The PBK.com effect
If everyone suddenly started ordering all their accessories/clothing/etc online, what would the major bike manufacturers (Trek, Specialized, etc.) do to keep the local bike shops that sell their product in business?
Do you think shops would get more competitive pricing from the manufacturers or would the manufacturers start selling bikes through Wal-mart or Target (a la Schwinn)? Would we see regional stores pop up which are owned by the manufacturers? Would the big companies restrict online sales to stores with brick and mortar presences (I believe Specialized does this with some items already?)? Something else?