I will say one very positive thing about REI. They seemingly understand that not everybody wants or needs a carbon full suspension mt. bike or $7,000 carbon road bike. They design and stock bikes for touring, adventure and everyday use. They have a really good selection of bikes that can be used on other then nice pavement. Not many LBS's have this philosophy. They as well do maintain a shop to support the customers that buy their bikes. They may not be the most proficient bike tech's locally, mostly as they sell a lot of stuff besides bikes, but they've always been knowledgeable and helpful.
As well, they contribute a lot of time and money to the local hiking and mt. bike communities here on Long Island. Kudos for that and is why I'm sometimes not thrilled with their prices on stuff, I shop there anyway.
Last edited by Steve B.; 05-24-20 at 01:45 PM.