Bike stores I don't think will ever close down, a lot of people...a lot, will always purchase their stuff from a bike shop, have their repairs done by a bike mechanic, seek advice and hangout at a bike shop. Aparrently the internet takes just 5% off the whole australian retail sector (according to the news). I suppose I'm lucky I can do all my stuff- repairs, intallations, bike builds etc on my own, sometimes need a second pair of hands though, I also keep up to date on most mtb websites/forums to see and hear from other riders what's good, what is over-rated, what's to be avoided. Where I live there's not many options to purchase at a reasonable price. I'm not evil or even anti LBS, I simply prefer, like a few here to buy online in the comfort of home, taking all the time I like to research and buy, I've bought both my Banshees right here in Oz off Darren Bowman from barspin Imports, man he's got a great attitude to cust. service and did a great deal for me on my scythe. No way I'd keep it a secret, but I certainly know what you're saying.....like an L.B.S buying off the net? or ringing a distributor to complain that the price online is too cheap, at least in Oz. we're supposed to be protected from that. If we actually are I don't know.