stourport Specialist Cycles and Bache Brothers in Lye) and in both the staff, even though I wasn't spending anything, were more than happy to chat bike (and retro!) for hours. In opposition there's a another LBS (shall remain nameless) that's far more like the one you describe. Tbh, I'd keep looking. Find one that are enthusiatic regardless.

I hope after getting them to find the correct adapter you were after you then walked out of there not buying anything, that'll learn 'em!

1210tech":253ekbnx said:

I hope after getting them to find the correct adapter you were after you then walked out of there not buying anything, that'll learn 'em!

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Well said. Lost count of the amount of shops I've walked out of due to arrogant dickheads, mind you this is France, they're everywhere

I would have gone for the "Yes that is the adaptor I require, and I was right about the size wasn't I?" before shoving it up their collective arses and walking out.

Don't they know there is a recession on?

SNAKEBITER":2ai8etz1 said:

Don't they know there is a recession on?

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If the average customer walks through their doors with "carbon frames, hope wheels and formula brakes", no, they probably don't.

We would give as much attention to someone buying a woods valve or a top of the line full susser...........the customers i hated were the ones with too much money and expected you to stock everything in the world of cycling.....i find i funny now as a customer going in shops.................i remember walking in Worcester cycles and 3 staff just kept chatting as their bosses were out........then after a mooch around the shop i put my hand on the door to leave and all 3 said 'oh can we help you'....er wrong way round guys !

To be fair the mechanics are very good there as are the owners, but a few sales peep are useless.................

Never judge a customer by their looks or dress sence either.....i've had people in the past who looked like freeks, but had entered every race they could, ridden moreplaces than most and were at the start of the scene and are great people......money has got nothing to do with it in my book.

I was very surprised in Evans this morning (only visited cos it's near Gordon Farley's Moto emporium). I needed some Shimano olives/bayonets. After a good 5 minute rummage, the mechanic found some and waved away all offers of payment.
That's the way to get you through the door again.
Maybe...

I have given stuff away such as bearings and olives and whatnot, not for the return custom - i would have happily told them to never return at the same time if i was allowed.