This sounds extreme, but when I think about it, almost all new riders start by visiting local shops, I'd bet. Even if they eventually buy online, (I assume many already shop online and are comfortable with it) because they know nothing of cycling it seems likely most would go to the local bike shops.

Take those away and I'd bet a lot of people would be too scared to make the kind of investment cycling can require. So we'd see a lot more traffic at Wal-Mart and a lot more people buying ill-fitting, maladjusted, overweight bikes which are unsuited to the rider's desires and are no fun to ride.

Some folks would persevere, some would scout through forums and such, but a lot would probably buy a bike which ended up as garage clutter after two seasons of minimal and unenjoyable use.