Originally Posted by
kahn
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.
That's true. Maybe another aspect of the business model for LBS's might be a showroom for the manufacturers and they mfrs actually pay the LBS for shelf space to put their items on. Similar to how a lot of shelf space at the grocery store is purchased by certain manufacturers that put stuff on them.
Not that the LBS would have to stock that stuff for sale, but just so that people can come there and see in person and try on. Maybe if they order online and reference the LBS, then the LBS can get another dollar or two for that.