Major Props to local LBS
 

A long time ago I bought my first mountain bike (Gary Fisher Tassajara) from Cycleloft in Burlington and then because they were so knowledgeable and helpful I bought my first road bike from them (Trek 1200, and it fit like a glove). This is probably about 7 years or more ago and since due to moving etc I haven't really been back again (though I do stop in once in a while to buy small stuff). About a week ago I had to buy my wife a helmet (the one she has looks like a bowling ball and is not really vented). So we were in the area and went in.

The guy we spoke with (who turned out to be the owner, his name was Jeff I think) spent 20 minutes explaining everything about helmets and really knew his stuff. He was extremely helpful, did not talk down to us and we ended up getting a Giro Eclipse for her (after he had her try quite a few different models/manufacturers) in order to make sure she got one that fit perfectly). She is very happy with it and with the whole shopping experience.

This experience reminded me what a good lbs is. I am glad that there are such places around and I've pretty made up my mind as to where I am going to buy my next road bike if I ever decide to get a new one.