Long read but worth your time...
I haven't used my bike much in the past few years and it needed some attention, not "let's maybe talk about upgrading". I rolled in simply to ask how much to fix my rear hydraulic brake as it leaked and bled out, and one of the many folks standing around behind the counter came around and asked to have a look. He takes my bike and puts it in the mechanic stand. Starts fiddling with my the brake caliber loosening shit(don't even know if he tightened it back up). Starts looking over the bike telling me, I need a new chain. Maybe I need to replace the cassette, he says. Still waiting to get a straight answer, this other genius chimes in while the guy tooling around on my bike goes in the back to get the mechanic(yup he's NOT the mechanic but he's gonna touch my bike with tools). I love this part. You could use some new pedals too, the other clown says. What's wrong with my pedals I asked? He starts telling me how they have bigger pedals that you can have more of your foot on the pedal....amazing I've never thought of that in my life! Just because I don't have my riding shoes on doesn't mean I can't ride or, "need new pedals". I mean I literally rolled in there ON MY BIKE! New pedals? YOU need a new job cuz you suck at yours. First off this bike is pretty damn new. WELL UNDER 500 miles on it I promise you that. Bike chains are good anywhere from 500-1000 depending ofc. Even then, sure chain stretch ok, you remove a link simple! You don't need to replace the chain. And a new cassette?! Hmm should I just get a whole new drive train then? A good cassette will last ten times longer than the chain ffs!
So...I finally get a quote. He starts getting ready to take down my info, asks for my drivers license. I'm like I just wanted a quote pal. He's like, we're in no way a pushy shop I assure you. Yeah ok champ, so wtf was all that bullshit you just tried "pushing"? You may need some new pedals with the back pedaling you're about to start doing.
These ppl are all about selling bikes and making money(trying to at least). Trek isn't what they use to be. Now they have these stores popping up all over the place. Employing ppl that don't know wtf they're talking about. Shit, I wish I applied for a job there, stand around and do nothing lol. I know I'm a lot more knowledgeable than these clowns that actually had the audacity to open their mouths and prove to be fools. Sales people folks, NOT cyclists...sales people. Stay tf away! FWIW...it almost made me sick to re-read over this.
One last thing. I've owned Trek bikes most of my friggin life. Antelope 820, and 3 8000s. I know a little bit about them. :p read more