My experience with all 3 LBS around here is a little different. The owners, who have been around a while, still like (love?), steel bikes. They will sell you whatever you want, however. Hey, the guy is not going to talk you out of an OCLV for gosh sakes, if that is what you want - and why should he? So, I don't think there is anything evil going on here, unless you think capitalism is evil - but lets not go there! No, it is the younger kids working in the shops that get to me. They are not "selling" anything. They believe the aluminum / titanium / carbon fiber bikes are better. They do not know any better. That is not evil, just sad. Hey, my best LBS owner will tell you that a good bike is a sold bike. But he rides a Wiegle (among others). It is the kids who don't get it. Richard Rose (Toledo, Ohio)
Apologies to Dale (he DOES NOT do this), the fact remains that your LBS and major bike manufacturers are in the business of trying to sell bikes and need inventory turnover. This reqires the LBS or retail store to convince the customer they need to "upgrade" because their current bike is outdated or can't be repaired. More inventory turn = more money...