Sure you can, but what are you REALLY getting?
Example:
My last post showcased a fantastic Serfas light that I had bought from the LBS www.radicaledge.ca . It's a great light - as I wrote - but this morning when I went to go for a ride, I noticed the mount for the light was hanging off the handlebar - broken. The rubber strap had torn.
So I threw it in my jersey pocket, I was headed to the shop anyway for some chain lube and embro. I even brought the receipt for good measure.
Facing a 60km/h headwind (really, check weather.ca "Oromocto" for proof), I made it to the shop. Brian, one of the guys there, replaced the strap without batting an eyelid. He tore open a new in box light and gave me the strap out of it.
Now, I haven't gone online to check out the prices on the light I bought from them a week ago, and I don't plan to. What I experienced today makes up for whatever inconsequential savings I may have gained online. So, about that LBS again?
- Customer service (how much turnaround would I have faced had I needed to mail that strap back to Chain Reaction in the UK?)
- Shop events - these guys lay on road/MTB/Cross races, group rides, BBQ's,
- They keep the downtown core alive (which is a good thing - Picaroons is around the corner)
- They promote cycling in the community - which leads to better trails and other facilities
So needless to say I'll give my money to Brian, Josh, Mike and boys for a long time - there is a shiny S5 Team with my name on it.....how to convince the wife is a whole other story.
PS - In light of all the nasty doping and Lance traffic (which I find very interesting by the way), here's something a little more refreshing - almost tear jerking.
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