Originally Posted by
GlennR
First off if you always buy online then the LBS (local bike shop) will close.
Can a online shop properly size you?
Can it make adjustments?
Can it easily swap saddles until you find one that fits?
Can it do warranty work?
Can it service your bike?
Don't discount the lever of customer service you get from a LBS.
For me its all about the service. God bless you guys that like to work on your bikes, but I'm not a mechanic and I don't want to be. The precious little I do is out of necessity, not out of enjoyment.
The best thing about my bike mechanic is the he knew me and my bike. When I took my bike in for service I hardly have to explain anything. He repair and adjust thing I didn't even know was bad.
I finally moved away from my old LBS after 15 years just after my mechanic retired. My LBS and he will be sorely missed.