Ok, I feel like this should be said. I work in a shop in a small town in Colorado. We are the only shop in this town and because of that, the higher ups at this shop feel that we can price gouge. I do not believe that is right but I am low man on the totem pole here. We do offer price matching for online prices for non sale and in stock items. We also offer a discount for our local wheel club. Iv been here about 5 years now and love the work. I really enjoy wrenching on bicycles and helping out a customer that truly does not know what they are looking for. I am able to narrow down the type of bike that would best suit their riding style and what they intend to use the bike for weather it be basic trail riding, commuting, or just getting back into shape. I believe there is a need for the bike shop for people that have questions. It is always good to be able to go somewhere and talk to someone face to face. I also believe that alot of shops rip people off which in my opinion is not right. I understand why people sometimes get pissed off at the bike shop for their prices but you have to keep in mind that you are not just buying a product at a higher price from them. You are also paying for a service. You have questions about the installation of the product you just bought? More than likely the shop will answer any questions you may have. You have a warrenty issue with a product you bought from the shop? More than likely the shop will exchange the product for you and they will deal with the warrenty. At least thats what we do. I would be willing to pay a little more for the service of a shop, if the service is good, but will not allow the shop to rip me off. With that being said, if a shop employee was rude to me after asking a question, if I was in the right, I would talk to the manager. If the manager was rude to me, again if I was in the right, I would take my business elsewhere. If I was in the wrong, I would man up and deal with it. With all this being said, I say find a respectable shop with a friendly staff and become friends with them. Give them your business. Keep the shops that deserve to stay in business in business. I hope this may have helped you man. If not, sorry.

Deshi