Long Live Local Bikes Shops

[note: this probably only applies if you live in the SF/Bay Area.]

Ok, I've been to quite a few LBSs (Local Bike Shops) in my time, and have come away with varying degrees of customer service. Most of them have been good, some have been awful, but none of them (until now) has been amazing.

After talking about buying a new bike for the better part of 6 months (if you've ridden with me, you've probably heard about it), I finally got around to it yesterday. Based on ROMP.org member recommendations, I paid a visit to Trailhead Cyclery (http://www.trailheadonline.com/). From start to finish, I think Lars spent the better part of 2.5 hours with me and made sure the everything was EXACTLY right:

1. Setting up the pressure in the front/rear suspension. Checking it at least 3 times.
2. Measuring positions on my toe joints to ensure the cleats were attached to the shoes in the exact right position.
3. Using a plumb-line to verify that the seat setup put my knees directly above the pedals in the 3/6 o'clock positions.
4. Adjusting helmet straps so that they wouldn't interfere with my glasses.
5. Telling me everything I could have ever wanted to know about the bike.
6. And most of all: Listening to what kind of a rider I am, what my concerns were, and fitting the bike to those needs.

I felt obligated to say something about it after having such a teriffic purchase experience. And no, this feedback was in no way solicited nor am I being compensated for it.

Time for the inaugural ride!