The value of a LBS (local bike shop) is based solely on the services they offer, versus buying online where you can get a same spec'ed bike, if not better spec'ed, for $50-$100+ less. For this reason I rate Eddy's Bike Shop in Stow 2 stars out of 5. Here is why:
The only good thing I can say about Eddy's is that every new bike you buy from them has a 30-day checkup and life time adjustment for free. The other LBS in the area, Marty's, doesn't even offer the lifetime adjustment (it is like $50 a year for Marty's, but of course that covers a lot more services. Eddy's free program is rather basic). Still, I think this alone is worth at least a $50 price premium.
However, when you go to Eddy's you gotta remember these words: buyer beware. Do a lot of research online and then research some more. DO NOT be shy of asking to test ride a lot of bikes. When in doubt, always go a size smaller and/or trust your own feelings and what your body tells you. I made the most expensive purchase in my life at Eddy's. And what a mistake it was, all thanks to one of their "knowledgeable staff" that will supposedly help you pick out the "right size" and "fit" you for the bike.
I was purchasing my first ever road bike. There were cheaper options online but I went to Eddy's for the services that a good LBS is expected to offer. The bike costed $1600, not too much on the grand scale of road bike prices, but as a poor college student back then, $1600 equaled a semesters board plan, plus the costs of all the expensive business textbooks. Of course, I did all the research I could online, and knew that I fell between either a 52cm or a 54cm sized frame. I went for test rides and was even fitted on a stationary bike.
But they only had a 54cm for the bike I wanted - they'd have to order it from Cannondale for a 52cm Caad9 5. The staff at the time, who shall remain nameless (it doesn't matter anyway, he no longer works there and I can see why.), was really pushing for the 54CM size. He was saying how if I went to 52cm I would have to get a longer stem and a seatpost that has a farther back clamp, and how the 52cm would just be too small. He was absolutely sure I would get used to the larger frame in no time. I listened to him because a) that's why I was at a LBS - for the knowledgeable advises. b) he watched me fitting on a stationary bike and was a road biker himself.
It is 3 years later now - I still have not gotten used to the larger frame. Clearly the salesman was just pushing for the 54CM because the 2011 models were coming in soon and they were trying to get rid of the 2010 stock. I regret every time I look at my bike, that I should have went with my own guts and feelings. I am always wondering how comfortable it would be to ride, if my bike was 52CM or even 50CM. My regret toward the bike plus the discomfort when riding it have given me aversion to riding my $1600 bike. I will actually have to buy a shorter stem, shorter reach handlebar, or convert the bike to a flatbar roadie.
This was a very expensive lesson. And I will say again what I wish someone would have said to me before I bought that bike: when in doubt, go with your gut feelings/what your body tells you, or just go with the smaller size. Smaller size gives you better control, more flexibility, and more explosive power. Larger bike may give you better stability but it means nothing if you are already uncomfortable on the larger bike to begin with.
Now, the advantage I described in the beginning is the reason why I returned to Eddy's this summer to purchase another bike. (Specialized Vita). So far I am very happy with the bike, although that has got nothing to do with Eddy's - I did my own research and knew what I was looking for. And I was not about to be fooled into buying an inappropriately sized bike just because they didn't want to order the right one. I spent a good 2 hours there talking to this one staff. He was very patient, friendly, and non-pushy... but I felt like he wasn't too knowledgeable either, that if I didn't do my research or learned my lessons before, I could've bought the wrong bike.
Most of Eddy's staff is quite friendly, and I have to disagree with the other reviewer saying they are aggressive - I'm sure the second salesman in the reviewer's story was just making sure they were being helped. read more