Bryan Smith

Here in Portland the line gets a little blurry.

First of all, I would argue that when your LBS has to "order" something, they are ordering it from their current distributor, or in the case of special orders, they may be contacting the "manufacturer" (U.S. guys who have stuff made in China/Taiwan/'Asia') to get your item.

I highly doubt the LBS is "going online" for you.

In Portland, Universal Cycles, and Bike Tires Direct can be your LBS AND your online shop. I am avoiding the "local" 'Big Box' Performance Bike for a reason (although that video did kick ass). Bike Tires Direct even sponsors a local team.

A good LBS, and there are many here in Portland (however some do suck and are overpriced...my opinion), can provide service and answers. When I needed something looked at, just to make sure it wasn't screwed up (by me), my LBS did it for free. They couldn't have done that if they were out of business. Which they would be if everyone made all of their purchases on a strictly dollar for dollar basis. I know I pay more for some things at the LBS. I also realize that I am paying for convenience and, more importantly, service.

There are many types of cyclists: dilettantes, charity riders, commuters, BMXers, MTBers, road racers, CXers, etc. Each may or may not have different needs in an LBS or an on-line retailer. If you don't like that your LBS doesn't have the 'thing' you want when you want it, then you are free to buy it elsewhere. Just be prepared to pay return shipping of it is not the right 'thing.' My LBS (River City) has been known to go the extra mile if they order something and it turns out to be the wrong thing.

(all of this is based on my own personal opinion (and therefore may be flawed) and, thanks to the flood of faceless knuckleheads on the internet, is unlikely to be swayed by anyone reading this who doesn't know me well enough to rag me in person...or via facebook. Please, let's all be civil Oregonians like I know we are and avoid lighting any 'flames' in this conversation.)