I'm of the opinion and a surprised one at that, that even in this day and age of online sales, and intense competition, most bike manufacturers that are worth buying do a very good job of propping up their asking prices for their products by supporting and limiting a certain number of LBS's in a defined selling radius.

Example


REI sells Scott bikes, but not all of the REI outlets do so. Reason being is, in my area a high volumn 5-6 store chain bike shop with a good reputation has taken to selling the Scott brand. The not force a competition between a couple of large bike retailers, Scott will not permit the local REI store to carry their brand, but in other areas and states they do. Which keeps their prices solid.