In my particular situation, there are two bike shops, actually on the same street within 5 minutes of driving distance from each other! However they carry different brands. I personally like one over the other because of the experience. I have not bought a bike from either (I got mine from the LBS when I went to school at), but I regularly attend the shop group rides and attend LBS events/gatherings for one of them. I went to the other one, and my initial visit was not a good one, and so I never went back.

As for the other one that I *do* go to, they do give me discounts every now and then, and do go out of their way to help me. I definitely DO feel bad sometimes though when I find something I want that they carry that I can get for cheaper elsewhere/online, but I at least do the courtesy of asking them if they can match. Regardless, they're still great, and I do plan that when I have a job and definitely a more stable income to give them more of my business, other than the occasional couple packs of Shot Blocks/accessories I have not been a victim of guilt trips, and do not foresee it happening.