Thought this op-ed was interesting and will be curious to hear others' reactions to it. As someone who buys nearly everything else online, I still appreciate being able to test ride and the service provided by an LBS. However, I don't want to be chained to buying bikes this way only. My last three bikes were bought otherwise:

1. Used Trek roadie: purchased off eBay
2. Used Jamis MTB: purchased from a TEer (Thanks, Catrin!)
3. New Bike Friday: purchased direct from the company

Anyway, here's the piece: http://bicycletimesmag.com/opinion-let-me-be-direct/