There are probably 10 independent bicycle shops in the greater Altamont area. Let us count them:
- Liberty
- Pro Bikes
- Hearns
- BioWheels
- Carolina Fatz
- Youngblood
- Epic
- Motion Makers
- Ski Country
I feel like I am leaving one out, but maybe not. Who can keep track? What’s up with all the bike shops? They seem to have all kept going despite the presence of a Dick’s and an REI, not to mention Wal-Mart etc., etc. So given all those independent bike shops, you’d think we might have more than two independent running stores. Right now, not so much. There are only two. I shop mostly at the first one, Jus’ Running, up north. Mostly because I am closer to it but also because they have gotten to know me.
Yesterday, though, I was way down in Southie and in need of shoes, so I stopped by the other store, Foot Rx. To be fair, I have been in that store before but mostly to like drop off race brochures and stuff. I don’t think I have ever bought anything there. They don’t know me from Adam. They had a sort of funny reaction when I said, “Asics 2150, 11 1/2 please.” “Do you want to try these on?” the salesman wanted to know. “No, thanks,” sez I.
See, despite the fact that shoe makers change things around every 6 months just to mess with my head, I’ve managed to settle on these for the last 6 or 7 years. Actually, I started with the 2110’s and moved along as they “upgraded.” I can’t say that I can tell the difference between the upgrades, but then I liked the shoes pretty well from the get go. That’s obvious. The one thing I can tell is if the shoes are old (because I have worn them too long) or stale (because they were on the shelves of the online retailer too long.) Yes, shoes get stale. Or maybe I have OCD. Ok, I have OCD.
But shoes do get stale. That’s one of the reasons I buy them from a store. Plus, it’s good to support the local economy and all. Most of all I like to freak out sales people by buying a pair of shoes in less than 3 minutes. Once I explain that I have owned 2 or 3 dozen pair they start to understand. And I feel totally hard core.
I have heard good things about Jus’ Running. I am a runner newbie and many friends have told me to go there first. From what I understand they will fit you in the right shoe with the right support. This is key for me since I have rubber ankles 🙂
Do any of the Bike shops listed sell used bikes? (I live in the south side, both Carolina Fatz and the new bike shop near Biltmore only sell new)
I would definitely recommend Jus’ Running, highly. In particular, I would go in the afternoon and see Jane, but anyone on the staff will do a good job getting you fitted. From their reputation and my small experience, Foot Rx would probably do you right too. I just don’t have direct experience with them. Most of all, don’t be sucked in by the lure of cheap shoes. I learned the hard way that anything less than the entry level shoes at a real running store (which will run you between $85 and $100) are going to provide more pain than protection.
Liberty used to sell used bikes on consignment, but I am not sure if they still do that. Pro Bikes and Youngblood might as well. In addition to those shops, Carolina Fatz would definitely do you right on a big purchase. IWANNA and Craigslist work for these too. Also, the Blue Ridge Bike Club used to have a swap meet in the Liberty parking lot a couple times a year. It’s worth checking whether or not they still do that. I’ve found it easier to buy used mountain bikes than used road bikes because road bikes tend to be trickier to fit.
Carolina Fatz. It’s the daddiest. Ask for Marcus or Jason and say “xty sent me.”