So people don't get the wrong idea, especially after my mini-rant, I just want to let folks know that I'm not gunning after one specific person or saying the internet is an evil, evil thing. My main point was that people need to be aware of why things are a certain way before they make their choices.

I myself use the internet to buy things, but if I can get it reasonably then I try to support the LBS. Maybe I'm just a lucky guy and the Salem area has 4 pretty decent bike shops around. The one I frequent I'm especially impressed with. I know that if I use their services they'll give me a 110% effort.

I also recognize the limitations of my bicycle mechanical skills and time. There is always going to be something that one of the guys at the shop who have 10-20+ years of experience are going to know or be able to do better than me. There are also going to be times in my busy life where I just might not have the time or experience to do it myself.

I love wrenching when I get free time, but I'd also rather be on the road wearing down the rubber on my tires instead of in my garage. It's sometimes more valuable to me to drop the bike off during work hours and picking it back up after work to get a job done. Then when I get some free time that night I can hop on the bike and just go.

I do 99% of the work and maintenance on my bike, but won't hesitate to drop a few bucks to support the LBS. They are people too. I prefer the personal touch of a LBS over the internet screen if I can manage it.