there local 

rider owned and run
qualified staff
full workshop
all major suppliers on speed dial

and [and this is a biggy] brews redally available

customer service is the main thing I like.

Given my exploits at Action Bikes in Reading a few yrs ago (some may remember them snapping my Mr Dirts and blaming me!), and recent events with a certain LBS I now use I am somewhat reluctant to continue with using an LBS.

Currently my Karpiel has been in the lBS for a little over 4 weeks - and it was only having the cranks fitted, gearing sorted and the forks sorted out . . . 

Back on-topic for a second then, looking at most replies the general feel is that a local bike shops workshop and the staff are what makes it somewhat amazing.

So with a local bikeshop do you prefer to see Cytech or similar trained staff? or are you quite happy with those people who have gained their knowledge through riding and general experiences?

Larry

my local bike shop nicks everything

dust caps, break cables etc

dont trust them at all. i order online all the time these days, quicker.

simple answer... ask for them?

it happens alot.... god knows how many tubes we replace each week, it easy to lose a dustcap or missplace them..... but brake cables? some how i would disagree.....

1. Friendly
2. Know what they are talking about.
3. If they dont know something/cant get something then they tell you instead of playing you off.
4. can get exactly what you want.
5. Workshop that I can borrow for little things if I havent got the tools myself.
6. Im good mates with the guy who manages it meaning...
7. I get a cup of tea when I go

That doesnt mean I dont buy some things of CRC, including some expensive things like forks etc. Ebay gets some business aswell. I do buy a lot of stuff from my LBS and this is gettin more and more, mainly because I want to support the shop, my mate, and my own interests.

Pip

edit:


Those tend to be the people who know little tricks/methods that no cytec corse will ever teach you. I know most, if not all the stuff that cytec teaches. Only thing is I cant prove that because I hevent done it. However theres lots of tiny little tricks/get-arounds that you only ever learn by experience, and thats something you cant get without actually doing it.

hahaha no offence taken mate!  You are totally right though, I've never gotten round to buying the correct tools or learning how to fit 3-piece cranks or correctly sort my gearing out . . .yet I am somehow managing to build a track day V8 monster?!?

I'm confused to lol!

Bit off topic but... can Dartmoor cycles get 5.10's in?