I routinely avoid Supergos, Performance, etc. like the plague. We used to have only independent shops, but slowly (like amoebas) the chains are moving in.

I *finally* found a good lbs. It is a small, independent, hole-in-the-wall been here forever shop. (drum roll) They fixed my shifting! One of my springs was broken, the others were worn out (10 years, I'd expect that!), the changed cables & it shifts like a dream! And cheaper than any other shop in town too! PLUS,they told me that the cables will stretch so bring it back in anytime & they'd adjust it again while I wait (I think I know that adjustment, though, so I can pass).

The big chains have bought up several independents. When I mentioned to one of them that I thought that was a shame, they just didn't understand it! They said that people drove hundreds of miles from Tucson to Phoenix to save $$ at their shop. Like that is all there is...

I had my custom bike made at a really small LBS. Then, the owner started expanding. Guess what? His service went into the toilet, his salespeople were clueless and his stock was worthless. They were eventually bought out by Supergo.

OK, rant off.