Editor’s Note: We continue our recent series of QTs from the RBR Crew this this week’s submission from Coach John Hughes. If you depend on your LBS to keep your bike in shape and make all the major repairs, it’s time-honored advice. Here’s what John writes:
I just got back from Icebox Mountain Sports up here in Fraser, Colorado. They do all the work on my bikes in the summer and XC skis in the winter.
I went in last week and asked for stronger legs. Deb, the owner, didn’t have those but she ordered me a cassette with easier gears.
Today Justin put it on while I B.S.’d with him and Jason. When he was finished I asked what kind of beer they liked. I headed right over to the liquor store, bought a six-pack of porter and a six-pack of wheat and took the beer back to the store.
I’ve made a point of knowing everyone who works there by name. When I walk in after a day of riding or skiing, they always say, “Hey, John. What’s happening? What can we do for you?”
When I say, “I’d like my bike / skis tuned up overnight, and can I pick up them up tomorrow morning?” they always say, “Yes, of course” … and I always bring a six-pack or two.
Another option is to bring a bag of fresh bagels when you drop off your bike every time.
If you have an idea for a QT, fire away. We’re always looking for good info we can share with fellow roadies. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions you have. Contact us by clicking Quick Tips Ideas.
—John Marsh & The RBR Team
John Marsh is the former editor and publisher of RBR Newsletter and RoadBikeRider.com. A rider of "less than podium" talent, he brought our readers consistently useful, informative, entertaining info that helps make them better road cyclists. That's what we're all about here—always have been, always will be. Click to read John's full bio.
I make the same ‘LBS beer run’. Instead of the bagels alternative, since near the LBS (Motorless Motion) here in Madison, WI, we have the superlative Greenbush Donuts, well, you can guess the rest…
The other really, really, really important thing is NEVER bring in a dirty bike. There is nothing worse than trying to work on a dirt covered frame or a gunky drive train. I always clean my bike fastidiously before taking it in for any service and the guys really appreciate it and often will treat your bike the way you do.
It’s not a bad idea to just hand over a cash tip and say something like, “For the lunch fund.”
Some folks don’t/can’t drink, and some don’t wanna eat donuts. Most people like cash, it seems.