Originally Posted by jade408

I have to disagree with you on cycling being a buffet of goodies. While in the entire universe of cycling there is something for everyone. But at the LBS level, all the buffets have the same stuff. Unfortunately when you see the same stuff everywhere, you assume that is all there is. You only know there is whole array of other options if you spend all sorts of time obsessively researching (and of course if you have found your way to this pocket of the Internet - you are likely the type to do so).

I'd love it if I could show up to the buffet and find something classic-ish looking that gives you the best of both worlds combo of a Rando bike with a townie bike. Unfortunately that isn't available and I have to make it myself. But I can definitely find many flavors of carbon, gravel and crappy commuter. And I have to find the secret club and password for the people who have or are adjacent to what I want.

Honestly it feels like in my local shops there is even less choice than there was 3 years ago. And I live in a place with lots of shops and lots of choices. Regular old USA has even less options than I have.