Originally Posted by
JustaJoe
While they don't have the most expansive collection, I always shop REI first. Longtime member: the annual Member Reward, very generous return policy, free (and timely) shipping), and having a great store nearby all contribute to shopping them first. If they don't have what I want, off to JensonUSA (but their return policy stinks). After that, it's a crapshoot, whichever known, reputable online shop has what I want with the most reasonable shipping/overall price gets my money.
I prefer the LBS's overall, but they have so little stock. If it's not something I need tomorrow and their price is close to online retailers, I'm 100% fine waiting.
I agree up to a point.
I wanted to buy a Brooks Saddle from them because of their return policy, but at $170 for a saddle that I can get for under $140? Less? I can try the saddle, and return it used if it does not meet my needs, but at that price I would rather buy a lightly used one and eat some of the cost if I don't like the seat and just re-sell it.
I did buy a saddle bag today primarily for my lock and not damaging the top of the seat tube paint wrapping the cable around the post. Something I have done over the years. Yeah, it's sloppy. So I did not wait and bought the bag. But it was on clearance. It was regularly $39 which is very high. Just over $25 which was okay. I liked how the bag was made.
And yes, they have treated me well over the years. (A few dolts but very few)
They are lucky if I buy one thing a year, usually from the garage at the end of the year 30% off sale.
(The store is on my route and I stop in frequently)
They know who their market is, and place their store locations appropriately.