Some of the posts in this thread are probably based more on emotion than logic.

The idea that you can buy anything on the Internet for 1/3 of what is sells in any LBS is a complete fantacy. Mark-up are nowhere near that high.

The only `deals` I`ve seen offerred on the Internet foe `new` parts have been for OE parts. Thats Original Equipment parts from bikes that have been bought in lots and stripped down and sold off as parts. That means chains have been shortened and steering tubes cut and unless you know exactly what you`re buying - it may not fit when you get it.

But aside from that - every dealer I know has a catalogue and will order anything that interests you. How is that any different than Internet shopping? In my area two of the major distributors are in the same city and delivery in next day. One supplier delivers free of charge.

In the long run I suspect that lots of people deal over the Internet simply because they don`t have to or want to interact with anyone to do it. I`ve heard a few comments about attitudes of personnel in some of the local shops. From the point of view of someone that works at a number of shops - there are lots of times that I have to bite my tongue because of some of the attitudes of some customers. Just look at some of the posts that go on in this forum!

And in the long run people spend more money more consistantly at the grocery store than they do at any bicycle store - on or off the Internet. Not only is the business seasonal - the average client doesn`t buy a bike every year. and spends less on maintenance and tune-ups than they do on beer.