STRMTRPR

@bj007: Skynet is such a joy to deal with. Swore off CRC the first time they made me use them.

Our SPD's all tend to play in the mud so all of my bikes have the M540 on them. A bit better at shedding mud than the M520 and a tiny bit lighter. No complaints, I have pairs that are over a decade old only service is a cleaning. Never saw much reason to move up any further in the range. Plenty of cheaper ways to drop a few dozen grams when the performance is identical.

@millerstone: MY LBS is very reasonable and I don't bitch. Probably why I go there and why he's still in business.

If you think shipping to Canada sucks you aren't doing it right.

@boxxerace: Border patrol is to keep Americans out. We don't want you.

Yes well in Canada we have a chain of stores called MEC. Within is a huge actual bike shop and they don't care where you bought your parts. Parts via CRC, installed by MEC. I actually do frequent my Local Bike Shop.

I spend approx 50% of my considerable cycling budget (me and two competitive junior racers) at the Local Bike Shop. I've been all but kicked out of other bike shops because I either mentioned something I saw on line and they don't carry it, or I brought my bike in for service and they didn't like my answer when they asked about my new brakes. Online shopping isn't the bike shop owner's worst enemy. Reacting like an asshole because a customer, for whatever reason, sourced a part somewhere else, is. I'm not saying eating shit and smiling is the solution but you have a flesh and blood customer who wants to buy something from you and you yell at them? The only way Local Bike shops will survive is to provide excellent service. That includes keeping your opinions to yourself, about everything and especially online sales. Generally I've found bike shops to be quirky and customer service is too. That used to fly but now I can go to MEC and get no hassle service and discounted parts and accessories. There is no reason for me to go to a local Bike Shop anymore unless it is closer. Mine is.

People are putting Knipex plier wrenches down because of the saying "the right tool for the job is always the best tool". These are meant to be used where the best tool isn't available or didn't get packed because two sets of pliers wrenches replace an entire socket set plus half a dozen other tools that the travelling mechanic left at home to save weight. Knipex plier wrenches are amazing. I have the 10" and 7" models which multiply the amount of force you exert times 60. You could easily crush someones finger using the 10" ones. They don't wiggle and nothing about the construction is loose. I also have their 7" Cobra pliers which are an elegant replacement for channel locks. If you are putting down these wrenches then you have never had to go on the road with your tools. Can't bring them all and these pliers can replace a bunch of different heavy tools.

It's been cheaper to shop my lbs than going to CRC since the dollar tanked last year. Frankly I'm surprised any Canadians would be fretting about this takeover.

Is there a decent mail order option for Canadians anymore? The dollar has us bent over and Companies that ship DHL or UPS will turn what was a good deal into a waste of time right quick.