In my area there's only one performance LBS that sells tri-bikes, but I'm finding they really don't know much about them, especially in regard to fitting. The bulk of their business is mountain and road bikes. That's true of the LBS's in neighboring towns as well. When I do purchase my new bike it will likely be an internet purchase, but that also has its share of stress. It's not that I don't want to buy from the LBS, but they only carry two brands which don't really interest me. And even if they did have preferable brands, it's unlikely they'd have the size and model I'd want for a test ride. To be honest, if BD came out with a tri bike I liked, I'd probably jump all over it. (at 73° in an aero position I'd be miserable).

Do triathlon shops exist out there? That would be ideal, a local shop that sells triathlon products from all three sports, and has trained fitters. Maybe it's too narrow of a market though. (Yet we have these running shops that do nothing but sell running shoes and seem to do just fine.)

Just curious what y'all think about this market, where you prefer buying, and where you think the industry is headed.

Tri shops do exist and do very well. You may have to travel to get to one...but it sounds like in your case it would be worth it. A proper fit is incredibly important.

There are several in So Cal, I've also been to ones in NYC & Boulder.

Maybe you should check out Nytro's Fly & Ride program. Check out https://www.nytro.com/Articles.asp?ID=114

I have no affiliation with Nytro...in fact, I've never even been to their store. I know a few people who have bought bikes there though.

I've had 4 of my bikes come from Nytro, very knowledgeable people. The only one not pic. is the lightspeed blade, sold it several years ago.

Ooooh, I really like this shop. It would only be a 3 hour drive or so, so I wouldn't have to fly. I like their bike brands and all their brands, in fact. I noticed they sell road bikes, but not mountain bikes. Yeah, that's perfect. Sure wish we had a local one.

Do they include the fitting in the sale price?

Their site says that it's free with any bike purchase https://www.nytro.com/Articles.asp?ID=119