I have two go to bike stores and a third that I visit on occasion. The first one is where I bought my bike and where they do all of my mechanical work. They carry a wide range of bikes, helmets, shoes, socks , gloves and helmets but not much clothing. They are definitely road and racing oriented with a secondary interest in mountain biking. They sponsor several local rides, host two weekly rides and are around at the charity rides with several mechanics and sweep riders. While I haven't made a significantly huge purchase from them recently, I do make a point of going in frequently to eyeball the bikes, and they know that I will eventually be ordering my madone build from them when I get enough saved up. They know my bike and will take a moment to do a quick adjustment if I ride in off the road. I also go to them as the are the closest for gu and gel and other nutritional stuff and chamois butter. These are the guys that get the batch of homemade cookies or 6 pack of home brew from time to time because they take such good care of my bike.

The second bike store is a lot further away and is actually more of a tri bike store with swimming and running but they do carry interesting clothing and fun bits and bobs like knog frog lights and jingle dingle bells. Fun eye candy. Plus they used to have a womens group that I used to ride with.

The third is just one I visit off and on when I am in the area. They are ok but seem rather bothered and flustered if I ask any technical questions. They are mostly into commuter/urban biking and mountain biking and don't actually carry very many road or higher end bikes but it is good to go in and eyeball the stuff.

I am lucky to have a choice.