The 'chain' LBS near me looks at me like I'm from another planet when I say I ride lugged steel, ride on 27" wheels, and still use freewheels. If it isn't CF with brifters, they lose all interest in making a sale. They don't even stock any 27" tires - they have to be 'special-ordered'. No components - they have to be 'special-ordered'.. They have bikes, clothing and limited accessories, period. If that is what I have to put up with, I'm better served to avoid the LBS scene altogether and order stuff myself. The only LBS around here that had any 27" tires or wheels only had the cheapest generic Chinese crapola, and they went out of business last year. Of the three LBSs within 18 miles, none have a used parts bin - they'd rather sell on ebay.

I will be checking out a different (and independent) store tomorrow in a college town 20 miles away... I'm not holding my breath.