I am one to always support my LBS - you can try to address them to see if they can lower their price - but keep in mind their overhead is much more than the maker or buying them wholesale.

In many cases you can negotiate with your LBS. If you purchased your bike there, then you have a greater likelihood for discount. But for matters where you're saving 25% or more on gear, you probably won't do much better at the LBS, and may want to do it online. The LBS isn't making money hand over fist on shoes and pedals, as they usually roll the price into the bike kit. Their biggest margins are in service, consumables, and bikes themselves. On the other hand, I've never purchased anything from the LBS and regretted it: (1) you're supporting a local entity, and (2) service is usually guaranteed and often unconditional.

Don't forget to try and negotiate with the online dealers as well. I've been able to knock a point or two off by simply asking. Your LBS won't be able to come even close to what the online services will sell for, but they may (or may not) provide personel service. Personally, I'm more apt to do away with the service and get the best possible gear for the money. And online shops like competitive cyclist will even send you a bike, wheels or just a seat to demo for a week before you buy. Find me a shop that will give you a $6500 dollar bike to try for a week before you buy. It's what I did with my BMC pro machine. I wll never purchase at an LBS again having had that kind of choice through an online dealer. Happy Shopping!

When it comes to things like shoes, pedals, which are akin to cycling commodity products (a size 42 Sidi Genius is a size 42 Sidi Genius), go with the option which saves [b]you[/b] the most money. LBSs aren't charity cases, they are for-profit business. So what if their over-head is more? They don't have to be brick-and-mortar if they don't want to. Would you frequent a more expensive McDonald's just because one location has a [b]higher lease[/b] than the identical McDonalds at the next intersection? To assuage any guilt, you could ask them to price match. If they say no, then they must either have too much of a mark-up or the have bad deals with their rep and their margins are too small. You tried.

This is prime haggling time. Maybe the LBS will meet you halfway to keep the sale. You're talking about a >25% price difference.

Definitely pitch your price to them and see what they say.
However, I like to support the LBS because their knowledge often comes with their products.

[quote=TriSooner] LBSs aren't charity cases, they are for-profit business.[/quote]
"Maybe if UNICEF decides to open" a bicycle shop...

Good luck

If you are going to size at an LBS then you need to buy at an LBS. Think about it, if you need/want the luxury of sizing things before you buy them then you need to support the people who let you do that. maybe that means ordering three pairs of shoes and sending two back and just eating the shipping cost, but it could also mean going to a shop and trying them on. Don't use an LBS as a sizing source only, and if you do make sure you throw a dog a bone. it costs that shop money to be open to let you size. Should they charge a "fitting fee" because they've provided a service to you even if you don't buy anything. You know what is fair and how you would like to be treated. As for "hand over fist" take a look at what most of the people in your LBS make. They drive a BMW? I rest my case. Like Bill and Ted said, "be excellent to each other".

... also, I wouldn't go for the cheapest shoe you can find. either do your homework and find a shoe that 'should' fit or go try on a million pairs of shoes and find a shoe that does fit. i.e. narrow foot, wide foot, low volume, narrow heal etc. Also, if it is going to be a tri shoe, consider take off/put on time.

Yeah, I really don't like the attitude of using the fitting convenience but then not feeling that what you got is worth paying more for... It can be tough with the internet deals out there, but at the same time, you took advantage of a service, and if you don't support the person who offered that it won't be around the next time.

I try to keep my money local as best I can, but sometimes it just isn't possible. In this area we have a ton of bike shops, so they are more willing to dicker or at least I can save some money and still keep it local by driving across town....+1 to the service and support an LBS provides. (Providing ,of course, they are a GOOD LBS.)

I bought my shoes at a LBS, and in a few weeks when one of the screws came out, I went back to have them find another screw to put in it. The service was worth the extra money.

Since I know what size I need to get now, I will probably buy my next pair online. I know what gels I want, so I'm not going to pay $1.50 each at a local place unless they feed them to me on my runs.

Generally I use my LBS for most things I can't install on my bike or minor purchases, but I don't make a ton of $ and savings is savings. I buy online too. My LBS still takes care of me.

I have a good enough relationship with a shop literally 2 blocks away that I get everything for cheaper than anywhere I can find it online. They don't carry much in store, but will order you anything and have it in hand in 2 days. It's like buying on-line, but not having to pay the shipping charges. And since they don't carry a lot of inventory, their overhead isn't too high.

As for the fitting services, if I were to accept that because I stood around in a pair of ski boots for 15 minutes, I have to buy them, I'd be $400 poorer. The shop offered me a pair at $630 (plus $70 tax here in Chicago). Turned down the $700 boots and got them on-line, tax-free, with free shipping for $300. Didn't feel bad at all.

I wouldn't feel bad about buying online. Like you said, $50 is $50.

I also don't think you have to buy from them just becuase you used their store to fit. You have to take into account the value of getting you into their store face to face with a store rep. I've walked into my LBS to buy some new tires (also considering buying online) and walked out with new tires and Zipp 404s (used demo set). I've never done that online, but being physically present at the store gave my LBS an opportunity to make a sale. The LBS may not get your money on the shoes, but if they're good at what they do they'll have you coming back for other purchases in the future, which is good business.

There are some great online companies that provide great customer service (One Tri and Xterra to name a couple in my experience). Not all of them just slash the prices and send you a box and forget all about you.

I will spend my money locally every opportunity that I get, as long as I continue getting the service I feel my money deserves. Remember, a good LBS (or any company for that matter) will find a way to earn your money through a sale, whether that be through price, customer service, selection, or convenience.

Scott, fwiw I have the same attitude you do. I LOVE my LBS, and buy as much there as possible. Even the simple things like gels or replacement tubes or a new pair of swim goggles (technically they are a bike shop, but they support three local tri teams). No, they aren't making tons of money off of us on those things, but it means we are in the shop regularly and have a relationship. When the time comes to bargain on things, it means they are more willing to do so since they know my face and name. Sometimes I end up going with them, sometimes not, when that price disparity is so big.

If they know they are my supplier of choice, they are pretty cool and understanding when I walk in with something that I didn't buy there and then pay them labor costs or what-have-you. As for fittings, I think it's like test-driving a car. I'll be honest when I'm doing it "I'm trying to decide what kind of shoe to buy so I'm testing a few pairs here and there." That way, they know they aren't getting the sale that day (unless they make me an offer I can't refuse), and can decide how much time/effort they want to put into customer service.

[quote=Anton]I try to keep my money local as best I can, but sometimes it just isn't possible. In this area we have a ton of bike shops, so they are more willing to dicker or at least I can save some money and still keep it local by driving across town....+1 to the service and support an LBS provides. (Providing ,of course, they are a GOOD LBS.)[/quote]

+2 It is not fair to waste their time and then buy it on line. They are providing you a service and should be paid for it.

Its like going to get fitted for a pair of running shoes. You go to a local running store so you can have someone that knows what they are talking about help find the right shoes. Yes they might cost more in the store but you are paying for that customer service and fitting. The next time you need shoes get them online since now you know what you need.

Glad they were willing to work with you, and then that they also reminded you of why you go there :)

You're welcome :)