I do like visiting the LBS, but while they're very helpful, and more than willing to answer my questions, I'm never sure that they're not just filling me with sales pitch: selling stuff is the whole reason to be in the retail business, after all.

If the sales person tells you this bike is good, this bike (which looks the same) is better (like $250 better) and you ask why, it helps to know what that vague answer means, when the guy says "it's the components." When asking "what's that mean" it helps to know what derailleurs are (I can spell it, at least!) and why one kind is better than another....

That's what makes this place a good place to stop on the way to my LBS!!!

(I'm still trying to talk DH into a pair of slicks for my bike!)

Karen in Boise