Conference noted::bicycle

    You could try the Bicycle Barn on RT 9 in Westboro.  The have a
    decent selection of NICE bikes (Cannondale, Centurion, etc).
    The bicycle prices are about average, although I've found the  
    accessory prices to be a bit high.
    
    Denis

    I would try Bicycle Alley Bike Shop, 1073A Main St, Worcester Mass.
    They are open weekday nights till eight which for us mortals who
    have to work all day is a real plus. Phone # 617-752-2230

    See note 288.  Suggestion, join a club first and you may
    be able to get a better price and servive.  The reason
    being, bike club members tend to promote the sport, thus
    increase business to the shops.
    
    steve
    

    HI:
    
    DON'T KNOW IF I AM TO LATE FOR YOUR RESPONSE.  I JUST LEARNED OF
    THE BICYCLING NOTES, AND NOTES ITSELF BUT,.....GAMACHES IN FITCHBURG
    IS AN EXCELLENT BICYCLE SHOP.  I AM IN THE NASHOBA VALLEY PEDLERS
    AND IN MY NEWSLETTER THERE IS A NUMBER OF BICYCLE SHOPS LISTED.
    IF YOU HAVE NOT PURCHASE ONE, LET ME KNOW.
    
    MARY AYRES (HUDSON::AYRES

    
        I just bought a new bike from Gamache's in Fitchburg and I am
        quite pleased with the way I was treated.  I feel that George
        went out of his way to accomidate my needs and at the same
        time, he made a fair profit.
        
        I wanted a stiff bike because at 6'7" and 206 lbs, I am a
        heavy rider (I was 243 a few weeks ago when I ordered the bike
        but that is a different story).  I decided on the Cannondale
        SR600 after trying other models in the Cannondale line. 
        
        He didn't have the bike I wanted in my size and after checking
        with just about every other bike shop in the state (still
        with no luck), I asked George if he could order one for me.
        Well, it seems that Cannondale has stopped making the SR600
        for the remainder of the year.  However, they are still making
        other models that use the same frame.  I considered buying the
        SR500 which was available but really prefered the Shimano 600
        components over the Shimano 105.
        
        What George offered was to order me a different model bike
        which uses the identical frame, and perform a complete
        component swap to make it identical to the SR600.  In
        addition, I had a lot of flexibility within the component
        group that wasn't available when ordering the ready made bike.
        For example I had the choice of crank arm length, standard or
        areo style brakes levers, normal or biopace chanrings,
        freewheel or frehub/cassette, SIS or friction, chainring/cog
        sizes, 32 or 36 hole hubs etc.  This was all at the same price
        as the stock SR600. 
        
        Because of my weight, I wanted 36 spoke wheels (32 is
        standard), DT 14g stainless spokes and Mavic MA-40 rims.  I
        ended up with a hand built set of wheels for an incremental
        $50.  That sounded fair to me.  I also upgraded to Look pedals
        and paid the difference in price over the Shimano 600's.
        
        Maybe all good bike shops would have done this, but I am
        happy with my purchase and would recommend Gamache's Cyclery
        in Fitchburg as a good place to do business.
        
        /Jim Pappas
    

    There is a new (this summer) bike shop in on Main street in Hudson
    betwwen  the  rotary  and  the  traffic  light, called "The Broken
    Spoke".  I  talked to the owner who seemed quite knowledgeable and
    helpfull.  He said that while he couldn't match Nashbar for price,
    he  could  come  close  enough  to  make it not worth the drive or
    shipping costs.

The address is 168 Main St., Hudson.  562-6566

--David

    
    Just wanted to let everyone know that there is a new bike shop in
    Marlboro.  It is located about 1/4 mile east of the junction of 495 and
    Rt. 20.  It is called Marlborough Bicycle, (508) 485-0663.
    
    The offer DEC employees a 20% discount!
    
    He presently has a full line of Trek bikes, both mountian and regular.
    He will be carring atleast one other line of bikes within a few weeks.
    

    TRY FRITZ'S BICYCLE SHOP ON RT.12 IN WORCESTOR BY THE GREENDALE MALL
    (EXIT 2 OFF OF 190N). I'VE ALWAYS HAD EXCELLANT SERVICE FROM THEM AND
    THEY TELL IT LIKE IT IS, THEY DON'T TRY TO SELL YOU SOMETHING JUST TO
    MAKE A PROFIT. THE PEOPLE ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND WILL HELP YOU OUT BY
    ANWERING ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE AND THEY'RE HONEST. GIVE THEM A
    TRY.

    I'm in the market to purchase a hybrid for some casual/around-town 
    recreational riding. Gear Works in Leominster is practically next
    to my house. I've stopped in there once and it "seems" like a fairly
    nice shop. How does their price, customer service stach up to other
    local shops? 
    
    Anyone have any experiences with them.
    
    Thanks,
    George

    Pricing is going to be difficult to judge as each shop in the area more
    or less has an exclusive on the brands they sell.  You should get the
    buyer's guide to judge where you are retail wise.  
    
    Gearworks carries Mongoose and Cannondale which may have hybrids.  They 
    also carry Kona which may or may not offer a hybrid.  They have been okay 
    for accessories and some minor repairs.  I would recommend giving them a 
    look.  I don't know how they rate on price, pretty close to retail I
    think.  Their service seems to be pretty good and they certainly seem to 
    be trying to take care of folks.  Nice folks.  
    
    I also like O'Neil's in Leominster.  They carry Diamond Back, GT,
    Fisher, and Giant all of which have hybrids in their lines.  Their
    pricing seems to be better when compared to O'Neil's in Worcester. 
    They are related but independent.  They were having a decent sale on 
    Fishers recently.  The work they have done on my bike has been good. 
    Nice folks to work with too.  
    
    Gamache's in Fitchburg carries the Schwinn and Trek with hybrids. 
    They also carry Klein which is mountain only.  They used to carry
    specialized I believe as well but no longer. (?)  
    
    Brian

    Brian,
    
    Thanks for the information in -1. Yes they do have Cannondale and
    Mongoose hybrids. I believe they also have 1 other brand but the
    name slips me. I will check out a buyers guide for price comparisons.
    
    I also received information off line that Gear Works has at least a 5%
    discount if you show your DEC badge. Not sure if this is just bikes or
    if it covers accessories as well.
    
    Thanks,
    George

    Oh, Gear Works also carries Pro-Flex if you are looking for a something
    fully suspended.  No hybrids in that line though.   
    

Acutally, you'll probably find more shops carrying the 
same makers than you think. All distributors usually
require from a dealership is a commit for so many units
and a certain amount of square feet in the store dedicated
to their stuff. That's generally all a dealer needs to 
satisfy to hook into a brand.

You will also find that (unless a sale is on) the retail
amount is almost exactly the same to the penny. Don't
be shy with the sales folks, however. Particularly 
when eye-balling last year's models.

Chip