feeling guilty
 

Went over to my the LBS yesterday to pick up some degreaser and some bottle cages and while I was there the guy who sold me the bike noticed the new saddle, stem, and seat post I put on my bike. He made some comments only in jest (I think) about how he had the same components there, but I started feeling a little guilty. I am all about supporting my LBS, and do whenever possible as they are a great shop and extremely helpful but I can not justify paying double for the same product (or more).

Those could have been gifts for all he knows. I would have told him to pound sand.

I try to support my shop as much as I can, and buy several things there that I know are priced right, but I've got a problem with wasting my money. For example, I can get the same tire from PBK for $31 that my LBS sells for over $60.

I wouldn't feel guilty at all. They shouldn't feel any entitlement to your money.

my LBS has never made me feel guilty. i've bought complete bikes from them...i've bought complete bikes over the internet for them to tune up...and brought in a complete bike in pieces for them to build up, some pieces that i bought from them and the rest that i got off the internet.

they always greet me with a smile...do a GREAT job...charge VERY reasonable labor rates...and love to just chat about whatever bike or product i bought.

i still buy lots of nick nacks from them...and they do all my labor. and they treat me great. i think that's how a LBS should operate! :) and actually...they prices on everything are VERY competitive with online prices. the only drawback to the LBS is their limited selection. they don't carry KCNC brakes...or Look bikes...or extralite stems...etc