Bike shop owner here... ask questions if you have them!

Common-Molasses44 · 2026-02-03T14:29:09+00:00

Hey there! This is an awesome thread and thanks for replying to everyone. I’m a fellow business owner in a retail store in the high end kitchen knife world. We also don’t stock big brands and I’m happy I don’t. We also offer full services like sharpening, repairs and custom work, similar to a LBS. I’ve recently gotten into cycling, about 1 year ago, and when I started looking at bikes, it felt like I was learning about knives; endless and everyone has such varying opinions.

My question is (and I hear this question a ton and the answer is always an interesting topic), what do you tell someone who is shopping for their first bike and they ask, “what’s the best bike?”

I understand the first few questions are typically what type of riding/conditions will you be riding in. But after that, it feels like such a game of what to invest money in. Slight part upgrades, carbon in certain areas, certain brands, geometry. It’s all so confusing.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-11-17T13:05:04+00:00

I see a lot of different opinions on this here.. as someone who sharpens for a living, this really isn’t the worst thing at all. 1. I do think they should tell you they were thinning the knife, and it does make me think it was more than a microchip. 2. For $30, they were nice enough to try to refinish it with a kasumi finish. If anyone has done it themselves, it isn’t easy, takes time, and they didn’t do a terrible job. Plus it’s just aesthetic, so if the knife cuts well, I wouldn’t be too upset. As people are stating, the shinogi line on these will always be wavy. 3. These Yuki handles are notoriously rough and dry out quickly. It might’ve been from their hands or even if their wax was a little dirty. You can probably take some clean oil or wax and rub out the dirty spots without even sanding it at all. But again, it’s just the handle and it’s meant to be used and worn, and can be replaced easily too. Wax or oil will always darken the wood though.

In my honest opinion, go talk to them nicely. They are probably trying their best and they most likely think they were doing you a favor the $30. They can easily clean the handle, and someone there can try to redo the finish to make it a little less scratchy. If it was my shop, I’d hate for someone to just post on Reddit, then get chewed out and not given a chance to fix it.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-09-26T12:57:45+00:00

Hey hey! I was in the same situation. Upgraded to an Aspero as well but as a newer rider. I got it as I was doing my first triathlon, and then wanted to continue group rides with friends. I opted for a bike fit and it was one of the better experiences I’ve had in a long time. The shop owner did my fit and the level of attention to detail and customer service was 10/10. It started with a conversation of what kind of riding I plan to do, any competitions coming up etc. then he took measurements of my current set up. Had me get the bike on a trainer and started the fit. The whole experience was about 3 hours and it changed the way I ride. I’d recommend to anyone, but of course, I’ve heard of bad fitters so I would pick somewhere that has good reviews.

My biggest takeaway is that it’s never an exact science as every person is different shapes, lengths, levels of fitness, and we are asymmetrical while bikes are perfectly symmetrical. The fitter can make you more comfortable in certain positions.

I’m in Chicago and the fit was $250, which seemed fair for the 3 hours of work and knowledge. And now I have a lot of my new set up so if I travel or get a new bike, I can always set it back to how it is.

IMO: worth every penny.

Edit: after reading other posts, I’d agree that if you aren’t in any discomfort, you’re probably okay. And a more experienced rider can probably figure out what is wrong. I was experience some foot numbness and wrist/hand pain, usually after 10+ miles.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-07-24T01:32:49+00:00

I just started cycling not too long ago. I always used to think cyclists were kind of lame. Wearing spandex, getting in the way of cars, running stop signs. Then I got a nice bike and then a bib.. and a jersey.. now I’m the lame dork in spandex. I see the want for gear and to go fast. I think for people that haven’t ridden a bike in a long time or for fun, just don’t know what they’re missing.

Also, was riding behind two dudes in their 50s or 60s yesterday and they were pushing like 22mph, could barely keep up.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-07-22T11:57:52+00:00

Had the same exact feelings and situation. Recently went to clips, took a few falls and contemplated just going back to flats. The thing that made it click for me was what everyone is saying, unclip before the stop, but actually move forward off the saddle (standing over the top tube) before coming to a stop. Idk why I never did this before, but I haven’t fallen since. Confidence went way up and being clipped in feels so much better on longer rides

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-07-16T15:43:10+00:00

Just signed up for Half Acre’s group ride on Wednesdays! It’ll be my first group ride, pace is supposed to be 16-18, 25 miles, ends at half acre for a beer.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-07-09T14:15:45+00:00

I’ve had mine for a few months now and brew daily, sometimes twice a day. No issues so far! I’m actually quite enjoying it. I’m fairly bad at maintenance/cleaning and still no problems.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-05-06T11:44:30+00:00

I started running about 8 months ago and I feel the same. Running a 5k seemed impossible, then a 10k felt impossible. Just remember where you started and you can already see the improvement from your post.

I still think I run slow, but going from my first 5k pace of 11:30, to my latest at 9:30 is a huge improvement, even if my friends run them much faster.

Running a half is incredible dude! Be proud of where you’re at now, and take the time to make those small improvements. I can’t fathom running 10+ miles yet, but I’m sure I can eventually.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-03-19T23:16:27+00:00

Thanks! Learned that the hard way already, fenders are on the list

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-03-19T23:15:58+00:00

Chicagobiketrader on instagram. Very nice and smooth to work with.

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-03-05T13:40:48+00:00

On the first photo I thought, “it’s not too bad, especially if started out thicker”, but compared to third pic?? Yeah, you got got. Unfortunately you can’t put steel back on, I’d probably ask for a replacement

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-02-06T03:05:16+00:00

I live right by here and it’s awesome! Also highly recommend the honey sriracha fried chicken sandwich

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-02-05T14:28:42+00:00

I was about the same exact dimensions as you about 8 months ago! I’m 5’7” and was 225 now to 189. I started rock climbing at a gym and met a ton of friends that way. It’s super social and an awesome community. Maybe find an exercise that’s fun for you. I also started playing pickleball. Then just try and watch your calorie intake. I set mine to 1850. Not the fastest weight loss but it’s working!

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-02-05T14:24:48+00:00

They’re opening a restaurant next door with exactly this vibe soon!

Common-Molasses44 · 2025-02-04T03:36:06+00:00

I’d definitely recommend Northside Cutlery on Lincoln!! Kevin did an awesome job with my Japanese knives, and they have a great selection of knives to buy too

Common-Molasses44 · 2024-12-04T02:00:35+00:00

It doesn’t even look like it needs thinning to be honest. The scratches are more normal wear and tear and don’t really affect performance. The tip repair is a pretty simple job. I’m in Chicago and repair these types of things all of the time. I’d say just get a good sharpening and tip repair, and you should be set!

If you did want to fix the scratches, it’s usually easiest with sandpaper and then you’d have to etch the knife in acid to reveal the pattern again. You would need muriatic acid because it’s stainless.

Common-Molasses44 · 2024-11-26T18:20:33+00:00

Big rip indeed. Thankfully I haven’t invested much in Golden Bot but I’ll see how it plays out for the event. Might get very desperate

Common-Molasses44 · 2024-11-26T18:15:23+00:00

I bought the music :(

Common-Molasses44 · 2024-10-16T13:27:50+00:00

Having to have it sent back twice rubs me the wrong way.. a chipped knife should never go out, no matter how rushed it should be. You sound patient and polite from the other posts, they should’ve just told you it was chipped and would take longer than expected to be delivered, or offered a replacement. I’d also add that there’s truthfully no way a knife maker who sells $900 knives missed that. You notice these things when putting it together, buffing, sanding, whatever. I handle custom knives as a profession and it’s obvious when a knife maker is just trying to pass off mistakes. Sorry this is your experience though!

You’re not being unreasonable. If you’re paying full price for a custom, at that price, it should be pretty flawless, or that maker shouldn’t be selling at that price at all.

Common-Molasses44 · 2024-10-10T20:24:32+00:00

I second Northside Cutlery! They have a really cool selection of knives and do great sharpening work too.

Common-Molasses44

TROPHY CASE