LBS vs discount prices

[blackhillsbiker]

I got a new bike recently :) and I've recently had some accessories put onto it. I could've gotten them quite a bit cheaper on Amazon or some such place, but I've heard it is tough to get things onto a disc brake bike. The LBS guy (it's a small shop, just the owner and one employee) put them on for me with no labor charges. Also put my Topeak rack and Ergon bars onto the new bike with no charge. Am I crazy, in this economy wherein we are all pinching pennies until they scream, to pay more. In my mind, I'm glad the shop is there (the other dedicated bike shop in town is terrible, and the only other one is a department in a large sporting goods store), so I feel like I should support him when I can.

Deb

[Tri Girl]

You're not crazy, Deb. My bike shop feeds a lot of employee's families, so I shop there most often. Plus- if he goes out of business- I'm screwed because it's the only shop in the city that I truly trust.
Now, I DID just buy a new cassette online because it was about $80 cheaper than the bike shop, and I bought tires online because my shop doesn't sell them and said he probably couldn't order them . Other than a few random things, I buy mostly from him.
Supporting our local shops not only helps small business owners, it helps your local economy. I'm all about that!!! :)

[Aggie_Ama]

I buy from the LBS and it has paid off. I hadn't bought a bike from them but this summer when I bought my mountain bike they ordered and expensive model they do not stock and required no deposit or obligation to buy. This gave me a lot of piece of mind and since I ride a small size it is not something they could sell easily. I also get a lot of small labor for free and discounted labor. I could get things cheaper online but having a good relationship with the LBS never hurts.

Now I don't go there for clothes but they don't stock a lot of women's clothing I like.

[MartianDestiny]

No you aren't crazy.

Occasionally I will buy something online on an impulse. Normally because it's severely discounted (over 50% off).

When I need something or am saving for something I go to my local shop. By the time I factor in the added shipping cost + some value for my time and headache to get it all working (assuming it's parts) + the 15% discount off everything in the shop (club discount) the shop isn't any more expensive. Plus they are awesome people and my bike always runs flawlessly (something I doubt I could achieve myself).

The last thing I bought online (and the only thing this year, excepting some shorts I got from REIoutlet at an absurd deal) was actually 2 TE jerseys, because I liked them and obviously I wasn't going to get them at the local shop. Everything else has been ordered through the local guys. I haven't felt like I've been had or could have gotten it ridiculously cheaper somewhere else yet.

[blackhillsbiker]

He did tweak my stem height, and give her a "mini tune-up" while he had her there to put the fenders on. I'm worried about all our local favorite shops. They can't deeply discount like the big box stores do, but they know their customers and merchandise. Their expertise can't be replaced. I'm afraid we're losing them to better prices and less service/knowledge.

Deb

[KnottedYet]

I love my LBS. I'll usually look for stuff online, window shopping. Then I go to the LBS to buy it. If they don't have it, I ask them to order it for me. A couple times they've said they couldn't get me something, but they've offered something else which made me just as happy.

I don't mind the wait for ordered things; since I'd be waiting if I ordered them myself anyway. I don't mind paying a bit more because their economic survival is important to me. They get to make a profit, I get my goodie, and if I have a problem with the item they help me.

And I give them beer... :D

Feel the love!

[redrhodie]

I love my LBS. I'll usually look for stuff online, window shopping. Then I go to the LBS to buy it. If they don't have it, I ask them to order it for me. A couple times they've said they couldn't get me something, but they've offered something else which made me just as happy.

I don't mind the wait for ordered things; since I'd be waiting if I ordered them myself anyway. I don't mind paying a bit more because their economic survival is important to me. They get to make a profit, I get my goodie, and if I have a problem with the item they help me.

And I give them beer... :D

Feel the love!

I could have written this post! I love my lbs.

[Crankin]

I guess I am the anomaly. I generally support local businesses and I did buy my bike at the local lbs (where I believe they scoped me out as someone who would pay the crazy amount of $ I spent on it). The shop caters mostly to racers, but they do carry a decent line of all type of Giant bikes, along with a lot of "boutique" brands. But, I buy everything else online. Well, I buy the clothes on line, since I won't spend $40.00 on a pair of gloves (the shop's price) or $150.00 for a jersey. I will spend good money, but pretty much, I started buying at Terry when I started cycling, because they carry my size (x small) and a lot of places don't. I also buy from TE.
DH buys all of his parts, our tubes, etc. on line. He is an expert mechanic and we don't have to go to the shop for usual and most complicated maintenance or repairs. We do go to the shop for emergency type supplies, a tube here and there, or when our disc brakes on the mountain bikes break, because we don't have tools for those. My DH had to learn the mechanics when our son was racing; it was getting financially prohibitive to bring the bike in every time he needed something, after crashes, etc.
Now, if I wasn't married to a mechanical genius, I would work really hard to develop a good relationship with a shop mechanic. I feel that i was not treated that well by 2 of the 4 other shops I have dealt with, and they mostly spoke only to DH. The place I bought my Jamis was really cool, but it is not close enough for me to go there on a regular basis. I do run in to another LBS for small stuff, which is just as close as the one where I bought my bike. They are more family oriented, carry a wide variety of brands, and my son used to work there, so they know me well. But, the clothes are expensive and so are the parts.
We have referred quite a few people to the shop where we bought our bikes to buy bikes, and he will thank us, but that's about it.

[blackhillsbiker]

I guess I am the anomaly. I generally support local businesses and I did buy my bike at the local lbs (where I believe they scoped me out as someone who would pay the crazy amount of $ I spent on it). The shop caters mostly to racers, but they do carry a decent line of all type of Giant bikes, along with a lot of "boutique" brands.
There is one LBS I won't support here. The service/salespeople are terrible unless you are out to spend major $$. If not, you are just an inconvenience and relegated to the high school guy who works part time on weekends, if you can get him away from his friends long enough to get a bike down for you. Then you're on your own. They used to be a great shop, but they changed hands and everyone who was decent left.

[OakLeaf]

My opinion? In this economy, you'd be crazy to spend your money anywhere but locally.

Why in the world would I send any more of the money that's desperately needed where I live, to already-wealthy corporate executives and faraway places?

[Owlie]

The shop where I bought my bike is a 40-minute drive away, and I don't have a car, so when/if I can get there is dependent on other people. Would I like to spend money there? Yes, as they're nice guys and they do a good job. Even my bike shop-snob boyfriend (who spent the entire trip there holding his front wheel and saying "I doubt they have the appropriate equipment to true my billion-dollar wheel...") was impressed. Getting there, though, is just not practical. This means I do a lot of my shopping at a) another LBS, b) Performance, or c) online. Both the other LBS and Performance are accessible by bus (and as a student, I get an unlimited-use RTA pass for $25).

Most of the stuff I've purchased since buying my bike has been clothing or small accessories (computer, tail light). I bought my first pair of shorts at Performance (their house brand), but I've bought all the rest of my clothes online. The bike shops here have relatively limited selections of women's clothes, and what they do have is not something I'm willing to pay for--I don't NEED $70 shorts just yet. I have enough disposable income to bike, but I don't have enough that I can afford to pay shop prices for things I can get online for less.

Bottom line: Clothes I'll buy online. I feel more comfortable buying parts from the LBS.

[tctrek]

+1 on supporting your local bike shop. We go in our LBS and it's like visiting family. I know I can trust their advice and even if I don't buy anything, they know I'll be back. It's a win-win.

[Kiwi Stoker]

If I can buy locally I will.

However because NZ doesn't stock everything if there's something I need/want I cannot get here I buy it online. For example 700c 28 tyres for our tandem. Cycle clothing that's not just boring plain colours etc.

I totally understand that the market here and Australia is too small to have everything, so sadly the LBS will miss out.

[Crankin]

I have never felt like I was visiting family at any LBS I have bought bikes at. And while it IS better to support local shops, they just charge outrageous prices. Is supporting the extremely wealthy owner of the LBS where I bought my bike any better than supporting a wealthy owner in another city or state? This guy is loved by many, but disliked by just as large of a contingent. One of my physicians keeps going in there to look at bikes, and he is constantly being shown bikes that cost 10-15K, just because he is a doctor. He stopped looking. I have not experienced any of the special treatment I've read about here at any shop, large, small, family owned, or part of a local chain. Frankly, I am glad I don't have to deal with it, the same way I am glad I don't shop at department stores anymore and deal with them.

[tulip]

How did they know he was a doctor? Did he go in with a lab coat or something? Or do they ask you what your profession is?

I don't buy much stuff. Once a year I buy about 6 tubes for my Bike Friday from the company in Oregon because you can't get those tubes locally. I bought one jersey from TE this year, and it was one of the contest ones. But I don't buy other stuff. I don't need it.

Eventually I'll have to take my bikes in for some more serious maintenance than I do on my own, and that will be to a local shop. But none of them know me and they certainly don't know what I do. As if being a city planner would make an impression on anyone! (except for crazycanuck, of course)

[bluejellybean]

I fully support my LBS, I love the service and extra care, and shopping locally...however....when I can get something for a great discount, something unique that I can't get elsewhere, or anything he can't get in, it's online all the way...that being said, does anyone have any great websites you can share for gear, equipment, clothing, parts...

[blackhillsbiker]

My LBS doesn't sell clothing, except for some gloves, so I do shop online for some things: sierratradingpost.com, the outlet at rei.com, 6pm.com (I just found this one), the bargain cave at cabelas.com and campmor.com for basic outdoor gear – these are my favorites.

Deb

[KnottedYet]

I buy a lot of stuff right here at teamestrogen.com

(thank you, Susan!)

Great customer service! You can call and ask them to measure an item for you (like my favorite: will it fit my huge butt?) and the returns are easy easy easy to handle. I've never had a bad experience.

[crazycanuck]

Tulip-yup, you've made a good impression on this URP student :)

We shop at two bike shops in Perth & they know us very well. (we once joked that some of our pay should go to them monthly..:p :rolleyes::o ). HOwever, sometimes suppliers can't get the items to the shops for some odd reason & that the quickest way to get them is online.

There's one exception...SIDI"s-%*%*%**% Perth bike shops never carry a size 38.5 :mad: plus they rarely have XS mtb's :mad: grrr..

Good thing for TE! Oh & the AWESOME AUS-US $$ exchange rate atm :D (keep going up pleeeease!!!)

For another perspective..http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=17868

[Cataboo]

Meh. I bought a bike once at a LBS paying retail - it didn't fit - but was told it did. Basically they had very few models for short people, I think. On craigslist or ebay, I can buy bikes cheaper and whether or not they fit is purely my own responsibility and I can't blame anyone else. I prefer cheaper bikes.

I can't say I've found any of my local bike shops overly knowledgable or useful or helpful. I like one slightly more than the other, so I do go there occasionally when I need something like a chain or rim tape - something that it doesn't make sense for me to pay the shipping on. If I am going to have to pay full price - I will go to my local bike shop and pay it there. If I'm going to only save $5-10 from buying online, then no, I'm not going to bother buying online. If I can get 50% off... then yeah, I am buying it online. Quite often I buy from small sellers on ebay - and yes, they are someone's local bike shop somewhere. They may not be my local bike shop, but they are a local bike shop.

I don't particularly feel any loyalty or like there's some great knowledge source I'm getting from either of my local bike shops.

[Crankin]

Tulip, given that the shop is in Concord and you know the peculiarities of New England small towns, the fact that he is a doctor at the local hospital up the street probably just comes up in conversation. This is the shop where I had an experience very much like Catriona's. I bought a bike that really did not fit me and they tried to convince me otherwise. When I researched and came armed with information, they got a little nervous because i constantly kept coming back, alone, with my DH, and once with my exchange student son who was a pro at the time... they realized that every time I was in the shop I knew someone else in there; not only people from Concord and the 2 other surrounding towns that I lived in, but I actually knew a lot of the local racers from when my son raced in high school. So, they were "happy" to exhange my frame for one that fit, but I had to do the research for the narrow, short/shallow bars, R700 shifters and tell them to put them on my new frame (and I paid for those). I am happy with my bike now, but the process took two years!
The last time I was in there, the owner noticed me talking to yet another racer I knew, and my DH leaned over and said to him, "You know, she knows everyone in Concord, Acton, and Boxborough, so...."

[OakLeaf]

I guess if I knew any LBS with an extremely wealthy absentee owner, then I might think again. But all the LBS I know are somewhere on the scale between not having any employees, and not being completely sure where their employees' next paycheck is coming from. And even if the owner were taking most of the money out of state, they would still be creating jobs in my community, and paying property and payroll taxes.

I do shop at TE, only because my LBSs, being that small, just don't stock much of any clothing. The biggest ones have maybe 4-5 styles of women's shorts, the smaller shops less than that. TE is hardly the size of Performance Bike, and (this is an important point) although they do have specials, as a matter of policy they charge full retail, which means they're not undercutting anyone. In the case of clothing, for me it's not a choice between TE and LBS, it's a choice between mail order and driving 200 miles.

Parts and equipment, always the LBS. Even though I almost always do the installation myself and labor is really their lifeblood...

My local running shops are much better stocked, and I buy all my running shoes and almost all my clothing there.



(Which all reminds me, again, that I miss RunningMommy around here and wonder how she's doing. But the ride schedule at her shop's website (http://www.estrellamountaincyclery.com/ride/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=61) was just updated last week :) so I guess they're hanging in there.)

[azfiddle]

I'm a newish rider (3 mile trips to the store until June of this year). My closest bike shop is a Performance Bikes outlet, less than a mile from the house. Everyone there is friendly and has given good service to us. Although I didn't get a really expensive road bike, they listened to what I wanted, fit me to the correct size bike, didn't try to sell me something more than I could afford but explained why they didn't recommend I get the absolute entry-level road bike they had in stock. I have been very happy with every accessory I've added over the last few months that I purchased there, often with the employees' suggestions.

I've stopped in at the next closest shop, but it carries many fewer accessories and clothes, and since I already have the bike, I haven't been back recently.

My husband has dealt with a lot of the other shops in town- and has had very good service from one in particular that rebuilt a wheel for his Dahon for him.

[tulip]

Tulip, given that the shop is in Concord and you know the peculiarities of New England small towns, the fact that he is a doctor at the local hospital up the street probably just comes up in conversation. ...

Well, no, I don't really know the peculiarities of small New England towns. I lived in Cambridge; hardly a small town even back then. And Newton, where I lived for only one year, is hardly a small town, either. But yeah, that's pretty tacky to assume he'll buy a $10k bike. Oh well, better luck elsewhere.

[ginny]

I try to buy locally. Fortunately, but LBS is fabulous! They can usually order whatever I'm looking for in for just barely more than I would pay on line, and with shipping vs. tax, it's almost a wash. The extra couple of bucks I spend on small things is worth having a trusted place to take my babies (I mean bikes) when I can't solve my own problems. Having said this, I think I'll probably buy my next bike from Margo (fingers crossed that I can afford a Luna!), and they don't carry brooks saddles, but they have to understand that a custom bike just fits better! I do send customers their way all the time...

[Crankin]

Ha, Tulip, it's funny how one's perspective changes... when I lived in Newton as a kid and young teen, it sure felt like a small town, albeit 6 miles from the city (I think because, it was like, everybody knows your name, even when the population is 80,000).
Now it feels like the city and I can hardly stand to drive there.
Oakleaf, the wealthy owner of the LBS isn't absentee; he lives right here in town and opened his shop about 4 years ago, after owning a very successful shop in Cambridge for many years (it's still open). He is in the shop most of the time. I guess I just haven't had any warm and fuzzy experiences in any LBS. I also don't pay full price for much of anything; once in awhile here on TE, but mostly I buy from the sale section here.
The one LBS I went to that had a really funky vibe and I loved the sales guy moved across the street into new, modern, bigger digs. I am guessing it doesn't feel so funky anymore. It's not quite close enough for me to run over there, but not far enough away to preclude a visit once in awhile (about 12-15 miles). That might have also had to do with the fact that I went there to buy my Jamis Coda and he didn't approach me with any "roadie" expectations or BS. It wasn't until later that I told him about my "other" bike.

[arielmoon]

I love my LBS and support them as much as possible. I tend to get my clothing items from other places since their selection is very limited. I got my Giro helmet on amazon cause I saved about $50 and got the color I wanted. Everything else comes from the LBS. It is like a big family there and they are very good to me. The mechanics are my friends and I cant think of better friends to have! :p

[Zen]

I don't particularly feel any loyalty or like there's some great knowledge source I'm getting from either of my local bike shops.
oh yeah? What about the time you need a bolt for your crank and Brian knew exactly what it was and gave it to you for free? Huh? Huh?

[shootingstar]

Good question.

I haven't ordered any material goods online..at all. For now, I'm not motivated to order anything online from a biz outside of Canada. For cycling, there's great apparel at TE and direct from the U.S. manufacturers, but my hankering is not so great that I would be willing to take the risk of customs brokerage fees...for anything I buy cycling or non-cycling oriented stuff. It's not a big deal ..we're running out of home physical space to even buy alot more of anything to store it somewhere in an accessible place. :o

So LBS is for bike gear/accessories, repairs and if I'm lucky cycling clothing at a reasonable price which is a pain for smaller women. I have found more luck from a chain Canadian-sporting goods shop (MEC) for this. I don't mind paying abit of markup since it is a supporting a Canadian biz nationally.

When we visit the U.S., I do go to local shops and if there is a bike show, will go there to look for cycling apparel, preferably at a discount that I can't get locally. So for me to buy from TE, I'll just have to wait next time..to get into Oregon or thereabouts and figure something out. :rolleyes:

So yea, I ordered a new Marathon plus tire from my LBS a few days ago. No urgency but I need it within the next few months.

[Geonz]

My LBS owner would *definitely* give a little extra time to a city planner... part of the whole advocacy thing. Alas, our city planners are allowed to say things -- but generally its advice not taken. The Deciders then say "after consulting, we decided..."

Bike shop owners & employees are sometimes a little lacking in the marketing and social skills departments, and sometimes things get a little bike-geeky in there. I still support 'em - and even make a point to almost always pay cash, not credit, so they don't get that 3% sucked off the top. (Since I'm often rung up at wholesale, and sometimes they forget to charge labor, I think I should...)

[Cataboo]

oh yeah? What about the time you need a bolt for your crank and Brian knew exactly what it was and gave it to you for free? Huh? Huh?

That was after he sold me the wrong spoke wrench despite telling him which brand of wheels I have (there's a shimano specific tool)

But that's why I bought a $70 free hub from Brian instead of getting it online.

[ny biker]

I prefer to buy stuff at my LBS whenever I can. Their service is great so I want to support them. I'm pretty sure the owners are not rich. They're a married couple with 2 kids who are very active in the day-to-day management of the their 2 stores, and they opened them because they love cycling. They also are hugely supportive of cycling in the community, including sponsorship of Trips for Kids Metro DC as well as local races and charity rides.

There are plenty of bike shops that are closer to where I live, but they're worth a bit of a drive.

My second favorite place to shop is Team Estrogen, because they also have great service.

[Owlie]

The LBS at home is not somewhere I'd want to spend money, at least, not at the particular store I went to. I went when I was trying to decide between the road bike and a hybrid. The guy looked me up and down and dragged out the hybrid. Yeah.

[Zen]

That was after he sold me the wrong spoke wrench despite telling him which brand of wheels I have (there's a shimano specific tool)


But there's more than one Shimano specific tool. Ammi rite?
I remember talking to him about that:p

[zia]

I want to like my LBS, but when their prices on accessories are !twice! what I'd pay online, it's difficult to justify shopping there. So I travel two towns over to a place with better prices. And less slimey salespeople. :o So I guess I'm still shopping "local." Somewhat.

Still, I'd rather have my LBS on the corner than another nail salon or Chinese take-out place. They sponsor many rides and provide support at races. I think our community is better with them here than with them gone.

[Cataboo]

But there's more than one Shimano specific tool. Ammi rite?
I remember talking to him about that:p

Only one shimano spoke wrench pops up when I google it made by diff brands. Park makes one, it does 4.3 and 4.4 mm. Shimano makes 1 model spoke wrench for their wheel. Nashbar makes 1 model.

Either way, I told them the exact wheel make and model I needed it for. I'm assuming a bike shop somewhere has a handy dandy chart saying which tool to use.

and that's why I usually go to Bike doctor & not bicycle escape when I need something - he did give me a crank bolt. and the bike escape guy when I was asking about riding in the area was telling me to ride baker park. He'd been asking me how much I ride and the rest of that, but maybe I looked too chubby for the mileage I told him I was doing? And while Baker park is nice, it's not something that I'd ride regularly for a workout.

[tulip]

I think there's a misconception about LBS. "Your LBS" does not have to the the closest bike shop to you. I consider any independent bike shop to be an LBS. I go to the ones that I like, not the ones that are closest to me. My favorite is Proteus in College Park, Maryland, but I don't get there much because I live 125 miles away. But if I were in the market for a new bike, I'd go there to get it. Unless I wanted a Surly, then I'd go to the shop nearest my house because they are a Surly dealer. I go there for tubes for my Luna. And I'm going to get my roof rack at another independent shop in town because they stock Thule racks.

The point is that small, independent shops cannot exist without customers.

[Cataboo]

I think there's a misconception about LBS. "Your LBS" does not have to the the closest bike shop to you. I consider any independent bike shop to be an LBS. I go to the ones that I like, not the ones that are closest to me. My favorite is Proteus in College Park, Maryland, but I don't get there much because I live 125 miles away. But if I were in the market for a new bike, I'd go there to get it. Unless I wanted a Surly, then I'd go to the shop nearest my house because they are a Surly dealer. I go there for tubes for my Luna. And I'm going to get my roof rack at another independent shop in town because they stock Thule racks.

The point is that small, independent shops cannot exist without customers.

If I'm in that area, I do grab odds and ends at Proteus.

[Becky]

I'm assuming a bike shop somewhere has a handy dandy chart saying which tool to use.

If there's one out there, no one's showed it to me. Most of the time, we Google it or go to the manufacturer's webpage... The QBP catalog has some good advice on parts and tools as well.

[Cataboo]

If there's one out there, no one's showed it to me. Most of the time, we Google it or go to the manufacturer's webpage... The QBP catalog has some good advice on parts and tools as well.

Oh, I ended up googling it - I was just by the bike shop and figured that since none of the 6 spoke wrenches I had fit these wheels, I'd pop in to see if they had what fit. I figured shimano wheels weren't exactly a rarity or an unsual item. So they sold me some spoke wrench after I'd told them I needed the shimano one and none of mine fit - it didn't fit either, so I ended up buying one from nashbar or something like that.

[Trek420]

The point is that small, independent shops cannot exist without customers.

And our sport can't exist without them, their advice, support and help.

[OakLeaf]

Most of the time, we Google it or go to the manufacturer's webpage...

Just put a caliper on the nipple. You're not always going to know what brand of spokes they used.

[leithh]

I have never felt like I was visiting family at any LBS I have bought bikes at. And while it IS better to support local shops, they just charge outrageous prices. Is supporting the extremely wealthy owner of the LBS where I bought my bike any better than supporting a wealthy owner in another city or state? This guy is loved by many, but disliked by just as large of a contingent. One of my physicians keeps going in there to look at bikes, and he is constantly being shown bikes that cost 10-15K, just because he is a doctor. He stopped looking. I have not experienced any of the special treatment I've read about here at any shop, large, small, family owned, or part of a local chain. Frankly, I am glad I don't have to deal with it, the same way I am glad I don't shop at department stores anymore and deal with them.

My cousin lives in your fair city, Crankin, and I was visiting this past weekend. We drove by a bike shop that, from her description, MUST be your LBS...

[Running Mommy]

Ok, I just have to weigh in here. Hopefully those of you reading this realize that what I am about to write is from life as *I* see it. I'm not nor have I ever (imo) tried to sway people one way or the other... So hopefully I will not get a mailbox full of hate.
Here we go...

I honestly think that there is a place for both Internet shopping sites, and the brick and mortar store. But there is a line there that some people cross, and that's when the lbs folks get cranky.

First the internet. Ok, Susan has brought more to the market for those of us on the plus size that you even know. I have had two different clothing companies, and a wetsuit company tell me that SUSAN O from TE was the reason that they developed their plus size line. Or that she gave them advice. IMO that is huge! Not only is she a savvy biz owner, but she is helping us "adipose tissue" challenged athletes.
And because she has a bit less overhead (I would imagine??) she is able to bring in a lot more inventory than a typical shop ever could. I send women to TE all the time, because I would rather have my inventory dollars go to hardgoods rather than a jersey that may or may not sell.
Also, I may own a bike shop, but I have to watch my pennies. So when you can get Easton bars for less online than I can buy them at wholesale, I'm not going to beat you up for it! In fact I may suggest it to you. There's a group of items out there that you can just find cheaper online, and I understand that and don't mind helping you save a few dollars.
And this is where the BUT comes in....
(and the caveat here is that your lbs is owned by and employs nice people. If they are jerks then all bets are off)

If you do not have a history with the shop. Do not call them and announce straight away "I bought xxxxx on ebay, and I'm trying to install it. Do you have a mechanic that can tell me how.
- My mechanics are certified, and it takes a few thousand dollars to do that. So their expertise is not free. And I pay them by the hour whether they are working on a customers bike or chatting on the phone.

When looking for new components, at least give yourt lbs a chance to earn your business. We try to price match the internet as much as possible, or at least come in the ballpark.
Also personally I will tell you if I know it can be had for less than I pay for it. I may also warn you that the ones you see online are a previous years model with known flaws, or things we see in the shop a lot. A particular crankset comes to mind.

Realize that your local bike shop is keeping at least their family fed, and if they have employees, then there are even more folks you are supporting by giving them your business. And as for the rich absentee owners?? Wow. I've never really run into that in all of the owners I have met the last couple of years. Most are just like me, driving an old used car, and barely paying bills. Poor in the pocketbook, but rich in lifestyle and satisfaction. It is very very tough out there right now. Even the shops that have been around for decades are feeling the pinch. I've talked to more than a few who relied on a yearly bank loan to pay things off and get through the off season. But banks aren't lending as much, and credit lines are being cut. It is not easy even for the vets. So imagine how a rank newbie like me is feeling right now... ugh

Experience. Don't discount the fact that your lbs may have a knowledge in certain areas that could really help you. You can read reviews online all day about xxxx. But if the bike shop see's xxxx in all the time for repair or warranty issues, then they will give you the heads up when you ask their advice. Also if you are changing your drivetrain they may know little things that can help you or hurt you in your choices. Esp. if you are mixing old and new.

But again, there can be a happy balance. I guess I'm basically saying if you have an lbs that is worthy of your business- throw them a bone every once in awhile.
And not all online retailers are huge corporate conglomerates either. TE is the first that comes to mind, as does Trisports. There are more than a few that are a lot like a typical small biz owner, employing folks and helping out in their community. So why not support them as well??

Oh yes, and don't forget the community aspect. I spend a ton of time volunterring my services to schools, prodding the city managers to improve the roads and complete bike lanes, and donating to charities. So if you are civic minded, you may want to take that into account.

Ok to close, as I said in the beginning. Not all bike shops are run like I run my business. In fact that is the REASON I opened a shop in the first place. So if the owner/employees are rude, unhelpful, surly etc. don't give them your business. But I would think that problem would solve itself.
And if the owner seems nice, but the employees leave something to be desired, talk to the owner. I recently had a complaint about my manager for things he did when I was not there. It was delt with swiftly.

But as said, I think we can both exist peacefully.

[Cataboo]

Runningmommy, I think most of us would love to have a shop like yours near us.

[kenyonchris]

I would like to have RunningMommy down the street.
My LBS supports our PD. They never fail to discount anything i buy, whether it is for my personal bikes or for the PD. They service my bikes quickly and well. They are friendly and don't treat me like an idiot, even though I'm not a bike mechanic and not a race rider. All in all, I like em. They came out for our bike race and cheered.
So I would rather support them than an online store, and I never buy any bike stuff from a discount shop. Ever. Actually, I try to buy NOTHING from discount shops.

[blackhillsbiker]

I've had my new bike into the LBS a bunch of times for minor tweaks in the past few weeks. He's within riding distance (poor guy, lol). He has adjusted the gears, changed the stem height a skosh, put on fenders... It's just him and one employee and they are both very good. He will put together bikes bought on the internet, but he does it by appointment, and charges for labor and tweaking.

Deb

[spindizzy]

My coach owns a small studio (sells GURU bikes exclusivel;y) and sells some other stuff- aerobars, wheel sets, tires, saddles, polar stuff, and Vega nutritonal products. He lives 45 min bike ride away.

My LBS is 5 minutes from my house. Nice shop - a bit more expensive. I bought my bike there and have it serviced there. LBS is inolved in community fundraising as well, so supporting them seems logical and important, Sometimes, I will just stop in to chat. No high pressure sales; and they will adjust fix my bike in an instant. They have started carrying some more women's specific stuff with my suggestion. And it is selling.

TE is awesome. I ordered some Tifosi sunglasses this year; they sent the wrong interchangable lenses. I didn't even realize it until they sent me the ones that were supposed to come with them. That is service!

I get my tires at Pricepoint, on-line. More than 50% cheaper than LBS, coach doesn't carry them (Hutchinson Fusion).

So I spend my life..feeling a bit guilty when I buy on-line, feeling a bit guilty when I buy from my coach, LBS etc. I try to spread it around. Now local running shop has gone under. I feel like a vulture, but I hope to get a couple pair of my favourtie running shoes at 50% off - am going there today.

[mudmucker]

I love my LBS, and I try to stay faithful to them. The owner likes me a lot and in fact one late afternoon, he gave ME beer. They have a keg out back for the employees after hours, and he goes out and pours me a draft and brings it out. Now that's a bike shop! I'll buy bike parts more inexpensively online as I do my own wrenching. But I will save out as many purchases as I can and get it from the LBS when I roll through as they are a half hour from me. The staff greet me with open arms when I walk through and treat me like family. And you better believe I'll buy my bikes there. They often don't have the bike shorts and some other apparel I favor. But TE always does.