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My local lbs:
>boomer hoarder shop
Clutter nightmare, tiny space inside with boxes of pitted cones etc, has a rust pile of junk bikes outside plus about a hundred second hand bikes for sale. Owner is a short tempered iconoclast who is helpful if you completely submit to his calm rhythm, address one thing at a time, and don't question anything he says. Will easily snap. Up to a dozen school kids being trained spread out all over the place and 1-3 older mechanics who all have nerves frayed thin. Ethos is to fix all old junk. But they're constantly dealing with people who think their 100% fucked shit bike should be free or easy to fix. Prices on new things are reasonable. Actually has stock of tools to buy and slightly esoteric things like touring gear. Lots of old parts, priced quite high, but very helpful to have. Can let you borrow tools and do stuff there.
>stoner hipster bmx fixie shop
Most friendly and approachable of all, to anyone. Level of work done varies. Cool shop with classic time trial bikes on the walls and stuff. Not really competitive on price for anything but ultimately a good place for reasonable fixes on old bikes and maybe some old parts too. Tries to carry niche ranges of quality stuff which is admirable but ends up being outpriced by online. Can make sloppy mistakes due to underpaid stoners but will also take on difficult jobs and do nice favors.
>boutique roadie shop
leather couches, espresso machine, $400 fit service, $20,000 bikes on the floor, immaculate workshop everything away in draws, every employee looks like the same thin roadie with short hair, except the owner who is an older version with bags under his eyes, high quality work, prices to match. Zero interest in touching anything old or low end. I get them to true/build wheels because it's just worth the extra money.
>2 diff big chain stores
Good prices on new stuff. 'Surely you don't have to resort to coming here' attitude.
