I'll preface my review by saying I've purchased 3 or 4 new bikes from The Bicycle Station throughout the years, when I was 12 and wanted the coolest mountain bike on the block, or the BMX bike to do some sweet pegstands. So when I was recently looking for an urban commuter that felt comfortable like the road bike I was used to I initially turned to my hometown bike shop.
Every time I've been in there the owner has been there to help make sure you're geting the bike that you need. He's not trying to sell you a full suspension 29er to cruise around Columbus on. I can remember 2 or 3 times he's helped me pick out a bike that suited my needs but wasn't over the top in terms of components and more importantly price.
I strolled in one day recently just to check out their inventory compared to some other bike shops in Indy and was greeted by a fella named Dennis who was more than helpful answering my questions. I know enough about bikes to be annoying to a bike shop employee, but he was never condescending when I was wrong or wasn't quite sure what I was talking about, and was more than willing to pull down any bike I thought I'd want to check out. Towards the end he pulled down a Trek Crossrip which happened to fit me like a glove. I rode it and really enjoyed it, but wasn't sure if it was really wanted.
I walked out not really sure if the bike I loved was for me, but after (not) sleeping on it I woke up at 9:45am to go pick it up and a few other accessories which came with a nice discount with the purchase of a bike.
I know Indianapolis has its fair share of awesome bike shops, but I always enjoy coming home to Columbus, getting a tune up, or new bike and riding he barren country roads. Especially out by Simmons Winery.
Edit: Forgot to mention that the lent me a helmet as I had left mine in Indianapolis, not really expecting to walk out with a bike.. read more