Mountain Biking - Another LBS/Internet thread

Alright, i have been reading alot about how i should definitely buy everything from my lbs and i completely agree. My problem is that im 14 and i dont have a job, or much money at that. I think im going to buy a Marzocchi MX Pro ETA fork. Now, the MSRP of it is i think $430. The deal on pricepoint is $260. I really do want to buy it from my LBS but, i dont want to go in there, ask what there price for the fork is and then leave, just to come back a week later with it on my bike. So basically what im asking is should I ask the lbs first, or should i buy it on the internet and maybe they just won't notice my new fork for a while if i dont ask at all. Im really not trying to be sneaky or anything but like i said, im 14 and dont have a job and money is a major issue. I think i would be able to install the fork myself. Please tell me what you think. -Joe

Call the LBS and ask them how much it costs... When possible I would support the LBS, but if you don't have any money, buy it from pricepoint, and then go into your LBS and buy a lower ticket item, a light, a lock or anything else you might need. That should balance your conscience until you can afford to do more serious shopping in the LBS. :D

You shouldn't be blamed for wanting the best deal out there! When you grow up and get a family, house, bills, etc. you'll still have a hard time paying for bikes and parts...and researching the best deal. That's a fact of life. Bike shops really are great for service, maintainance and emergency parts (that is, if they are any good {mine isn't but I won't go off on that tangent**). People that are smart like you and know to shop around shouldn't feel guilty about paying the best price, even if it's through a catalog. You'll still end up giving your lbs some business. That's what competition is all about in the business world. And consumers in general will go for the best price, given equal quality parts.