i really dont think this was a move by cannondale.

costco is really crafty with some of their stuff. i remember a few years ago the local costco here somehow obtained about 20 really high end hand crafted canoes. these canoes are only sold directly from the company that makes them, NO exceptions.....but somehow costco was able to get 20 of them AND sell them cheaper than the direct purchase cost was.

i suspect this situation is another like that, just like that LBS says..."grey" sources.