Originally Posted by
prj71
I value my time more and like to keep more dollars in my pocket.
If I have to spend an hour out of my day to run to the LBS and back that's time that I've lost that I could be doing something more productive. It's not a win-win for me at all.
1.) LBS parts cost more than online
2.) I've burnt up gas that I have spend money replenishing
3.) Wear and tear on car
Online...Place order for same part that is cheaper...Shows up 2-3 days later.
I think this is an important point for many people. I've spent most of the past twenty years living in small, rural cities that lack bike shops...Places in which the nearest small (=poorly stocked) bike shop was over 20 miles away. It's a tremendous waste of resources to travel that distance to buy some bike parts, especially when the UPS truck is going down my street every day and can easily drop off my online order.
I do now live in a small city with a little bike shop, and I often patronize it. Today, while out doing errands, I will stop by and pick up some sealant.
tl;dr: Horses for courses.