This may be veering off-topic, but I think most would agree that if
you want to have a local bike shop to go to, then you've got to
support your LBS. I love my LBS, (one's my main squeeze, the other is
also great) it's where I go ask questions, seek advice, and do
business.

I'll buy something at my LBS even though I know it's slightly cheaper
online-- because when I have a tricky problem I want to be able to go
to the LBS, have them recognize me as a customer, and give me their
insight. Walmart or BikeYada.com isn't ever going to show me a
workaround or tell me "you might not want to do that" when I'm asking
about cassette/chainring combos.

Here's an example: I recently bought new pedals/shoes. I had
questions, went to the LBS, bought there, they set them up for me etc.
I had a problem, they fixed it. Last week a friend bought pedals/shoes
online and probably saved $15. When the box arrives and he's looking
at cleat/float options, he may wish he'd gone to the LBS.

I'm not a militant anti-web luddite. I have bought online, when my LBS
doesn't carry the thing- last year I bought a trainer online. When I
buy a bike for my 6-year old, it's a ToysRUs Huffy. But I would say
this: my relationship with my LBS is more important than my
relationship with my car mechanics.

But I'd also agree with the earlier writer that going to the LBS
involves finding the right time; it's a bit like BestBuy or CompUSA,
you don't want to be there on Saturday. I work rotating shifts so I'm
able to LBS-visit on Wed. or Thursday mornings. Don't want to be there
Saturday at noon.

In closing: Support your LBS (when you can); advocate LBS support to
newbies (they'll thank you for it).
Cheers,
Ed