My general principle is to purchase from stores that have invested in making the sale to me. That can be in terms of advice, special services (like swapping stuff out), or just having the inventory on hand.

In your situation, I'm guessing you might be a bit uncomfortable because you would be buying from the shop 30 minutes away but taking it in for service down the road at the shop that is closer (and which you already know).

A possible solution:

- Call the closer shop that you know and like. Tell them you prefer buying from them, but that the bike is available somewhere else in your size. Would they be willing in to bring in the frame you want, build it up, and let you test ride it - understanding that you might not end up buying it? (If this is the LHT you've been asking about, I would assume the answer would be yes - it's a popular bike and they may not mind having one on the floor.)

- If they say no (or if their time frame is unreasonable), go to the further store, test ride the bike, and buy it there. They deserve the sale if they had the bike in stock.

For service - take it wherever you like the service. Your closer bike shop ought to be happy to work on it; they had a shot at your business and passed.