Originally Posted by
alan s
I see how it could hurt the small independent LBSs, but I do my own wrenching, so what difference would it make? The last two bikes I bought were from a shop in California and a shop in Pennsylvania. The last wheelset I bought was from a shop in Milwaukee. I purchased based on price, knowing pretty much what I wanted. How does paying more for the same thing benefit me as a consumer?
You've just perfectly highlighted the problem. Short-term, your way is ideal.
Long-term, the loss of a LBS will mean less people will own and use bikes, which will reduce the amount of people riding in your area. This will slowly eliminate cycling clubs, and it will be much harder to get bike lanes maintained in your town (or create them, if they aren't already there). The used parts market will dry up, and good advice for complex problems will be harder and harder to find as mechanics switch careers. Drivers will stop paying as much attention to cyclists as they are less and less present on the road, making it a lot less safe to ride around.
Is it likely that the entire cycling world will collapse? Of course not. Is there a possibility that you will feel the ripple effects of Shimano's decision? Absolutely. And I think that's a shame when there's an alternative close at hand.
Just because you CAN have something at a certain cost, doesn't mean it's smart or sustainable to do so.