Originally Posted by Jrasero

I am all about free market. If a LBS has a tool, bike, or service that I can get there at a reasonable price and I will go there. Otherwise I have no qualms about going online since most of the time it's cheaper and shipping is quick at 1 business day. The fact of the matter is that LBS or brick and mortar shops are just un needed for most people. Margins aren't great on bikes, there hasn't been massive innovation in bikes where people are buying them every year, and frankly buyers have become smarter. Since bikes change very little year to year most bikes are just a new color schemes, so buying a closeout or through a wholesaler can save your thousands. I used to think you go into a LBS and just take whatever they have and if you are lucky they will order it for you at MSRP. I think this is why so many people in the past had ill fitted bikes, since LBS used to be the only place to get bikes and accessories. Now with the internet eating into margins why would you want to pay full MSRP for a Shimano group set when you can save hundreds buying online? I once asked a LBS if I bought the group set myself and brought in my bike how much they would charge to set it up. Honestly I was expecting a high number but the answer was boggling and infuriating, since the tech replied since I bought the items online and not through them they would have to charge me 15% more. First why even tell someone that and secondly me bringing in my own goods for service is higher margin and less of a hassle than ordering them from the store.


I agree some people will always want LBS for service they can't do themselves, warranty purposes, last minute service or accessories, support local business, or just to be part of community but frankly LBS need to adapt and some have turning their shops into bases for their internet sales, or selling closeout bikes online, doing classes or training. I have no issue with LBS but I find myself using LBS to window shop now a days more than anything