Oh, we've always had a Performance in our state...so no saving on tax for us!

To clarify, the 'big' LBS is still a small local store. They just happen to be the most visable in our area (until Performance moved in).

I think the reason we have issues with that LBS and their prices is that they charge nearly double what you can find online (at major retailers) for the identical saddles, lights, pedals, helmets and a few other things. It's beyond ridiculous. Clothing and bikes?...totally reasonable (maybe a bit higher...but understandable). It's just those few things that are WAY out of line. Our theory is that they nail the newbie who gets the bike and then 'needs' all that other stuff immediately and doesn't think to research first. They get you with add-ons. Of course, the experienced cyclist either already has that stuff, or they know what they want and what they should pay, so they aren't the ones getting nailed (and they ARE the vocal ones in the local scene) so it doesn't really get noticed all that much. I think because we are recent 'newbies' we are a bit more sensitive to it!!

Just our theory on it all....we still do business with both local shops whenever we can! Oh, we also just got an REI a month ago as well...so the local shops better get their act together!