I got my bike a week early today. Whoopee!!! Performance Bike did a great job in getting it in sooner than expected and I couldn't be happier.

To answer RunningMommy- my friend at the LBS couldn't be happier about my trade in fact he had insisted in making sure that he found the right bike for me. As I had stated in previous post, 1. He wasn't open for business the first time I purchased and financed my bike with Performance. 2. He hadn't confirmed his financing company until yesterday. 3. Even with a "friend" discount I wouldn't have been able to afford their bikes w/out great financing options and a Customer guarantee program. I purchased my bike from Performance, but my friend will be doing the ongoing maintenance on my bike for "customer service and expertise reasons"

While I realise that LBS provide great customer service (and I'm sure you do too Running Mommy) you can pay for it out the wazoo! I have yet to find one LBS that fits my budget for biking accessories. In fact, my very first purchase for cycling shoes cost me $110. That same shoe cost $90 at REI and Performance. When my budget becomes more flexible,ie. getting a new job then I would be happy to consider the bike of my dreams from my friends shop. (Assuming they're still in business of course).

Another thing, as Catriona stated, I've learned the hard way.. do NOT mix friendship with business if you can help it. That kind of money passing hands is a large business transaction in my book.

NOW. Anyone wanna see my bike pics tomorrow? I named it "Song" because it hums along smoothly.