Found a good LBS (Ted's, Manhattan Beach) after getting fed up with the largest LBS in LA. Great for repairs and parts, not so much for clothing and accessories. So I go to Ted's for repairs and parts, and then other LBS' or on-line for clothing.

Have to say - building a good relationship with Ted's hasn't saved me money overall. But I can ride my bike in needing minor adjustments, and ride out with a 'no charge', and regularly get discounts off parts. The best: when riding with one of the shop mechanics, he noticed my rear wheel spokes were tingling and the wheel was out of line. Upon return to the shop, he swapped wheels off his own bike so I could ride home. Rode back later that day - wheel was fixed without charge. I also feel like I'm not getting ripped off when the bike goes in for more substantial work.

The only way to build a good relationshipwith a LBS is to be a regular consistent customer. It's a tough business and a good LBS will appreciate any money you spend, even if it's just on some energy bars. You can't buy a new bike every day, but we all need tires, tubes, CO2, bars, new clothing etc etc.