It's good to think of the welfare of others in your community, but you have to think of your own welfare too. When I was a poor college student I always looked for the best deal. If there had been an internet, I would have used it for bike stuff.

Now I have a little more wherewithal I try to spend my dollars at my local shop whenever I can. That doesn't mean I don't buy bike stuff online. I do, and I don't feel guilty about it. But I do make an effort to give as much business as possible to my local guy.

The good I see from purchasing locally is that 1) the proprietor of my local shop is a really good guy who consistently goes out of his way to give good deals, be helpful, he does really good work, etc. 2) His shop is located in my little town and it's really convenient to have him here. He went on hiatus and contemplated closing, and during those months I really missed his shop. I want him to stay open, if possible; and 3) the dollars I spend here go into the local tax base.

If he wasn't a really good guy; if it really wasn't a very good shop; if he was a rip-off artist with a bad attitude; then I wouldn't feel compelled to think of spending an extra nickel in his shop. I'd go internet shopping every time.