"can't do that" -- to me, that makes it no longer a local bike shop. It's Big Retail.

I would write a letter to the BMFIC (big person in charge) of said chain... prob'ly can figure it out online and if in doubt send the letter to several people - and of course send it also to the original place/person... to register your complaint. You might get some compensation for being ripped off then; I'd tell 'em I rode a lot and mention that if *they* ride at all they know how much cyclists talk about their gear, and you would *like* to be able tosay positive things, but now you can't say that either on rides or in those emails real bike riders are always sending each other...