Eastern Canada - Purchasing online accessories?

I've STFA, and poked around commuting, vintage, etc. And I still have some questions. I think my 1990mountain bike can take full fenders. I know some of you purchase fenders and other accessories from LBS but I like ordering online too. What do us Canadians do when we want to order bike accessories online? I'm taking parts such as full fenders, city slicks, reflectors, blinkies. EBay? Online stores? Or forget-about-it the online route is just not worth it.

What are your thoughts?

I generally buy at the LBS or MEC. I like to touch the item.

I just discovered MEC. Once the store in burlington opens I'm going to pay them a visit.

Don't shop at MEC if you actually like to support the industry.

Don't shop at MEC if you actually like to support the industry.

Expand on that? Do they squeeze the suppliers too much?

i shop LBS, if they don't have it then i go online.
and usually wiggle uk has the best gears.

Don't shop at MEC if you actually like to support the industry.

I'm curious how they hurt the industry (and which industry).

I'm curious how they hurt the industry (and which industry).

I think Operator (correct me if I'm wrong) is trying to say that MEC is able to sell there stuff cheaper then the LBS, I find that most items are close to 40% cheaper at MEC. This has an impact on what the LBS can carry because if you know that your LBS has the tires you want for $50 and MEC has the same thing for $30, where are you going to go?

I think I'll buy accessories at MEC but I will continue to use the LBS for bikes, repairs and tune ups.
How is that for a compromise?

online is far less expensive if you know exactly what you want. I'll often check a few local LBSs for the "feel" and info...if I can find a better price on line then I will go on line. BUT...There is something to be said for the ability to go back to an LBS if something goes wrong where online it can be nightmare-ish. Prices are getting very competitive where my fav LBS (www.wheelsofbloor.com) had a better pirice on a set of pedals.

lastly when getting the price on line keep shipping and duty in mind as a great deal and often turn to a loss if those 2 factors are jacked up

GL

online is far less expensive if you know exactly what you want. I'll often check a few local LBSs for the "feel" and info...
GL

That just seems wrong ... taking advantage of the LBS to check out the product hands on and then purchasing on line for the better price.

For what it's worth, my LBS in Peterborough will match MEC prices, but they don't stock some of the items that MEC does. So, I buy on line if I'm anxious to get the product within a week. (Since I live in the boonies, the gas used to get to the LBS just about equals the shipping costs with MEC.) Ordering an item through my LBS can take two weeks. But I do prefer "hands on" and the conversation and advice I get from the staff at my LBS.

Mike

MEC is over priced, they are okay, if you don't mind to pay a little extra

MEC is over priced, they are okay, if you don't mind to pay a little extra

Overpriced? compared to what/where?

compared to cycle solutions, and to wiggle co uk, and some other online retailers, and specially ebay.

if you know what you are looking for, check ebay first, they have brand new items for half the price you'll pay at wiggle, or LBS, and definitely MEC

MEC selection on bikes stuff are kinda limited, well at least the Toronto branch.

50% of the accessories i've purchased has been mostly Online, since most LBS don't have it, or takes too long to restock it back, so i always ends up buying online.

I can understand your opinion but in the end they make their prices and if you can get better why wouldnt you? Its not as if they feel bad for you having to pay more...its just business

compared to cycle solutions, and to wiggle co uk, and some other online retailers, and specially ebay.

if you know what you are looking for, check ebay first, they have brand new items for half the price you'll pay at wiggle, or LBS, and definitely MEC.

You're talking about eBay as if it were an individual store... remember that you're dealing with lots of different sellers. They choose their prices, and you don't know whether you're dealing with someone reputable or whether you'll get ripped off, or whether they offer any kind of customer service in case you ordered the wrong thing. MEC is better than that on service, and so is any LBS worth its salt. eBay might be cheaper, but also riskier.

Also buying from Uk or ebay means possibility of duty. Mec is in Canada so no duty. I have bought from them, but haven't been in one of those stores. (Burlingtons isn't open yet)

Actually quite often it isn't duty, but handling for inspecting the package - normally from the states, I get stuff from Hong Kong with no checks or extra fee, but stuff from the states (toys my wife buys) gets checked and has extra charges added.

www.probikekit.com