A Great Local Bike Shop Makes for Great Riding

I didn't have a hard time picking a local bike shop. I looked on a huge mountain biking site and looked up the reviews of the local shops in North Georgia. There were more reviews for the shop with the highest score: Outspokin Bikes of Woodstock, GA. Off I went, my two sons in tow, to go check out the "real bikes" now that my cheap, big-box store-bought bike had died at the hands of The Dwelling Loop at Blankets Creek in Cherokee County.

I was greeted by two very friendly dogs, who kept my sons moderately distracted, and a guy named Kevin Poske, the owner of the shop. Kevin's shop carries Specialized bikes for those of us buying at the lower end of the spectrum (though Specialized also makes very high-end bikes, too), and showed me his line up.

He patiently explained the difference between the bike styles and models. He handed me a Specialized catalog to look at and take home, and he encouraged me to shop around and to read online about bikes before buying. Zero pressure. Zero sales crap. He was even patient while my two year old screeched and ran about his store.

I did my research and read about bikes for a few days. I emailed the store. The next morning, I had a thoughtful and rather long reply with all of my questions answered by Josh Boggs who works at Outspokin. I was sold. I knew what I wanted.

I walked out with my Specialized Rockhopper Disc. They changed the frame out for one with a different color (same frame geometry and strength) for me for a small added fee, and they tuned it up and toured me around my new bike. I took it on the trails and rode it - and I rode it hard. It was incredible. It climbed hills like crazy, took turns like no other bike I had ridden. So! This was why people spend so much money on bikes!

Since then I have upgraded some key components on the bike: the derailleurs, which cause the chain to shift gears, I've replaced the chain from wear, and I've replaced the rear cluster of sprockets (also called a casette) from wear. I've installed clipless pedals, and I've started riding advanced trails. I also swapped out the handlebars and stem myself with some good upgrades I found online.

I have to say I am very, very happy with my purchase. I regularly drop in on Outspokin for various goodies and see Joanne, the two Joshes, Kevin, and the dogs while lusting after bikes that one day I shall have. Oh, yes. They shall be mine. Just not yet. :)

I cannot recommend this group of people more highly. If you live in North Georgia, go to Outspokin for your bike purchase.

I encourage you to support and purchase your bike from your local bike shop. Online retailers are OK for some stuff, but for the bike itself, unless you are an engineer who enjoys building bikes, your local shop will help you contact the community and keep your bike tuned in ways you do not yet realize.