We have 2 stores here in town (they're both within 5-7 miles of eachother). The employees are very nice but their knowledge is quite limited. I asked a few of them if they ride and maybe 30% of them own a bike?

They just work with SUCH a large volume. After I picked up my bike I got locked out of my car and they let me sit inside. In the 2-3 hours I sat there I saw maybe 25 unique customers buying atleast 2-3 accessories each. The employees were ringing up the register like crazy and this was a normal day.

When I wanted to get a new stem I took it to my LBS and they were so much more laid back. They weren't pushy trying to sell me anything and really knew their stuff.

If I'm still cycling in 1 year I'm probably going back to buy a bike from them just because they were so helpful.