Originally Posted by
Brian Ratliff
Other than that, these kind of deals don't offer much benefit, still less because you pay into it, and just ties you to the store as you try to buy enough to make up the up front payment.
The membership is $25. So if you spend $250 you break even, and after that it is essentially a %10 off (that you must use on in-store purchases). The nice thing about it is that you can stack it on top of other purchases (i.e. earning credit on a clearance rack item).
I would say if you are going to definitely spend >$250 you should do it. Some items are offered at MSRP regardless of whether you buy them there or at your LBS so it makes sense to get a little extra off. You can get free shipping as well if you have a store nearby. The bicycling mag subscription on your first year is also nice.