Reasons why I support my LBS...

I recently priced my current bike and it's accesories online to get an idea what I might be able to get if I sold it. I realized that I could have saved some cash had I originally purchased my bike new from an online retailer, and I could have saved more if I had bought my aerobars online. But then I considered the service I've been given at the LBS where I purchased the bike (For those of you near central Maryland, it is Race Pace Bicycles, and I am convinced that I've made out much better in the long run.

Consider the following:

I bought a road bike and did not like the handlebars that came with it. They replaced them for me and only charged me for the difference in cost between the original bars and the new bars. They did not charge me for things like new tape on the handlebar, which other LBS might have done.

While replacing the handlebars they installed the aerobars I purchased from them free of charge. Most LBS would charge for the installation and re-fitting when converting a road bike to a modified tri setup.

They also re-wired my computer around the new bars and installed a computer "holder" on the aerobars, no charge.

After riding the bike for several months I took it back for a re-fitting. They replaced my stem and added some spacers (no charge) and spent 45 minutes tweaking the setup to get the bike more comfortable in an aero position (no easy task on an entry level road bike!). Free.

Just this week they replaced my sealed bottom bracket, free of charge, because it was loose and creaking. It was only a couple months old, but it had 700 miles on it and was technically beyond warranty - they were not obligated to replace it for me, but they did.

Just this week they replaced my entire computer, cadence monitor included, because the one I purchased from them was acting 'flaky'. Again, it was beyond warranty and they were not obligated to replace it. Not only that, but they installed a BETTER computer with a total rear wheel sensor system, so it now works on my trainer (my old one was a off-brand with a front wheel sensor, useless on the trainer). All of this for $7 - the cost difference between my old computer original purchase price and the price of the new Cateye they installed.

Every time I've gone in, they seem genuinely interested in how I'm riding, what races I'm doing, and seem to really like to simply 'talk bikes' or demonstrate the latest offering by Trek, Klien, or Lemond.

I have purchased riding gloves, computer batteries, tubes, a new chain, lubricants from them, and I've paid for some routine maintainence and repairs for them, so it's a 2-way mutually beneficial relationship. I also know that I can go back with any defective parts and they will handle any warranty replacements for me, instead of being forced to contact the factory myself to take care of replacements or repairs.

Try getting that type of service online.