Originally posted by echidna
Hopefully the irony isn't lost on anyone here that this forum is sponsored by a really great e-commerce site that is, by our logic, killing your local bike shop.

~and~


...But if what you want is great mechanical and race support - buy those same tubes and jerseys online at half that price or less, spend the money you're saving to in shop fees at a LBS with a trustworthy mechanic...
I usually stay out of these discussions since I work in a shop

I just wanted to say that I , personally, don't feel our shop is threatened by TE. TE doesn't sell bikes or components. They don't drastically undercut their prices (in fact their prices are pretty similar to most LBS'). What TE does offer, in my mind, is a great service to women who ride. There is just no way our tiny little shop, in our tiny little town, has the floor space, the capital, nor the customers to justify carrying that many brands/styles and sizes in women's cycling clothing.

And now for our PSA: It's ok to save money on stuff mail-order. Just don't buy components and accessories on-line and then expect your LBS to install/help you with them for free.

(I probably don't need to post that here, after all these years of working in shops, I've never had a woman come in and try that little trick, but you'd be surprised what men will try....)