I have to say, my LBS, who I am very loyal too, often has this problem
It boils down to - if something comes from a line they typically carry, PI shorts or Specialized shoes or Bontrager anything, then it's safe to order from the LBS. But if it's from a line they don't carry (in my case, for instance, Deda bars and stems and Speedplay pedals), they never manage to get the parts in a timely manner.
I'd judge by a method like this, and if you're ordering something you know they just don't carry otherwise, get it on the Internets, and apologize to the LBS guys when you see them, saying something like -- I knew you wouldn't carry this and I had to have it for the Empire State Building downhill race last weekend.