Thanks Trek Biker, I appreciate you using this website’s links to shop Performance/Nashbar. But I want to jump in before the conversation turns negative. I really want to encourage folks to support their
local bike shops – I fear that the LBS’s will eventually be replaced by “big box” stores the same way that local hardware stores, bookstores, etc. have. Sure it’s cheaper to buy a bike at Walmart, but you need someone who can fit a bike to you, and someone who truly understands the equipment.
It’s especially essential to support LBS’s
along the trail, because we need businesses that we can rely on when riding the trail. Many of the trail-based businesses struggle to stay above water (H’burg Cycle Depot decided they just weren’t getting enough business in Hartsburg to be economically feasible). If a shop treats customers poorly then it doesn’t deserve your business, but in general I’ve only heard good things about the trail-based bike shops.
Having said all that, I acknowledge that many people do shop for bike parts and supplies on the web. Maybe your LBS doesn’t have the part you want, or you can’t get there during business hours. For those who do want to shop Nashbar or Performance, I’ve added links on the home page of this website. By clicking these ads, you still pay the same price for everything, but Nashbar/Performance give me a small commission. Honestly this adds up to very little, but every little bit helps. Although I enjoy running the website, it would not be worth the large investment of time without getting a little something back in this manner. In effect, Nashbar/Performance subsidize this website when you click through their ads on the home page to buy stuff.
So again, please support your LBS’s, because only by giving them business can we help them stay in business. But if you’re buying from Nashbar/Performance anyway, I truly appreciate you clicking their ads on the home page.