Anybody been to the Performance store in Cincinnati? I've never been to an actual Performance store and kind of want to check one out. How much stuff do these stores typically carry?

I'm finally going to break down and buy an expensive jacket this year, but I wasn't impressed with the selection at the LBS. Think I would have more luck at a Performance store? If they even had half of what they show online I think I'd be happy.

You shoud find the most popular items from the web catalog, based on my exporience in Columbus and Mayfield Heights.

I have been to many different Performance Retail Stores in various states. They all seem to be about the same. Only major difference is how many bikes they carry, and that is dependent upon the floor space.

You will find it packed with clothing and accessories. A paradise compared to the majority of LBSs. Think "Wal-Mart" for bikes. You'll feel like you just stepped into a catalog, and walk out feeling like you just robbed them.

You must go at least once in your life.

Well, I ended up taking a day trip to Cincinnati yesterday. I have to say, Performance is great. It beats the crap out of any bike shop I've ever been to (which isn't many because most of them give me a bad vibe). I wish they'd open one in Indy.

The clothing selection was pretty good. They had a lot of Performance brand jackets, as expected, but they also had at least one Pearl Izumi, Louis Garneau, and Craft. I don't recall seeing any GORE, which would have been nice, but they had plenty to choose from anyway. I ended up going with the Performance Illuminite Commuter jacket. It was on sale for a pretty good price and my wife really like the idea of the Illuminite fabric. Any time she's happy about me spending a relatively large amount on a cycling item I'll take it. Next time you want to try to justify a price to your wife, play the safety card.

I made a bunch of other, smaller purchases and wound up spending $180. That's a lot for me, but I felt lucky to walk out of there without spending more. They had some no-name fixed gear on sale for $200 that just happened to be in my size. I was tempted. Very tempted.

I was happy with the service, too. I was acknowledged and asked if I needed help, but I never felt badgered and everyone gave me plenty of space to check everything out. I tried on almost every mountain shoe they had and nobody stood over my shoulder or anything. It was kind of funny because I was writing down sizing information just in case I decide to switch from PowerGrips to MTB shoes for my commute when it gets colder and I didn't have to feel guilty about anything. After all, if I buy them online I'm going to end up buying them from Performance anyway.

Thumbs up to Performance.

Sounds about right. Welcome to the Performance retail experience.

The new store in Dayton was nice and busy the 2 times I was there.

Too bad we don't have anything like this in the Detroit area. The best selection of bike clothing and gear in reach for me is actually REI, but they definitely don't give it away. I remember when I got my first bicycle as an adult about 30 years ago, there was a Nashbar retail store near where I worked, but that also disappeared many years ago!