I’d like to take a moment to show gratitude for local independent bike shops.
Over the past year I’ve learned what it means to have a bike shop that knows you and treats you well. They recognize you, answer your questions, don’t make you feel stupid or lame and you don’t feel like you need to posture. The shops staffed by guys and gals who genuinely love cycling in all it’s forms and love helping others find their happiness on two wheels.
Big props to Criterium Bike Shop in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They did not even hesitate when I walked in with my bike box and asked if they could get her put back together today. Of course it can be done – probably by 4. We’ll call you.
Unlike the chain bike store that told me they could work me in on Wednesday.
(Next time I will call in advance and have an appointment set up so it’s easier for everyone … I did feel bad walking in with a giant box. Lesson learned.)
Next time you head out, consider your local independent shop and spend your hard-earned money with people who genuinely care about you and your bike.
See you on the road!
wife. mother. awesome girl. 
Also keep in mind baggage and shipping fees next time you travel with your bike. Sounds like you scored a pretty good deal this time, but next time it might be better to ship your bike to the bike shop (pre-arranged, of course!) and ship it back. If you’re like me you’ll want to use fedex or some other speedy-ship outfit to get the bike to where you’re going, and then use a slower and cheaper method to ship it home.
And yes, I love that shop.
Indeed my local shop was more about shipping it to a shop directly and arranging for them to put it back together. Or showing me how to box it right so I can do it myself. That’s the kind of care and service I’m talking about … But it’s still $100 or so to go that route and that’s just shipping costs.
Frontier does indeed let you fly your bike as a checked bag. It ended up being 52 pounds but they waived the $75 fee probably because I’m a Summit member this year. $35 to pack the bike, $45 to reassemble … Both sides. It does add up. I need to look up how much it would cost to just rent a bike out here in July. If its comparable or cheaper, sounds like EDM will have to stay home this summer.
Always. Excellent post