Maybe the traditional lbs needs to up its game then
+1
I really try and support my two LBS’s – one fully independent and one that is part of a small (6 shops I think) Scottish chain – but it probably is time to give up on them.
Things I have tried and failed to buy from them this year – a floor pump, cone wrenches, a torque wrench, a bottle of Stans, brake pads for XT brakes, some grips that aren’t Bontrager, and some bar end plugs.
I’d even be happy to wait if there was a bit of enthusiasm from the monosyllabic youths that mope about to get the items in, but that doesn’t seem to be an option even if I suggest it! Currently into week 3 of waiting for my bottle of Stans, which needs to travel a whole 65 miles from the big branch.
Deary me…