I will some times come across something that is for sale online and I think it's a remarkably low price and want to share it. For example last week I found Kind bars, box of 12, on sale for $1.47. It may even be cycling stuff from time to time.

If it's ok to do so, which forum would that be?

Hmm, volume vs margin.  I'll support local when reasonable, but I refuse to pay double to buy from a LBS.  I'm all for supporting LBS's, but MSRP won't cut it in today's economy.  We live in a free market country and the market will decide.  If LBS's stay the course on MSRP in today's online economy, they will continue to see eroded sales.  Hate to be blunt about it, but it's the truth.

Mr.B wrote on 05/29/15 at 3:59am:



I have worked at bike shops for a long time and the issues run deeper than just the shops want a high margin. Mostly there are places on the interwebz that are selling for much cheaper than even wholesale (shimano is a big one) and there isn't much your lbs can do. That being said I had a few loyal customers that were like you but instead would come in and talk to me and pull the page up on their smartphone we would talk about it and try to come to a price that was good for everyone. Sometimes it worked sometimes I couldn't come close but at the end of the day we were at least offered the business first.

MTBman1127 wrote on 05/29/15 at 1:07pm:


That's because they have the sales volume that is high enough, they're able to get product below wholesale.   

Again, I'm a big supporter of LBS's, just ask the guys at Ultimate.  However, when you get smacked in the face with a MSRP price on a tire or something similar, it makes it hard ignore the fact there are other channels to buy in today's day and age.

Now, back to the original question.  I think it's best to not poke the bear by promoting or formalizing online prices on this forum.   

I say buy where you want.  If you're not installing it yourself, someone else is going to.  And when it needs replacing under warranty, you may have to go through that process again.  I buy gun parts online as well at local gun shops so I "get it".  Best thing that could happen for the IBD's would be to make online retailers charge/collect local sales tax and manufacturers control pricing.   Some online retailers are already doing this.

A free market is a good idea when everyone is looking out for everyone else.  That, unfortunately, is rarely the case in my experience. 

I'll still install your online parts, though.  Revenue is revenue and it's another opportunity to build a relationship.

Hope everyone get's to ride this weekend and don't forget to support the Riverfront Classic at the USNWC this Sunday!  It's one of the club's largest fund raisers!! 

The Cycle Path wrote on 05/29/15 at 7:00pm:


Hey Cycle Path.

I need you to overall, clean and lube up the internals on my Mary SS. True the wheels, service the hubs, etc.. 

Do I need an appointment? 

I usually will buy locally if the local bike shop has the part I want/need in stock.  I don't mind paying a LITTLE more to help support.   Usually however if the part I want is not in stock I consider buying online.  I too however do all my own wrenching and would never ecpect a local bike shop help with a problem part bought online.

I too, get frustrated paying MSRP at the LBS. However, a few other things to keep in mind: 

1. You don't pay shipping at the LBS. 
2. It's a lot easier to return a part or ask for help with something at the LBS. 
3. The LBS is instant gratification - if I want that part NOW (not a week from now) I can get it at the LBS. 
4. In case you didn't know - most of the LBSs (Cycle Path included) offer a discount (usually 10% I think) for THTB/IMBA members (which you should be). 

I try to shop local first (which is how I ended up with a beautiful new frame from First Flight).  If the availability of what I need is not local and there is no known or reasonable timeframe of when I can purchase the product I look online.  The same goes for pricing.  If pricing is somewhere in the ballpark I will pay a small premium to go to a local shop and pick it up.  As a consumer though I'm not paying MSRP if the same product can be found on every online site for a deep discount.

I don't buy the whole bike shop "takes care of you" when you shop with them argument either.  You can expect good service and maybe a fast turnaround on repairs which is awesome but I don't think buying a bike from a shop entitles you to endless amounts of bro deals either.  And it shouldn't because a lbs could not stay in business under this kind of arrangement.  You can't give deals to everyone all the time and I know a lot of lbs feel that pressure.   

I respect this but it's the reason I don't assume special treatment from a shop and will price shop on certain items.  I say give local shops first crack at your business though.  Mark at CyclePath has always been great about helping with repairs and giving me fair pricing on service.  He also built me a great wheelset for a competitive price.  My recent experience with First Flight was good as well!

This is a good site to get in touch with a lot of LBSs that support the club and local trails. You can just PM them here and get quotes and availability. I would like it if we had a place where we could put in a request for a product or service and the LBSs could reply with their best offers. Would make the process a whole lot easier and could probably keep some of the business local.