Oh boy...this is definitely a sensitive topic for me mainly because I'm so passionate about supporting the kind folks at my LBS because they've helped me in so many ways...including...

1. Actually "talking me out of stuff" I wanted but they knew I either didn't need or just wasn't ready for yet.

2. Stellar Customer Service & "SUPPORT".

and here's another biggy I noticed....

3. "What They Carry": as it seems whether it be big or small ticket items?...bikes or accessories?....they know the deals from the rip-offs and the great products from the junk....so they stock the best and filter the rest...which gives me a warm fuzzy that no matter what I grab from their pegboards or shelves?...it's going to be a high quality product that works great and isn't going to disappoint.

4. "They Check Me": Whether it be asking me as soon as I enter what I'm looking for and/or if they can help or if I'd like assistance or?...me walking too the register with something I think I want in my hand and then questioning me to look out for me.

Do I pay $5-$10 more (here and there) than what I could get it online for?...yep...sure do!....does it bother me?...absolutely not!..and about 1/2 (or more) of what I've purchased from them so far was right in the hunt with the lowest online prices.

Now if they were driving Mercedes and BMW's?...it might bother me a bit but they're not..however the owner and the head mechanic do ride high end Bianchi's and Treks.

Me?...I'm honored to help them keep the lights on and the doors open....and the help coming.