I like to support the independent shops, but they are not always staffed by people in the know, either. And I disagree with hosehead about never buying a bike from Performance. I wouldn't say I'd never buy a bike from any particular dealer.

Everyone's mileage will vary. As I mentioned earlier, the quality of the staff at three Performance shops in my area varies so widely that you would not guess they are connected by any corporate umbrella.

I personally have had good experience with Performance. I have also had bad experience with Performance. Likewise, I have had good and bad experiences with independent LBSs.