I always thought that the idea of supporting my local bike shop sounded great. Support your local shop buddy because they have your best interests in mind. I spent 10 years in a shop as a bike mechanic in the 1980s and think my current position to other cyclists would be "learn how to maintain your own equipment". For those of you that trust your local shop, I think that you should buy the mechanic lunch and count your blessings. I am through with it and will continue to support the mail order company that I believe to have the best ethics for the cyclist. I have had enough of the bait and switch double talk of how "I don't have it in stock, but can special order it" mentality.
Whew, I feel better. How many of you feel the same?