Originally Posted by
D1andonlyDman
I like them fine if their prices are not too far above those available online. I recently purchased some spokes and some cable housing from my LBS, as the prices were within a few bucks of what I would have spent online. But, for example, I can easily procure decent handlebar tape for $2 a set on ebay, whereas locally, it's more like $12-15.
As a former small business owner .... don't compare a LBS who must pay for the shop (rent/mortgage/etc) and utilities etc. as compared to an on-line place that is most likely paying zip for the "shop in the ether" and utilities. Yes, they pay for the website, etc, but still have lower costs than the LBS costs.
Kind of like comparing the costs of an author writing at home versus a writer "writing" a novel at Macdonald's or Starbucks free wifi site - no rent etc...
Besides, who gives after sales service - the on-line seller or the LBS?
NOTHING is FREE. EVERYTHING ELSE costs MONEY and TIME
You want a decent $$ for your time at work don't you? How about getting your employer to subcontract to India or China???
