Hey Bobbie, the secret is to know what you want when you step into the shop. I've been cycling quite a few years now and the first 3 or 4 years i was quite clueless as to what i wanted when i went to my lbs. So i stood uhm-ing and ah-ing and looked a bit daft i guess. (i mean...if there was something wrong with my deraileur i would say something like "...there's a thingy at the back somewhere that keeps making a noise...so do you know what it is and can you fix it please?...") And especially when you go to buy stuff - if you just say i want ...hmm, shoes for example;they can sell you any nonsense they want or on the flip-side of the coin, issue you with the most expensive stuff available and possibly you won't even be happy with what you purchased So do a bit of 'research' before going so you can do your shopping with convidence - tell them that you are going to need the shoes for road-cycling, you're not a very competetent cyclist...so not necesarily going to need top of the range products, tell them what you like and give them a price range that you will be able to spend on shoes. Ask them for advice, but it's still your decision(sp?) this is what i do and have no problems with getting exactly what i want nowadays, hope it helps Thanks Nellie I totally agree with you. I have only just upgraded to a road bike and i am still finding my "feet" so to speak. I just wish that the bike shops here would explain things a bit better. Everyone needs to crawl before they can walk. I have tried to find out about a "basic mechanics" course for road bikes, so I can then learn the right terms etc. but to this day, they keep all the info to themselves. I do read up on the different parts etc, but when there is a squeak coming from an area whilst riding, I cant really pinpoint where its coming from (due to lack of know how). The moment I start explaining about this "squeak its like the guys just "switch off" and sigh and take the bike in. no details required from me whether its on the big chain ring, small one, when it happens etc. T The last time i took it in I got some sarcastic comment about whether i was sure if I knew how to change gears?? That just putting someone down because they are a novice and not what i call service... (roars of laughter in the workshop.....) so you can understand my frustrations. anyone out there that can suggest a solution, i.e. bike manual.... thanks again though Nellie, its nice to know that there is hope for me yet....
