I'm getting ready to take the plunge on my first road bike. Been doing the usual research on different options (Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc.). I'm now going to test ride the models I've identified but wanted to get feedback on different LBS's in the Boston/Southern NH area. I live in Chelmsford but am willing to travel up to an hour. Its more important to me that I find a good LBS for a long term relationship than the cheapest price. Anybody care to share good/bad experiences with local LBS's in my area?

I've been pretty impressed with Cycle Loft on Route 3a in Burlington. Huge place, nice guys, great selction. They carry LOOK, Trek, and a whole lot of LeMonds.

I bought my bike recently at Buchika's in Salem, NH. They don't have the hugest selection but they have some really good people on staff that will spend a lot of time with you. They carry Bianchi, Specialized, Cannondale, and I've seen a few Lemonds and Merlins there. Also I've heard good things about Goodale's in Nashua/Hookset/Concord, though I've never dealt with them other than a few small accessories. They have a fairly large selection and a large service shop (by NH standards anyway) so I would give them a look.

I'm getting ready to take the plunge on my first road bike. Been doing the usual research on different options (Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc.). I'm now going to test ride the models I've identified but wanted to get feedback on different LBS's in the Boston/Southern NH area. I live in Chelmsford but am willing to travel up to an hour. Its more important to me that I find a good LBS for a long term relationship than the cheapest price. Anybody care to share good/bad experiences with local LBS's in my area?


I'll second the Goodales. For you in Chelmsford the Nashua store is the closest. They are a top 100 Trek dealer, which boils down to great selection of next years models and good prices on this and last years models. They carry Specialized, Trek, Lemond, Serotta, Klein, Cannondale bikes and I'm sure I am missing some others too. Their mechanics are the only ones who I will let touch my bikes. And the staff is pretty friendly and knowledgable. As for road testing, bring your shoes and pedals and away you go, they will let you take the bike out all day if you want to.

Butchikas in Salem is ok, they used to carry some high end frames (de rosa's & colnagos) too, but their selection can be limited.

I'm in Lowell so I've been there and done that with LBSs.

peace
zac

Avoid any Landry's like the Ebola Virus. Worst chain of LBS, ever.

I'm getting ready to take the plunge on my first road bike. Been doing the usual research on different options (Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc.). I'm now going to test ride the models I've identified but wanted to get feedback on different LBS's in the Boston/Southern NH area. I live in Chelmsford but am willing to travel up to an hour. Its more important to me that I find a good LBS for a long term relationship than the cheapest price. Anybody care to share good/bad experiences with local LBS's in my area?


Hi SirBubb!

It's pretty late in the year to take the plunge, eh? Anyway, from Chelmsford, you pretty much have a lot of LBS's to visit within 1 hour radius.

Here are my favorite bike shops (no particular order):

- Buchika's (Salem, NH) - Pretty good folks. They're always pleasant and service is great. Their prices are pretty competitive but selection is limited. (Perfect for family type bike shopping, bike repair and car racks)

- Quad Cycles (Arlington, MA) - Nice nice folks. Good selection (SCOTT, FUJI, MERLIN, and other Euro frames). This is my LBS of choice for repairs, upgrades and bike lust. Plus your relationship with QUAD will not end after your purchase. The owner of the shop will expect you to ride your bike often :) Group rides all year round Saturday/Sunday... weather permitting of course. (Bought gruppos, wheels, clothes and etc form this shop)

- Wheelworks (Belmont, MA) - HUUUUUUUGE SELECTION. Friendly staff but it can get very busy on the weekends. (bought 1 bike here)

- IBC (Brighton, MA) - Another cycling suprstore. (Bought 2 bikes here)

- ATA Cycles (Cambride, MA) - High end and expensive. I found that some folks get turned off by their experience at ATA. I have only positive experiences with this shop. The owner will try to work with you as much as he can for you to get your dream bike. (bought 1 bike here)

If you need any further help, PM me. I'll be more than happy to help. Cycling is my vice and the roadbike is my drug of choice. :)

Good luck!


Joe

I live in Chelmsford but am willing to travel up to an hour. Its more important to me that I find a good LBS for a long term relationship than the cheapest price. Anybody care to share good/bad experiences with local LBS's in my area?

Going "North of the Border" obviously saves you 5%. I've had both good and bad experiences at Goodale's and Nault's. The Nault's in Manchester (as opposed to Nashua) has a bigger selection and staff, but is further away. Souhegan Cycleworks in Milford is a small shop, but Bob Hall, the owner, seems eager to help without pressuring. If you're spending a lot (i.e., more than $1500) I'd recommend visiting more than one!

In Exeter, NH go to Exeter Cycles just outside of downtown. Very helpful staff who all love to ride as well. The owner, John Gromek, is a longtime racer. They're also very involved in organizing local rides.

They have decent stock- Specialized, Giant, Cannondale with some high-end stuff (Time frames, Seven) to boot. Really a bunch of good guys.
www.exetercycles.com

D

I bought my first mtb from exeter cycles back in 93. Mongoose Rockadille. Jon sold it to me. I bought my Bianchi from buchikas in Salem in 03. The guy who helped me out sure seemed like he knew what he was doing. I sure as hell didn't. I go see'em again if they had what i was looking for. Gooddales in Hooksett is only 2 miles from me so i go there alot. Todd has been there esince the place open and seems like he know what he is doing. He just did a service on my bianchi. Didn't feel like driving down to salem to buchikas. Naults in Manchester has a Ducati dealership in the same building!!! Thats worth the ride right there!!

I'll third Goodales. I stumped a salesman with a question and instead of bullsh!ting his way out he instantly admitted he did not know the answer and called a wrench at one of their other stores and got the correct info. No dancing or changing the subject. You gotta respect that.

Very good experiences at Cycleloft and Belmont Wheelworks too.

In Exeter, NH go to Exeter Cycles just outside of downtown. Very helpful staff who all love to ride as well. The owner, John Gromek, is a longtime racer. They're also very involved in organizing local rides.

They have decent stock- Specialized, Giant, Cannondale with some high-end stuff (Time frames, Seven) to boot. Really a bunch of good guys.
www.exetercycles.com (http://www.exetercycles.com/)

DThis is a classic case of a small store that is made by its people. Limited selection but the absolute best people! A little out of the way for SirBubb considering how many top notch stores he would have too pass to get to Exeter.

In Exeter, NH go to Exeter Cycles just outside of downtown. Very helpful staff who all love to ride as well. The owner, John Gromek, is a longtime racer. They're also very involved in organizing local rides.

They have decent stock- Specialized, Giant, Cannondale with some high-end stuff (Time frames, Seven) to boot. Really a bunch of good guys.
www.exetercycles.com

D

I will have to check them out as they are only a few miles from me. Unfortunately their hours of operation mean I could only get in there on a Saturday but I always enjoy checking out new LBS's (seems like every one of them has a few unique items that you can't find anywhere else).

I really like my LBS which is Jake's Bike Shop in Manchester, NH. He carries Fuji and Rocky Mountain but he can get a hold of Time and Look frames. Owner will take time with you and is a small shop. Owner is also a bike mechanic whiz. Can't say much about Nault's and Goodale's. Never had a good experience at either of them.

In Manchester:

Naults - good selection and prices (they took 10% off my OCR1 without a song and dance routine) - service seems ok, but they forget stuff and didn't tune the bike up very well b/4 delivery, I think they'd handle mtn bikers better - based on staff makeup.

Jakes - limited selection/small shop - but totally rocking service, wanted to buy from them, but they just didn't have a bike in stock that was the right 'fit'.

In Hooksett:

Goodales - great selection (less so right now since it's end of season). Many on the staff are very helpful. After getting my OCR1 tuned up at Naults (since it's free), I'll probably go to Goodales for a once a year tune up (I take care of just basic maintenace). Actually, maybe I'll pay to have Goodales tune my bike - so long as they're comfortable with Giant bikes.

GL! You can find some sweet deals now on '05 models if they still have your size.

Pedal Power in Acton. Small, family oriented shop. Although they cater to families you will also find NEBC racers there. Call ahead and ask for Clayton.

Gearworks in Leominster. Also small independent family shop but very road/race oriented. Several group road rides per week (winding down for the season though).
Ask for Darren, or Gene (the owner).

At either place, you are likely to find a good end of the season deal on a entry to mid level price bike. At either place tell them Jason sent you.

And happy hunting!

I'm getting ready to take the plunge on my first road bike. Been doing the usual research on different options (Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc.). I'm now going to test ride the models I've identified but wanted to get feedback on different LBS's in the Boston/Southern NH area. I live in Chelmsford but am willing to travel up to an hour. Its more important to me that I find a good LBS for a long term relationship than the cheapest price. Anybody care to share good/bad experiences with local LBS's in my area?

Lots of riders work there. Big shop, lots in stock.

BT

I live in Hudson so the local shops are Goodale's and Nault's. After buying my mt bike at Nault's I thought Id buy another at Nault's but the shop has changed owner's in the past couple years. Not as good as they once were. I ended up buying my bike at Goodale's in Nashua. They were really cool every time Ive been in and they even let me fix my mt bike on the shop stand and gave me a deraileur part for free. On top of that, in season, they have one day per week that is only for servicing Goodale's bikes.

K

I've been pretty impressed with Cycle Loft on Route 3a in Burlington. Huge place, nice guys, great selction. They carry LOOK, Trek, and a whole lot of LeMonds.
I have some minor gripes on Cycle Loft. When I went there to buy a road bike, the assisant manager pushed what they were trying to get rid of rather than what I wanted. I wanted a Steel bike and liked the fit of Lemonds. They did not have my size in a steel bike and kept pushing a previous years left-over Aluminum Lemond as well as some aluminum Treks.

I took the Lemond he was pushing for a ride and told him I was not crazy about it. He said I was saving $200 on the bike and could have a suspension seatpost put on it. Then when I asked about some bubbling in the paint he said they probably got a fingerprint on the frame before they painted it and I could send it back to Lemond at the end of the year and have it repainted :rolleyes:

A friend of mine bought a Specialized there recently and it was totally inappropriate for his age and type of riding. He has also had it back there three times because the chain keeps coming off of the chainrings.

They do have a great parts department. I still buy a lot of parts there since the have almost everything in stock. If I need something quick, I go there. I just do not think I would every buy a bike there after that experience.

In Manchester:

Naults - good selection and prices (they took 10% off my OCR1 without a song and dance routine) - service seems ok, but they forget stuff and didn't tune the bike up very well b/4 delivery, I think they'd handle mtn bikers better - based on staff makeup.

Jakes - limited selection/small shop - but totally rocking service, wanted to buy from them, but they just didn't have a bike in stock that was the right 'fit'.

In Hooksett:

Goodales - great selection (less so right now since it's end of season). Many on the staff are very helpful. After getting my OCR1 tuned up at Naults (since it's free), I'll probably go to Goodales for a once a year tune up (I take care of just basic maintenace). Actually, maybe I'll pay to have Goodales tune my bike - so long as they're comfortable with Giant bikes.

GL! You can find some sweet deals now on '05 models if they still have your size.

I would avoid Naults unless you want extreme Mtn Bike stuff. Even then it is a stretch. I had been a long time Naults customer and after their move over to the Honda dealership they really changed. They had been pretty balanced around road and mountin bike. Now it is impossible to find answer to real road bike questions and they screwed up the last mtn bike purchase. For instance, I wanted to buy a cheap mtn bike stem for my family vacation. I was going to the cape and was putting baldy's on the IF hardtail and wanted a more upright position. They search and could find nothing cheap and finally suggest a deal on a Bontrager stem 90cm/17 degree. I was concerned that it was possibly a road bike stem and that it would not clamp the flat bars enough. The stem plate even had a 26 on the inside. The mechanic took a set of bars and clamped them down to show me they would work. I went on vacation, but checking online found that they sold me a 1 1/8 Road stem as Bontrager does not make a mtn stem in this configuration. $6 more on Nitto shims and I will continue to use the stem. In addition, they laid down a line on me when asked about presta valves stems on tube, that the industry no longer makes normal length stems and have standardized on deep aero rim length. I am presuming because they did not have the right tube.

As far as good shops, Already mentioned are Exeter Cycles in Exeter. Great small shop with limited stuff. There is a bigger shop in Exeter also that has more selection and a good crew (Cannondale, Seven and others). If you are in Chelmsford, Belmont Wheelworks in Belmont MA is a must. Best if you go during the week though.

If you are fine with a limited specialty parts inventory and generic acessory choices, plus less than expert sales people (almost all kids) then Goodales is fine. They cater to the average "family" customer.

If you are a serious cyclist, especially road, you will have a hard time finding what you want. For example, these are some things I have needed over that last year that they said could only be "special ordered": Dura-ace cables, an FSA 48T cross chainring (in October!), Giro Atmos replacement pads, full road fenders (they told me Raceblades were just as good), cantilever brake straddle cables, 1 1/8 black aluminum HS spacers and a cable hanger, any non-Pearl Izumi clothing (which they claimed was the best you could buy), Pedros Lubes, SIDI shoe replacement parts etc....

On the other hand, The Cycle Loft had all of that stuff and a lot of other specialty parts in stock, plus they were unbele I know it is hard for some shops to justify stocking something like FSA cross ring, but a shop that puts a sign in the window that says "Come in for all your cyclocross needs" should absolutely stock something like that.

Go to the Cycle Loft.

If you're headed to Exeter, be sure to see Jon at EC, but don't forget the Boys down the street at Wheelpower. Jon Started there and we used to buy our freestyle gear from them. When he moved up the street I have tried to split my business...oddly enough I bought my Jake the Snake I went to Bicycle Bob's in Portsmouth...100% by far the finest customer service I have ever received.

RJ

Nault's in Nashua gets my vote. GREAT people and a ton of great bikes that you don't see many other places, besides from wheelworks, but it's a smaller store. Nault's in Manchester has too many teenagers working there, don't really know they're stuff as much. Oh, and the owner of Nault's Nashua owns Ted Wojuk bikes!!

Goodales gets my vote

Last year on New Years Eve I walked in there with my brother in law about 1/2 hour before they were closing. We were just browsing when a guy came up and started talking to us. Turns out he was one of the owners (which we found out much later). Anyway, he ended up spending about an hour or so with us, talking bikes, giving us a tour of the service area and even brought us into the warehouse to show us the stock and some new stuff they hadn't displayed yet. Cool dude. We helped him lock up. Another time, I wanted a specific pair of tights, but they weren't on the floor. The salesperson looked over the computer and eventually went into the back and came out 10 minutes later with what I wanted. Both occasions I felt they went above and beyond. Good service ethic.

If they weren't so far from where I live, I would be in there every day. To my wifes dismay, I can assure you.

After having bought MANY bikes for myself, wife, and kids- I would have no problem sending you to Gamache Cyclery in Fitchburg. I have dealt with Pedal Power in Acton, Cycleloft in Burlington, Gearworks in Leominster, and O'Neils in Gardner, as well as visits to others.

Chris

If you are fine with a limited specialty parts inventory and generic acessory choices, plus less than expert sales people (almost all kids) then Goodales is fine. They cater to the average "family" customer.

If you are a serious cyclist, especially road, you will have a hard time finding what you want. For example, these are some things I have needed over that last year that they said could only be "special ordered": Dura-ace cables, an FSA 48T cross chainring (in October!), Giro Atmos replacement pads, full road fenders (they told me Raceblades were just as good), cantilever brake straddle cables, 1 1/8 black aluminum HS spacers and a cable hanger, any non-Pearl Izumi clothing (which they claimed was the best you could buy), Pedros Lubes, SIDI shoe replacement parts etc....

On the other hand, The Cycle Loft had all of that stuff and a lot of other specialty parts in stock, plus they were unbele I know it is hard for some shops to justify stocking something like FSA cross ring, but a shop that puts a sign in the window that says "Come in for all your cyclocross needs" should absolutely stock something like that.

Go to the Cycle Loft.

Gee I am, a serious cyclist that is, and really have had no problems with Goodales. Sure every LBS is not going to have all the parts you need in stock all the time. But two of your examples, Giro replacement pads, and Sidi G5 shoe parts, they both had in stock (and it was this spring and summer). I needed a backup set of cleats, not for the cleats but the screws (easy) and a new heal pad (more difficult). They had both. Can't speak to your other items, but they do have nonPI clothing. PI, maybe not the "best," (what is?), but it is up there. However, LBSs have a hard time competing at the high end with online and mail order. DA cables are in stock in the shop.

Pedros Lubes is one of many dry lubes available, and everyone has an opinion on lubes.

It's funny you say they are not a good "road" shop, then go on to list alot of cross parts. They are a good road shop, with groups and parts of all the high end road groups and accessories (Campy, Shim, FSA, etc.). I will give you that they probably are not the best cross shop though.

peace
zac

As an update, I went to a bunch of the recommended stores and settled on Goodales in Nashua. Ron, the owner or manager (not sure which) was extremely helpful. I bought a Specialized Allez Sport at a great price after a long test ride. I appreciated the fact that Ron took the time to fit me properly to the bike and installed my Crank Candy pedals for my test ride. I bought the bike on a busy Saturday and he spent almost 90 minutes with me answering questions and setting the bike up, which I thought showed great customer focus. All in all, I love the bike although I popped 2 spokes within the first 140 miles. Yeah, yeah, I know, should have listened to everyone about the Alex rims but they came with the bike. I'll upgrade next year to something more appropriate for a Clydesdale like me. After the second popped spoke, Ron swapped the rim out instead of repairing it, which proved to me he stands behind the products he sells. Thanks again to all for the feedback.

Avoid any Landry's like the Ebola Virus. Worst chain of LBS, ever.
Terrapin, Why don't you like Landry's? Have you had a bad experience. I've bought a mountain bike and 4 road bikes from them (over $10,000 spent) over the last 10 years, but I have done all my business in their Norwood store. The manager there (Scott) is a great guy.

Echo on the Landry's question. Since taking a job in Framingham I've been using the Route 9 Natick store for some tune-up wrenching and odds-and-ends purchases and have been very happy.

As a fellow 'Clydesdale', I'm especially glad things worked out for you SirBubb!

As a follow-up to my post: Naults just isn't the place for road bikers, IMO. I just had my OCR1 serviced and they screwed up simple stuff, like over tightening the brake cables (to the point that I could barely get the front tire off). The forgot to return my old pedals after having some spds put on. And they seem to have dinged up the chromed plastic top of the Ultegra brake/shifter assembly.