local bike shop vs online

[whoosh]

I did the best of both worlds
LBS is a Planet X dealer - got my Pro Carbon from him (Paul Curran Blackhawk Cycles in Stockton)
Same price bike as online - but he spent a lot of time setting it up for me and helping me to choose stem size, handlebar width, crank length and then when it came adjusting stuff to fit me
Evans for accessories - especially as I use my Tesco vouchers to double up for Evans vouchers

 

[JamesTaylor02]

LBS all the way. I never touched online dealers.
However, like others, I did look around other various stores – specifically Halfords. After my own experiences, and the correct advice from other users on here, they are a waste of time when looking for a new bike. The amount of BS I was fed was unbelievable and I could really tell they were "reading from a manual" so to speak.
I go to Cult Racing Cycles in Earlswood, Birmingham. I absolutely love it there, great selection of bikes, workshop, friendliest owners, Paul and Mel, you could ask for. The knowledge they have is incredible, I've been able to ask them pretty much anything – about the bike itself and other things that I've not been too sure about, long ride nutrition as an example.
Anything I need to buy there, I do. My bike, tools etc.
The only things I choose to buy elsewhere are often accessories. Bottle cages for example. Simply where I couldn't justify paying £10 for one cage. Sure, they are weight saving... But I'm not that type of rider, yet...

 

[derrick]

I am lucky we have two really good bike shops close to us, and they will both more or less match internet prices.

 

[Hyslop]

Overcome by an urgent wish for a red Castelli jersey,I went into one of the two LBS available to me this afternoon.No response from the individual at the till,never even looked up!When I discovered that the item was £11.50 less on their site than the in store price,away I went back through the door.Nothing.I often pass this shop and rarely see anyone in there,wonder if my experience is common? On the other hand,the LBS I do use{Palace Cycles] is much different,the polar opposite to the above,they cope with my limitless capacity for daft questions and ideas for a start.The service is all that I look for and when youve found what youre looking for you use it{they dont however sell Castelli!].What does often amaze me though is how often LBS employ the feckless trading to a pastime whose participants are often committed and deeply knowledgable.[nNot me,mind you!]

 

[Hyslop]

I have just reread the last line of my post,just in case there is any doubt,that last most certainly doesnt apply to Palace!I ll get me coat-& think in future!

 

[vickster]

Did you ask the LBS to match their website?!

 

[Hyslop]

Did you ask the LBS to match their website?!

No I must admit I didnt and that can only be my fault,though I always have the impression,and it is only that, that they probably wouldnt be all that receptive.In the end I suppose the answer is to stick with my preferred LBS and go online for exceptional items.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Trouble is most - if not all - the LBSs around me are 'tied' to a brand - so there is no real choice. For example the 2 most local - one is Trek, one Specialized/Bontrager. Service pretty good, discount for club/CTC membership, but little choice, and prices always RRP - no price competition. So most of my buying is online.