In a message dated 1/18/2003 6:18:41 PM Eastern Standard Time, Tom Sanders" <
tsan7759142@attbi.com writes:
>Use the net for what you must or what is =
>much cheaper, but remember all the times a local bike shop has done you =
>a favor or helped you out in some way. Aren't you glad they're there? =
>They sure add to my cycling enjoyment
Boy, you got that right. My local shop has always been within just a few dollars of the prices I see on the net (this because of a discount he gives to all his steady customers), even with harder to find items for older bikes. Even though there's aluminum, carbon, and titanium out on the floor, when you walk in with a 25 year old bike, he's still happy to see you and will enthusiastically pull out his catalogs to find you your tubular tires, leather saddles, whatever.
Furthermore, the guy never throws anything out. If you need a hub cone or crank arm bolt that hasn't been made in 30 years, you're welcome to look thru his parts bins. And when you finally find what you need and ask how much, odds are he'll just laugh and say "take it!"
Where's the profit in that? Well, when the guys at work, who know I'm into bikes, want to buy their child a birthday present and they ask me where to go to get the best deal (and service)... I only send 'em to one place.
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA