Originally Posted by
njkayaker
Again, keep in mind that Walmart, etc, can sell bicycles cheaply because they don't have to pay to support being able to service them! The LBS isn't really in the business of making Walmart more profitable (and service fees are not enough to keep a business running).
Note that this is part of the reason BikesDirect can sell so cheaply.
Many of their customers go to LBSs to determine the size of the bike they need and buy a BikesDirect's bike with that knowlege. That is, they have the benefits of a brick-and-mortar shop without the cost of running that shop.