My experience with Towner’s and Full Moon Vista was similar to yours—at Towner’s, their customer service wasn’t so great, sort of like “here are our [whatever]s, pick one,” or “here’s a mirror, just read the instructions to install it.” I was only there once, though. The people at Full Moon Vista have been very helpful, and it’s a nice environment and, for me, convenient location. When I went in for a fitting/test ride, they gave me free coffee, and when there was a pizza delivery (going away celebration for one of their employees), they offered me a slice. I walked away having paid nothing and not planning to buy a bike from them (they didn’t have quite what I wanted), but after I order one, I will definitely return for assembly, fitting/adjustments, accessories, and service. Also, come October, I’m looking forward to getting involved in Tuesday Night Urban Assault, which is organized by the owner, Scott Page. (Do a Google search—it sounds like great fun.)

I visited Park Ave Bike Shop on Monroe once, and the people I dealt with were very friendly and helpful, but I know someone who doesn’t shop there anymore because they made fun of his wife’s old bike and didn’t want to work on it. Finally, I’ve heard some good things about Freewheeler’s, apparently somewhat lower prices and a very nice owner, but it’s a bit too far out of my way for me want to deal with them regularly.