What bike shop gets your patronage?

Gear West is about 5 miles from me, and they get all my business (Tri, Road and Mtn. Bike)... TK is awesome... even packed up my wife's bike for IronGirl Las Vegas this spring.  (for some reason, she didn't trust me???      Great service always done as scheduled if not earlier...  Many times for small adjustments (wheels etc.) a quick check while I wait and either fixed or a good estimate of what needs to be done... 

These 2 places are probably too far for you to drive to, but I've had good experiences at both:

Penn Cycle Minnetonka - installed bottom bracket and cranks on my tri bike in 15 min over a lunch hour (no waiting) and charged me 15 bucks.  Very down to earth and will talk no frills if that's your preference.

Valley Bike & Ski - although somewhat overpriced, again, if you talk to the owner, very knowledgeable and down to earth.  I've gone in on 2 occasions, had questions on my bike build, he answered the questions and even gave me extra parts he had in the store FOR FREE to solve the problem.  Each of the parts, I estimate were about $9 at any other bike shop.  He just bought my business with $18 in parts and some awesome customer service. 

I left my tri bike there this weekend to get the cabling finalized and DuraAce chain installed...

Nashbar.com has my online business.  Through them and eBay, I'll have this tri bike built for under $750 (Leader frame, Ultegra cranks and derailleurs)...

I left my new tri bike with Erik's of Maple Grove on Friday.  So far I'm disappointed.  I had hoped to get some time in on this bike this long weekend.  Doesn't look like it's going to happen.  The shifters, cassette, and derailleurs are all campy.  They can't seem to get the bar-end shifters adjusted properly and want to put in a call to their campy representative.  Unfortunately, I only have the manual for the rear derailleur and can't help them out.

Frustrating.  I should have taken it to Gear West Bike and saved myself a headache. 

As a followup to my post regarding Erik's.  I did get my bike back today.  Andy there made things right and considering the fact that many other shops have longer lead times, I guess I shouldn't complain.

 Rich

Gear West is the ONLY place that will get any of my business.  I have been to a few different shops and they are all OK, but the level of attention to detail, customer service, and selection are the best at Gear West bar NONE!

Here is my latest example of top notch customer service:

At the Apple Duathlon (5/24) I flatted on a virtually new (~17 miles) Conti Comp Tubular tire which runs $100/tire.  I went to GW to have them put on my spare so that I could limp it through the rest of the season, and they said that since I had such a small amount of miles on the tire they were going to warranty it out and GIVE me a new tire!! 

In my mind, that is what customer service is all about! and why I will not go any where else.

And for the record, GW is 52 miles from me....the drive is worth every mile regardless of gas cost.

Have been pleasantly surprised with Eric's (Burnsville).  Went to them for 'last resort' work (cutting the carbon steerer, 2 spacers and an expansion cap, back wheel tune-up) last Saturday (busy as all get-out).  Brought it in at 1:30 pm.  PLEADED with them to have it back same day.  They promised it at 4:30.  They called at 3:50pm and said it was ready.  Checked everything over and no problems.

They have their good moments...

I can probably go look this up, but where's Hollywood?  Not to far from where I'm at...tell me more...