It's good to look around and get the facts on all that are available... Most here will tell you that it is just as good and probably better to put that same effort into finding a good LBS and building a relationship with them.

In my own case, my LBS has helped me to get a 20 year old Cannondale running like it was a teenager and then helped me find and build a hybrid to work really really well for me. He has repeatidly bent over backwards to help me and without him I can very honestly say that he has kept me riding...

He takes pride in building a cyclist. He also looks out for my wallet by finding the best products at the best prices for me. True, he gets a markup. But I get the right thing and the right price.

And, when I walk in the door, he not only knows my name, he knows what I ride, how I ride, where I ride and how often and how far. So, when I ask a question I always get the answer that is right for ME.

Other's have similar stories of their LBS...

REI is better than Dick's or WallyWorld -- but it's still a box store...
... So even though they may sell at the lowest cost, you have to ask yourself if you can afford it?