Really....like the guy in the Sidi thread who was going to the shop to try on shoes so he could figure out fit, then would go order them on-line...after he figured out he had already ordered the wrong ones and would now pay to ship them back to get the right ones...

Without bike shops, how would riders determine needs so they can go order on-line?

Maybe they could be like a bike Sam's Club...you pay a membership to get in. Maybe you have to demonstrate some level of cycling knowledge to learn the secret handshake. That way, they know you will not pimp them for free info and help, then use it against them...