This thread is hardly an advert for the ‘use your local bike shop’ cause.
Firstly, if you want to make a point it is important to give the correct information.
To do that it may help to read back your posts before pushing the go button.
This is clearly an issue with CA and NW.
On the flip side when complaining about treatment at a shop it is helpful to give an accurate account of the conversation. IAS, if the shop simply said ‘no’ then that is poor service. If they explained that it was not possible due to the fact that they would have to buy the bike rather than source it from the distributor or from another branch, I would find that a fair and helpful explanation.
It strikes me that bike shops need to remember that a customer is just that and that they may not have the encyclopedic knowledge of all things biking that the likes of many on here may have.
When I bought my first bike for £500 back in the 90s I was clueless and drunk, the guy in the shop was great. Well over £100000 worth of business from myself and my friends later he is still the guy I recommend to friends that are getting into biking.
As customers it is not always clear how a shop operates, helpful explanations from the staff not only explain why something cannot happen but can also highlight what a tough environment bike shops are trading in, thus encouraging the customer to value and support them.
As a final fling…. I do believe that the distributors and brands should have a fleet of demo bikes that can be booked by shops, especially independents, so that a customer is not expect to throw several thousands of pounds at an item that is very fit specific, I actually think it is an outrage not to provide this service.
Phew, time for a cuppa.
