Still new to biking...yes this is a rant

[Swany05]

Also, being charged full price for an item that has been previously fitted is a little sketchy. 

[Wheelie87]

Welcome to the wonderful world of dealing with bike shops....personally unless it's very very urgent I don't bother with bike shops..buy online and do you own work...cheaper..easier and far more fun...

 

I buy online as far as possible and fit and fix everything I can..I just do not have the skills, time or tools yet to do everything I need to. Sloooowly aiming towards becoming self sufficient. It's definitely the goal 

[Wheelie87]

Stop using them

All of them..wish I could..not yet

[Wheelie87]

Finding the right LBS with the right people that run it is a mission, but worthwhile when you find a decent one.

Small piece of advice when it comes to tyres: Never buy one that "came off a new bike". Sometimes the OEM ones that come with new bikes are absolute garbage. Either a super light duty version, or a cheaper compound.

[Eddy Gordo]

There is not alot of bike shops in stellies. Wheelie, not sure which on you using but have heard that the hanger bike co are quite decent. Note i have no experience with them, just word of mouth. Also everyone will have a different experience, but poor service is poor. This is when I go somewhere else. I always vote with my wallet when it comes to retail. The competition out there is tough and retailers will only take note when they loose sales.

[Wheelie87]

And yet when you find that one shop where you are happy, and forge a relationship with said shop, then it is like finding a jewel and looking after it.

 

I don't know where you live, you're profile says Stellies/Paarl, but I found this in William's Bike shop in Somerset West. Not necessarily cheaper, but I trust Daryn that works there to the point where I do think question his suggestions anymore.

 

Ag, I'll refrain from naming and shaming (for now)..a friend actually recommended William's Bike shop yesterday..its a bit of a drive but maybe worth it

[Wheelie87]

Rid yourself of the frustration and find a new LBS, or as others have said, buy online. Yes often times the wait is the worst part but in the end you have done your own research and can make your own mind up before clicking checkout. 

I try do this as far as possible..if I could only get a LBS that offered the service I get from Rapide. From buying something cheap to buying a whole wheelset..you are treated as royalty. Such champions in customer service

[Wheelie87]

There is not alot of bike shops in stellies. Wheelie, not sure which on you using but have heard that the hanger bike co are quite decent. Note i have no experience with them, just word of mouth. Also everyone will have a different experience, but poor service is poor. This is when I go somewhere else. I always vote with my wallet when it comes to retail. The competition out there is tough and retailers will only take note when they loose sales.

Will be giving them a go..I've only had coffee there before and that was great

[Swany05]

Sheldon brown and Youtube, a plethora of knowledge available right at your finger tips. 

 

Instead of paying for work to be done, buy the tools where possible as you need then before you know it you have built up a decent toolbox. 

 

This is the approach that myself and many others have taken

[Beard]

Ive never understood bad service from a LBS... If you get *** service most rational people wont go back for more of the same which is bad for business. If you get friendly, knowledgeable  and efficient service you are going to return... and tell your friends and most likely spend a lot more than you maybe intended. In the world of online shopping and international shipping... If LBS's want to survive they need to make people want to come in and chat to them rather than ordering online. 

[cadenceblur]

Having read your post, I can perhaps guess what store you are referring to - not really important though - everybody has given you the same sound sound advice.

Find and build a relationship with a new LBS - more importantly with the mechanic that works on your bike - that's the key.

Sales wise - as you have discovered you can do your own research.

I too have limited skills but get by doing most things myself - to a point - then it's taken to my lbs to "finish off the job  " - which I gladly pay for.

[RobertWhitehead]

There's an old saying, if you want something done right.......  . 

 

Yes I agree that a LBS has the time to fix whatever the problem whilst you earn the money elsewhere to pay for their time, but, to me, I will much rather take the 7-10 watching the Youtube video and try to figure out how to do it myself than go to the LBS. 

 

I just feel that the mechanic at the shop won't mind and or be too bothered if he works on lets say the brakes and forget to fit all the bolts on the caliper and you discover that going down a hill at speed. 

 

I use the LBS if I screw up and need someone to fix my errors  . 

 

One last piece of advice - tires are seen (in my head) as a consumable and needs to be replaced every so often. Tire prices fluctuate wildly and you could get a set for R800 or R800 each. So buy when the prices are low and store in a cool dry place until you do eventually need them  . Yes cycling is very expensive but there's so many ways to make things slightly cheaper 

[popcorn_skollie]

What tyre was it?

[Geronimo]

Welcome to the wonderful world of dealing with bike shops....personally unless it's very very urgent I don't bother with bike shops..buy online and do you own work...cheaper..easier and far more fun...

 

Same here. Been doing it this way for 7 years and 99% happy moments

[Hairy]

I rarely get out to slummies, but when I do I always try to make a turn at Williams Shop of Uber Bike Bling!

And yet when you find that one shop where you are happy, and forge a relationship with said shop, then it is like finding a jewel and looking after it.

I don't know where you live, you're profile says Stellies/Paarl, but I found this in William's Bike shop in Somerset West. Not necessarily cheaper, but I trust Daryn that works there to the point where I do think question his suggestions anymore.

[Mojoman]

Ag, I'll refrain from naming and shaming (for now)..a friend actually recommended William's Bike shop yesterday..its a bit of a drive but maybe worth it

you would have heard the saying one man's meat is another man's poison...applies to bike shops...had good service at badly reviewed shops and equally bad service at shops that have been well reviewed....buy some tools...get on you tube...you will certainly make some mistakes...but so do bikes shops, at least you won't try and cover it up and offer some lame ass excuse for it...!