Originally Posted by longwave

Thank-you for taking the time to reply. I cannot however agree with your arguments. Yes Norco is easy for the LBS's to deal with. That's why so many bike retailers stock their junk. My point remains that little choice is offered the consumer as a result. What if you don't like what Norco stocks? As you say Axiom panniers are garbage...at any price point. My local LBS stocks only that brand. So..the consumer gets screwed again. For me a LBS that goes the extra mile by stocking quality items and provides good after sales support is going to be the one that gets my business. I'm tired of this one size fits all mentality. I stand by my original statement. If you are going to put pump pegs on a bike and it's brand new then make sure accessories are available to fit it otherwise don't include them. Norco just looks rediculous as a result. I will never by another Norco product if I can help it. Looks like it's MEC, REI or the internet from now on. As a general rule I find that most bike shops don't stock much touring gear. What they do have is cheap and inadequate for all but the mildest useage. Oh well I'm sure I can find a retailer that caters to my taste in bike and gear, it's just most likely going to be outside of Canada.

Regards,
GregT