Originally Posted by
BoSoxYacht
Yup.
The other big problem is the deliver time. If a shop can afford to stock size runs of $1k-$3k, they won't have much problem selling them, but not many people want to wait 4-6 weeks for a bike the just bought at MSRP.
Originally Posted by
Clipped_in
Plus, they want to touch it and feel it before laying down their hard earned cash.
Originally Posted by
BoSoxYacht
That too.
Even though the "test ride" that most shops do is pretty much useless, most people want ride it around the parking lot before they buy.
I ordered the frame for my current bike without seeing one in person or riding one. The LBS helped me decide on the size by putting me on an other model in the range with the same geometry on a trainer. It was 3 weeks from payment until delivery. I was fine with that.
I may be the exception.