Screw the local LBS. I'm going corporate.

[MikeFairbanks]

I tried and tried to support the LBS in my town, but the snobbery and dumbassedness of those guys just put me over the edge. I'm glad I bought Treks instead of from those guys because they have a total Lycra mentality.

The other day topped it off. I go in and buy a hundred bucks worth of gear (tires, tubes, a bunch of other crap) and the main thing I went to get was a 26 inch wheel with coaster brake. I was going to build a simple single speed cruiser out of a nice chromoly frame and parts from many different bikes.

Of course, I get there and they ignore me for fifteen minutes (whereas the guys at the Trek Store in our town are attentive, nice to the recreational bikers, and have a selection of over a hundred bikes vs the pitiful supply at the other one).

So I mention the wheel and the dude hands me the wrong freaking size. And it's got the wrong label. Arg.

But I figured it out AFTER I scuffed, primed and painted the damn thing. FARK!

Screw those guys and their crappy, old shop. I'm sick of that inept crap. Recreational bikers are bikers too. I feel sorry for the new owner.

Sorry for the rant. And back to the farking drawing board. Again.

What am I supposed to do with this stupid 28 inch wheel (or whatever size
It is)?

Damn!

[REdiculous]

It could've been a more expensive part - at least there's that. If the hub is right I'd probably cut the rim off real quick and get it laced as a 26"...not a total loss that way.

[Hillhater]

Take it back, and talk to the owner.
Explain (nicely) the situation and your experience and why you will be taking your business elseware.
He may not care , but without any feedback , he will never change.
..and you will feel better.

[MikeFairbanks]

Well, I have so many extra parts I'm just going to put a wheel on the back, the hub motor on front and add some hand brakes. Screw it. I've been screwing around too much. Winter is over and it's time to ride to work again. I'll have it up and riding Monday. At least I have a killer frame now, dropped all the derailers and can just ride.

I'll find a use for the wheel. I guess I'll have to build another bike after this one is finished.

[dogman]

Definitley a bummer, but not thier fault you started modifying if before you even looked close at what you had.

Of course, I've done shit even more absent minded myself plenty. Constantly coming home with diet versions on foods when I hate artificial sugar taste. Would help if I merely read the lable.

I share your frustration with the LBS. Thank god my town has one that is cool. They think I'm funny, but don't make me wait for not wearing lycra.

Do go talk to the owner or manager of the lbs. They need to know their employees are stupid. Perhaps they even care.

[Ykick]

If you think that's bad, try NYC bike shops! 'haven't found one yet that is worth the print on their business cards. Assholes, every single one I've tried to give money to over the years! Even NYCE Wheels (electric bike store) have been very rude to me and other customers. NY thing, I guess?

I'm actually very grateful - I now get all my bike shit mail ordering (new) or Craigs list (used) and I've taught myself wheel building/truing and all repairs/maintenance. So now I just smile and flip 'em the bird riding past POS LBS littering the streets!

[Solcar]

If you think that's bad, try NYC bike shops! 'haven't found one yet that is worth the print on their business cards. Assholes, every single one I've tried to give money to over the years! Even NYCE Wheels (electric bike store) have been very rude to me and other customers. NY thing, I guess?

I'm actually very grateful - I now get all my bike shit mail ordering (new) or Craigs list (used) and I've taught myself wheel building/truing and all repairs/maintenance. So now I just smile and flip 'em the bird riding past POS LBS littering the streets!

Dang, is New York still like that! We went on a trip there 40 years ago, and I left with the feeling of crime victimhood by theft.

[Solcar]

I just discovered my LBS, and I hope it turns out better than that. It looks like it should because when I was there, one older lady picked up her just-serviced bike while another dropped one off.

[Ykick]

If you think that's bad, try NYC bike shops! 'haven't found one yet that is worth the print on their business cards. Assholes, every single one I've tried to give money to over the years! Even NYCE Wheels (electric bike store) have been very rude to me and other customers. NY thing, I guess?

I'm actually very grateful - I now get all my bike shit mail ordering (new) or Craigs list (used) and I've taught myself wheel building/truing and all repairs/maintenance. So now I just smile and flip 'em the bird riding past POS LBS littering the streets!

Dang, is New York still like that! We went on a trip there 40 years ago, and I left with the feeling of crime victimhood by theft.

Try working here where you experience the privilege paying a little under 4% CITY income tax in addition to one of the highest state income taxes while being considered an outlaw for riding an eBike! You know, now that I think about it, no wonder people here behave the way they do?

Sorry, I'm in pissy mood - half asleep, I connected my iCharger to 60V supply this morning...

[pdf]

I try to use my LBS (there are several, some better than others) for some items, just to help the locals. But frankly, you really need to provide something you can't get on Amazon or Ebay these days to stay in business. If they aren't providing excellent service, there is no point. You can get just about anything cheaper even with shipping delivered straight to your door these days. I am lucky to have two decent LBS within a mile or two of me. I wish them well and they seem to do good business. I am not really in their sales demographic but I do try to buy local even if it costs me a few extra $$. However, I have to admit, as time goes on I do this less and less. The last time I bought tubes, I ordered them.

[Solcar]

... Sorry, I'm in pissy mood - half asleep, I connected my iCharger to 60V supply this morning...

Oh crap, 60V!

[Ykick]

... Sorry, I'm in pissy mood - half asleep, I connected my iCharger to 60V supply this morning...

Oh crap, 60V!

And it wasn't even anything spectacular like the last time I connected 6S (22V) RC Lipo to the input of another 106B+. That made smoke and blew 'couple FETs into several pieces. This time with 60V simply started to boot, beeped and went dark. It's only money, right?

Sorry 'bout going OT Mike!

[MikeFairbanks]

Well, I went back this morning, got a refund on the tire and tube, but they had nothing that fit the rim. So I went up to trek (where they know me by name and treat me as if I'm buying the expensive stuff) and they set me straight.

Now my little dream of a single speed, chromoly e-bike with only a coaster brake is closer than ever.

The only thing on the handlebars are two grips, and eventually a thumb throttle.

Super stoked, and looking forward to lithium in a couple months.

This bike is going to be lean, mean, light and tight.

I may be impulsive, but I get the projects done fast.