You're exactly right, TugaDude


I try to buy from "brick and mortar" stores whenever possible--preferably the locally owned ones. If what I need is not available, I go online, first to boutique shops like Retrogression. If they don't have what I need, I check with the big corporate chains (Jensen USA, Modern Bike, Backcountry, REI, etc.) As a last resort, I'll occasionally buy from the evil galactic empire, Amazon. My reasons for prioritizing in this way are not altruistic, but actually kind of selfish. I mean, I could save a few dollars by doing it in exactly the opposite order... but good service is worth a lot to me, and I'm looking out for my own interests in the long term. REI and Jensen care nothing about you, outside of how much revenue and market share you bring them. Big A will never have your back. Retrogression and Saturday Cycles will, assuming they're still in business when you need them.

That Blue Lug shop looks like an outstanding place.