I'm not the overly sentimental or romantic type (very pragmatic), but it was pretty much "love at first sight" when I saw the black, blue, and white Giant Defy 1's on at my local dealer... I wasn't even looking to buy at the time, just checking out how road bikes had changed in style and price in the 22 years since I bought my last new bike.

I talked to two different salespeople for about 10 minutes each time, then on the third visit, it was all of 45 minutes to test ride, fit, and roll out the door - including purchase of a few necessary accessories (bag and socks).

On the other hand, I spent several hours on-line over a period of two or three weeks deciding on (and finding the best price for) other accessories - bottle cages, computer, pedals - a much more difficult decision-making process, BTW.

(I know there is a lot of love for the LBS here on the forum, and I definitely appreciated the service and purchase experience for the bike itself, but did not feel compelled to plunk down 40% more for accessories locally, many of which the shops around here do not carry).