I only visit my local bike shops occasionally if I need to purchase parts or if it's time to buy a new bike...I am under no obligation to spend thousands of dollars per year to support bikes shops or to visit them every week and buy beer, coffee and donuts for bike shop employes... I have purchased a lot of my bike parts and components at MEC which is similar to REI. The prices at MEC are better than bike shops and they are well stocked with many brand name quality bike parts, accessories and components.