Originally Posted by Paul L.
Here is a post where the LBS actually outclasses the online merchants.
Being a recucmbent rider with 650c wheels, it is difficult for me to find kevlar belted tires locally, well today at the lbs near my work (Landis Cyclery in Chandler, Az) I found they had these rather hard to find tires that weren't even stocked by Supergo/Performance. Anyway, chalk one up for the LBS. Gonna get my tires there from now on (650c Gatorskins by the way). Oh, and I should mention the price was actually cheaper too.
On line merchants are not dummies. They know the price point for every item at which too many people would turn to a local bike shop. They are OK for people out in the middle of nowhere like Artic Circle, Alaska or Darwin, California. Or for people who can not stand someone in the LBS. Some things can't be obtained mail-order unless you have a resale permit or a contract with the maker. That is where you need your LBS. My favorite shop has enough staff that Roadie mechanics deal with roadies and geezer mechanics or young women on their racing team deal with the likes of me.