Originally Posted by
Iride01
They are already disappearing and have been for many years. A certain amount of people are completely comfortable already buying stuff online and don't use their LBS's. Perhaps if they go to their local shops to try something on before buying, then a certain percentage of them might just buy from the LBS since it's in their hands now.
Even if they don't fork out the potential $300 that a helmet might cost, they might buy a water bottle holder or pair of gloves while there.
If LBS's ostracize people browsing and just trying stuff on, then they'll definitely be out of business.
I just purchased two relatively expensive bicycling items - a new helmet and a new saddle. Neither was able for any preview locally (they are not even carried locally) and we have a few bike shops in Seattle. I ordered both items online. I used the online sizing charts and lucked out. I know lbs can only carry limited inventory so that's really an issue.