Support your local bike shop?
Thread started by
tortuga_veloce at 09.21.09 - 5:08 pm
I tried to support my local bike shop. I often paid a little more than I had to because I was making good money and I thought it was good to support the bike community.
So after about a month of having my first fixie, i decide to spend some money on really nice cages. I go all-out and spend about $160 on all the best stuff. As fate would have it, the guy who was working on my bike cross-threaded my crank and stripped it. Fortunately, they had one that looked just like it in the back. A year passes and I start having knee pain (LCL) I see doctors, buy crutches, knee braces...all without insurance, mind you. Turns out the crank arms were two different sizes: the right was a 165, and the left (which was replaced) was a 170.
I tell this to the shop owner, and long story short, it takes my LBS THREE MONTHS to replace the cranks. The owner asked me to call and remind him in the morning, and each time he would have a different excuse. Eventually, he tells me they couldn't order the cranks that I originally had, so they would order me a different crankset that was a slight upgrade. So when I finally pick them up, they ask me to pay for installation because I was getting a better crankset! I spent upwards of $200 on medical bills--and they knew this--and yet they wanted to take just a few more dollars from me!
So fuck supporting your LBS if they have no interest in supporting you. There are some pretty shitty shops out there that get by on coolness and "community." Fuck that. I thought they would appreciate that I spent over $1000 at their shop and I was dead wrong. There are also some great bike shops that don't sponsor events but will give you great service and help you when you need it. Patronize with caution.
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Does this bike shop have a name, so we know who to avoid?
That is garbage.
JB09.21.09 - 5:14 pm
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I know there are a lot of Ridazz who go to that shop. Maybe we should out the shop so he doesn't pull that on others.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by JB
09.21.09 - 5:16 pm
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so with two different crank lengths, did you at notice that the your left side was climbing easier? Kind of thinking you might be climbing diagonally.
Build/fix your own bike, and you only have yourself to blame...
what a nice segway to the health debate on another thread...
You know why health care is shit too? Because too many people sue.
fuck everything!!!
md209.21.09 - 5:18 pm
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i had to deal with every shop asking me why i needed interchangeable brake pads instead of just using standard cartridge pads. especially the ones that lie to you about inventory to get you in their store and you go wayyy out of your way to get there, and they don't carry any. pffft..
if you goto H&S the worst you have to deal with is RBI.
_iJunes09.21.09 - 5:18 pm
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By not giving everyone the name, H&S is getting a bad rap for something they didn't do.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by _iJunes
09.21.09 - 5:18 pm
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no H&S is the shop i support.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.21.09 - 5:19 pm
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Do your research, it isn't the lawsuits that's doing it. The amount of money spent on lawsuits is chump change unless you're a fan of Fox News
mk4524 responding to a
comment by md2
09.21.09 - 5:20 pm
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i don't want to slander them online. The people that work there and most of the owners are good people.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by JB
09.21.09 - 5:21 pm
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hahahahaha...
all bike shops must go under... Rise of the Bicycle Kiiiiitchennnnn!!!
md2 responding to a
comment by _iJunes
09.21.09 - 5:22 pm
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i find myself hanging out at my LBS like a barbershop.
it means that much to me.
_iJunes09.21.09 - 5:22 pm
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I like your logic. If you can't fix or build your own bike, you shouldn't be riding otherwise, you're to blame if the bike doesn't work..
mk4524 responding to a
comment by md2
09.21.09 - 5:23 pm
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this is why i don't drive
the last time i tried building my own porsche, i failed hard.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.21.09 - 5:24 pm
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yea srsly. the black ominous gradient doesnt help.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.21.09 - 5:25 pm
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mmmm...maybe your fucked up knee is caused by the fact that you are riding fixed, not the fact that one crank arm is longer.
and I don't know how you could ride around for a year and never notice that one arm is longer than the other.
la duderina09.21.09 - 5:25 pm
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I support my LBS Echo Park Cycles.
Go there!
Graham09.21.09 - 5:26 pm
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nobody is symmetrical as i *should* ride 170 on my right and 172.5 on my left but if i tell anybody that they'd think i'm retarted and walk with a limp.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by la duderina
09.21.09 - 5:26 pm
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That's the thing! I didn't know any better since i'd hardly been riding before that. it's a combination of riding fixed and the arm length. since my right knee had a shorter distance to travel, it ended up putting more strain on the joint.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by la duderina
09.21.09 - 5:28 pm
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You know, that's pretty unfair. It sounds like you're bashing all Local Bike Shops for a mistake that ONE LBS made.
Yes, it's fucked up. And Yes, that "mechanic" fucked up, resulting in your injury. That sucks. But seriously? Blaming Local Bike Shops in general? That's kind of cheap. For every shitty mechanic and every shitty bike-shop, there are at least one good one - AT LEAST on good one, likely dozens.
Post this on YELP, or something, and state the NAME of the particular shop. So we know which shop to avoid.
the reverend dak09.21.09 - 5:28 pm
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so you should be thanking that shop for saving your left knee.
la duderina responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.21.09 - 5:29 pm
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i think the reverend just called the wahhmbulance on you
_iJunes responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:29 pm
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from Sheldon Brown:
Mixing Lengths
Riders who have one leg longer than the other sometimes attempt to compensate for this by using a shorter crank on the side with the shorter leg. I do not recommend this, however.
When one leg is significantly shorter than another, the shorter leg is also usually weaker than the longer one. Since a short crank results in a higher gain ratio, this setup would ask the the weaker leg to push harder than the stronger one.
A better way to deal with significant leg-length discrepancies is to build up the sole of the shoe, or to use longer bolts and spacer washers between the cleat and the shoe sole, or to build up the pedal by some sort of add on attachment.
Leg length discrepancy can also be somewhat accommodated by putting the cleat on the foot with the longer leg farther back toward the heel.
In some instances, deliberately setting the saddle slightly askew might also help.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by _iJunes
09.21.09 - 5:29 pm
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huh?
i like your logic too... where did you get it? I want one.
what the hell are you talking about? Because once i know what you're talking about... Ill know what Im talking about.
Everyone should learn to work on their bike... its nothing more than that... please dont get all crazy about it... bike shops rule... i get arab money... i pop champagne in the club... i got money to burn... cribs all over L.A...
shit... rappers need to impress me by talking about all the dough they spend at the bike shop... for real though
md2 responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.21.09 - 5:30 pm
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seriously. there are bad shops everywhere. its the same with everything. some stores are good, some stores are bad. wtf do you want
la duderina responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:30 pm
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god I wish people would stop fucking running to sheldon brown about every damn little thing. fuck.
la duderina responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.21.09 - 5:31 pm
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i got a proper fitting and just use two different cleats affixed at differnt position to compensate. i'm fine.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.21.09 - 5:31 pm
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less stores... more trees
md2 responding to a
comment by la duderina
09.21.09 - 5:32 pm
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I hope it's not H&S. They're one of the only bike shops in Burbank that took me seriously when I came in asking for help with one of my VINTAGE 3-speeds. I think the guys there are cool (I didn't know RBI works there now.) and helpful, unlike most shops that just sell high-end "bullshit" and charge too much for it. I have a hard time looking for good shops that will supply me with New Old Stock, as it is.
To avoid the problem with trusting an "expert" you have to do the shit yourself.
the reverend dak responding to a
comment by _iJunes
09.21.09 - 5:34 pm
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you know everyone talks shit, well not everyone, but you know what I mean, a lot of shit gets talked on threads on MR that don't have to do with bikes.
Threads that have to do with bikes on this forum SUCK. they cause me to palm my face.
la duderina09.21.09 - 5:35 pm
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IJUNES WAS SUGGESTING TO GO TO H&S --- AS IN -- THEY ARE A GREAT SHOP... he just made it look like he dissed them... its funny.
"To avoid the problem with trusting an "expert" you have to do the shit yourself."
yes!! and hopefully become a semi-expert yourself....
md2 responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:35 pm
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it wasn't my intention to slam all local bike shops, but to stress caution to those that do so without a reasonable discretion.
and it's not the mechanic that's solely to blame. if that was the case, it would be a non-issue. mechanics make mistakes. when you're an OWNER, you represent the bike shop and its reputation. the OWNER was the one that put on the wrong crank and wasted three months trying to save a few bucks.
go back and read the last paragraph of my rant. there are good bike shops out there that deserve your money. go find one you can count on and stick with them.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:36 pm
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eBay! ebay has got all the good NOS
la duderina responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:36 pm
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Sheldon Brown is (was) awesome.
www.sheldonbrown.com is a goldmine for DIY stuff.
JB09.21.09 - 5:37 pm
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also @dak...if you're looking for vintage parts, I have a lot of stuff...may be able to hook it up....
la duderina09.21.09 - 5:38 pm
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Sheldon Brown is worth running to day and night....
Sorry... but that mother fucker was interesting... he had some cool ass bikes too...
I blame him wanting all kinds of bikes too.
md2 responding to a
comment by JB
09.21.09 - 5:39 pm
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I know but he's not the end-all be-all of everything. ppl swear like it's the word of Allah if it came off sheldon brown.
la duderina responding to a
comment by JB
09.21.09 - 5:39 pm
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why you gotta hate on Sheldon "The Last Word in Bike Repairs" Brown? do you see that gold-colored plastic eagle glued to his helmet? That's what AUTHORITY looks like.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by la duderina
09.21.09 - 5:40 pm
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'word of Allah"????
I didnt know he/she gave bike advice
md2 responding to a
comment by la duderina
09.21.09 - 5:40 pm
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If you cant believe in Sheldon Brown....
whats left?
the WHO?
md2 responding to a
comment by la duderina
09.21.09 - 5:41 pm
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did you ever see his homebuilt frame that features 2 sets of handlebars? want...
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by md2
09.21.09 - 5:41 pm
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I had to re-read it to even comprehend the LAST SENTENCE of your little monologue. I'm just saying what it seemed like when I first read it. And, in general, it still pretty much puts ALL LBS under scrutiny.
Your story would sound less like whining if you were clearer with your point (which I actually understand and agree with now) but it's so buried and lost, it came off as a pointless rant.
In the infamous words of Jeff Chew, "You're doing it wrong."
the reverend dak responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.21.09 - 5:42 pm
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If i junes hung out at my LBS, I'd find a new one.
Ha ha ha! jk, man.
I'm on a first name basis with several local shops, and even one up in Whittier, where I haven't lived for 11 years, but the owner always greets me by name when I drop in.
If you have a bad experience with your local wrench, tell the owners and give them the chance to make it right (which T.V.) did.
Then move on. Plenty of shops out there that will love your business and do lots of extra stuff for you at no charge when you spend money in their shop.
That said, I wish the Kitchen were closer to me. As it is, I'm waiting for the Bicycle Tree to open soon in Santa Ana.
Creative Thing09.21.09 - 5:42 pm
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"I tried to support my local bike shop"
I dont know Dak, his first sentence seemed singular to me -- as in HIS local shop.
I didnt take it as a crit of all shops... i took my posts as saying ALL shops... but i was kidding, i love bike shops... they let me walk around and see what I want to order online.
but some shops suck....
md2 responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:47 pm
reply
Palms Cycles has barstools and couches, and they take really good care of me. price matching, special orders, free food. i really love those guys.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by Creative Thing
09.21.09 - 5:49 pm
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Dak,
by the way... check out OPEN ROAD BIKE SHOP... dude has soooooo much crazy shit there... really, really, helpful guy... hes a little crazy (seriously)... but in my mind, probably the greatest bike shop of all time
his shop is like... FUCK MARKETING and shit... what the fuck do you need? Cause I probably have it somewhere under this pile of birthday cards.
md2 responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:52 pm
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Totally, I'd be pissed. So, who was this cheap shop owner that hires shitty mechanics?
My favorite Owner/Mechanic is the guy at Open Road in Pasadena. He does all the work himself, and he has the strangest bike-shop in the world, and his prices are good. (I don't know if they exist any more.)
For new shit, I like O20 and Budget Bicycles in Eagle Rock.
For old/new old stock, Bicycleland in Glendale has some stuff, and Steve from Steve's Bikes (i think they're gone) and Metropolis (Same owner, but in NoHo) has stuff.
For really old & used shit, and special orders, I'd go with Paul's Atomic Cycles in Van Nuys (or soemthing i the Valley - home of choppercabras.).
But personally I do all the shit myself, and I order my parts online.
@la duderina, I'll contact you directly if I can't find something.
the reverend dak responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.21.09 - 5:53 pm
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Dude! I just spent a couple seconds mentioning him. I fucking LOVE that shop. And here's a bit of trivia, him and his wife OWN the largest collection of Bunny Rabbit collectibles in the WORLD. Guess who was the 10,000th guest to the Bunny Museum.
the reverend dak responding to a
comment by md2
09.21.09 - 5:55 pm
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hah... thats funny...
oh... about guessing... ummmmm: you?
md2 responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 5:58 pm
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Dak!!!!
Im going with DAK!!!!
md2 responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 6:00 pm
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lucky mother fuckers!!!!
I never get to be famous...
md2 responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 6:11 pm
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In the end... did any of ask for too much of bike shops?
Veronica Sawyer: All we want is to be treated like human beings, not to be experimented on like guinea pigs or patronized like bunny rabbits.
Veronica's Dad: I don't patronize bunny rabbits.
md2 responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
09.21.09 - 6:19 pm
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That's really weird you would not post the name of the shop when they treated you like this. There's no excuse for the owner to do this, and you're basically giving him the OK to continue.
I'm wondering, was there any numbers on both crank arms? One said 165 and one said 170?
@Creative Thing, there is a bicycle kitchen up and running in LB, but they have limited hours. I would look into going to Richard's Cyclery in your area.
Personally I just do my own work here at home.
User109.21.09 - 6:20 pm
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I'm wondering, was there any numbers on both crank arms? One said 165 and one said 170?
yes. they were the same piece of metal, but drilled in two different spots, so that when he held them next to each other they looked identical
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by User1
09.21.09 - 6:26 pm
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Yeah, Al.
Richard is one of the cats who knows me.
That dude is a font of bike knowledge.
Haven't had the chance to check out LBBK, but things for the reminder.
Creative Thing responding to a
comment by User1
09.21.09 - 7:39 pm
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You all get what you deserve !
I have noticed on this forum everyone complains about bike shops.
Yet most of you expect free service and below wholesale prices.
It is unthinkable that a bike shop should make any profit
So as it becomes harder to find experiencd skilled shops because the good
people go into other trades or other areas of the bike business, because
it becomes not worth dealing with your cheap ass communist attitudes.
Have fun shopping at Wallmart and Target for your slave labor bikes.
Dedicated81809.21.09 - 8:14 pm
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Looks like you found a good place to go and not give business to the "bad" bike shop. I think most independent bike shops want to take care of business and not fuck up but sometimes shit happens.
on a positive note, I give my business to Josef @ Flying Pigeon. I have mentioned him before and will again if threads like this pop up. He is a good guy that always is fair and is very involved in the community. Sure he is not a walmart type shop that has everything, but I try to buy from him first if I need anything.
Also Metropolis in North Hollywood is a good shop. They called me when Dahon had a recall and took care of my bike. They are always good to deal with.
Foldie09.21.09 - 8:18 pm
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I can't figure out where you're coming from. In another thread I said "
As far as bike shops, I figure if I don't try to shop at them, they'll go out of business. I get a lot of information out of them, a lot more than I get out of a shipping clerk at a mail order house."
and you said; "
Your comment on bike shops is fucked up your an idiot, do think think mail order will survive with out shops ? most of the mail order places are shops.
(I get a lot of information out of them,a lot more than out of the shipping clerk.) It's fucked up to go and waist someones time who is trying to make a living. Most shop owners scrape by.
Support your local bike shop, in the long run they will be there for you. "
Now you're saying we get what we deserve. I go to a trusted local shop because I want him to stay in business. I'm good friends with them and turn to them for advice. When I need a part, they're good at getting it for me and they call me when it gets in. I'm not waisting [
sic] (wasting?) his time, I know his profit margins are tight and that the only room he has to keep his store open is on parts and repairs. His business model calls for him to give me personal service and advice. Then there was the time I ordered some bike parts from a mail order house. By the time they slapped on their shipping and handling charges, it ended up being more expensive than if I had gone to the local shop.
For this, you call me an idiot?
I can't figure you out.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by Dedicated818
09.21.09 - 9:36 pm
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Don't take it so personal, I'm talking about the masses of people who expect
something for nothing.
and they will wind up with nothing, no bike shops, just Walmart
Bike shops are the hub of the cycling community
Dedicated818 responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.21.09 - 11:41 pm
reply
I stopped reading this thread at "If i junes hung out at my LBS, I'd find a new one."
This thread is a gem.
kryxtanicole responding to a
comment by Dedicated818
09.21.09 - 11:52 pm
reply
Lots of different shops within mere miles of each other to choose from.
If one gives you grief, step up to the next one you'll find.
bentstrider09.22.09 - 12:20 am
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Duh, you call me an idiot and then tell me not to take it so personal?
You're telling me my comment on bike shops is fucked when all I said was that I buy from them to keep them in business and then you go on to say
Bike shops are the hum of the cycling community.
You need help with your social skills and maybe a little growing up.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by Dedicated818
09.22.09 - 12:23 am
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Ok get the last word in
you just validated my point
Dedicated818 responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.22.09 - 12:29 am
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I think you got that one in reverse. I made a point that you said was fucked and then went on to validate my point. By the way, since you called me an idiot, you might try learning basic English grammar. Your use of the English language needs improvement, it's a sign of literacy.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by Dedicated818
09.22.09 - 12:39 am
reply
mk4524,
sorry to disappoint you... but the "idiot" comment was reserved for me on the mtb thread (i think), but he pressed reply to you.. i made the comment about bike shops on that thread,,,, and I think Ded818 called me an idiot (and i replied in that thread).
with that...
4 or 5 years ago... weds nights at Barragans was the hub of the cycling community... now it just sucks.
md2 responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.22.09 - 10:05 am
reply
I dont have time to read all this. H and S in Burbank is THE shop that slays all others. Tied for Best shop in the Valley with the Bike Factory. H and S has waay more stuff than the Bike Factory but they are still tied for first place. And in re: to the OP the LBS fucked up but you still sound like an idiot here.
JOKER09.22.09 - 10:10 am
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Ok SORRY! for who ever I called an idiot.
get over it
Dedicated818 responding to a
comment by md2
09.22.09 - 10:11 am
reply
i was never under it.
md2 responding to a
comment by Dedicated818
09.22.09 - 10:52 am
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-->
Ridazz Roulette!
It's not Borfo... he was 9,995 or something.
Thread officially hijacked.