I feel the same way about purchases, I do my own homework. Very rarely do I rely on salespeople for help with anything, unless I really trust them and have a relationship with them, or see them as trying to educate me and not simply sell me. I could see myself living the exact same cycling life without requiring any "hand holding" with fittings and such, but being on the other side of it I deal day in and out with people who want my advice, so it is interesting, to say the least.