practical bike shops?
 

I try to support my somewhat local bike shop (17 mi. to the nearest shop) when I can but I was wondering if there were any on-line stores that focus more on "practical" bike stuff. The local shops and most mail order houses seem to deal only with stuff for racing or off-road riding not durable components or practical accessories for utility use. Nashbar used to be fairly good for stuff like racks and commuter-specific accessories but they seem to have become a watered down version of Performance. Any suggestions?

biketiresdirect.com has a good selection of stuff and relatively good prices =) (and discounts)

Search on Amazon for what you want, then visit the seller's website. You'll find more bike related e-tailers that way than through a Google search.

Or you can ask your LBS what distributor's they deal with and then look through those catalogs. J & B is accessible to the public online (though pricing info isn't), QBP requires a dealer login to access their goodies, and I'm not sure about SBS...

+1 for Amazon. Except if you see something you want from Niagara Cycle, go ahead and order it from their Amazon store. From stuff I've read around here, they seem to fill Amazon orders more quickly than direct orders.

Totally go for Amazon. Then, you can have all your stuff in one order, instead of having to order from different stores, especially if all the items you want are available at a certain store, except for one or two.

If you shop through Amazon you get their great guarantee - if there's ANY problems they take care of it REAL FAST.

Can't disagree re Amazon. Have purchased several items through them to perfect satisfaction. My routine is to purchase several things at once through online stores that either don't charge for shipping or have a 'free-shipping' price point around 50-75.00, usually. My regular haunts are http://www.bikeisland.com http://www.universalcycles.com http://www.bikepartsusa.com along w/performance and nashbar.

Also, I make sure to check ebay and CL just in case someone may be selling the exact item I'm looking for new or slightly used for a huge savings. Found a set of Phil Wood hubs that way.

Btw, I believe Performance purchased Nashbar which would explain the 'watering down'. Or maybe it's the other way around...can't remember. Someone will know here shortly, though. :p

I use amazon on occasion but I mainly use universalcycle.com for bike stuff. Universal carries the QBP catalog so you're covered with the majority of "regular" bike parts. I live in Germany and buy pretty much online, exchange rates suck.

http://www.rivbike.com Sells probably the most practical gear and bikes around.
JensonUSA.com for everyday parts.

Amazon.

Amazon, they will see you are satisfied if there are any problems.

Often, Performance is my "practical stuff" goto shop. Even though they're an online/national chain store, they're also local to me since I have one 4 miles up the street. I'll go to the truly local chain (3 locations) for some things first, but to be honest I've been disappointed the last 3 trips there. OK, one time I sort of figured I would be, since I was looking for a rare production frameset. But the other two times it's been for very everyday stuff, like a 4-prong freewheel remover. They sell BMX stuff there; you'd think they'd have one in stock...
Anyhow, Performance has a good selection of practical commuter stuff on hand at the shop 90% of the time I show up. Racks, lights, locks, raingear, fenders, little pouches/bags/trunks, etc. I won't let their shop guys touch my bike, but I'll buy stuff at the store.

JensonUSA, BikeTiresDirect and Amazon have been my other big places for stuff. Thumbs up to BikeTiresDirect for their shipping. I can get an order in at 2pm on weekday and have my stuff the next day. (PDX to Seattle)