Am I right or wrong asking LBS to match price?

Never hurts to ask.  Also compaire some other things though.  Some may offer a year's tuneups or include a professional fitting.  That could swing the cost a couple hundred bucks....

I went through similar issue when buying my K Factor as well.

I found the difference was less though about 10%. I tried to get the LBS to drop the price, but they didn't. I did get 10% off though most bike shops I get 15% so not as good.

LBS did give me a free tune up which was worth some money maybe $75  plus they swapped parts for even money including wheels, saddle and compact crank. On line stores wanted more money for the swap. If I had bought it on line I would have had to pay to have it put together..when I added in all the extras the difference was much closer.

LBS was best choice plus now I always get a discount at the biggest tri store in the area and am treated very well..priceless!

Just because you don't have to pay tax to your state at the time of the purchase, doesn't mean you don't owe it.  Your state likely has a use tax for exactly that reason.  Online retailers are seeing more pressure from  their states and outside state to provide that sales data so they can collect the lost tax revenue. 

It might not bite you today, or tomorrow, but someday it'll show up.  Most states are starting to get very aggressive with this.

If it were me, I would factor the taxes in, and then ask the retailer to match.  If you go in there and tell them its because you don't have to pay tax, they might deny you on principle.  I probably would.

Just my two cents.  I hope you get a kickin' deal. 

I was going to say the same thing, also want to point out that you may not have to pay tax at the time of purchase (doesn't mean you don't owe it), but you very well could have to pay shipping.

To the original question, it never hurts to ask. This past winter I bought a frame on ebay and asked my LBS to price components while I comparison shopped online. I was able to save $600 by purchasing online, and my LBS was willing to do the ibuild for $130, including a fit. An LBS makes money from sales and service and even if they don't get the sale they want you as a customer for the service and the after-market accessories sales.

IMHO, that "free tune-ups for life" thing is over-rated; at most my LBS charges $30 for a complete tuneup including wheel truing, but most of the work I can do myself for free.

Remember to factor in all of the cost, such as delivery and assembly ... probably $50.00-75.00 and $100.00 each respectively ... and then add in the fit ($75.00 for a quality fit is on the low end). 

In the end, you are talking about a delta of $150-$175, which is a workable number on their part.  An alternative to taking that directly off the price of the bike is to give you a discount/off-set the cost of the ancillary cost associated with a new bike: pedals, cleats, shoes, cyclocomputer, white wicker basket, etc.

From what I have been told, LBS' do not make that much money off of bikes but instead services and accoutrements ... so there is not a lot of leeway to play with.

That said, when something goes wrong with your bike or you need a last minute adjustment or something prior to a race, the on-line retailer will not be there for you ... hopefully your LBS will be

Only if they close transition areas as well.

You are wrong to take the sales tax into your savings equation.  If you buy online and don't pay a sales tax you are *supposed* to pay this yourself to your state.  (OK, no one ever does)  Many states are now including a line on their income tax returns for taxpayers to remit this tax.  (once again, most people don't do that)

I am not trying to bore you with a lot of tax facts, but that is something the LBS has no control over.  Once you take taxes out of your savings, you will probably see that the potential savings are worth the investment in supporting your local business.

It never hurts to ask the store and show them the prices you found online.  Maybe they can throw in some free stuff to make you feel better about paying the extra $$.

believe me I  know the LBS is not responsible for the sales tax and get nothing from it. I also know that I am meant to pay it, but like someone said, who does? No I don't want to get into a if Johnny says jump in the fire do you jump in a fire conversation. Bottom line is that tax makes about a $150 difference.

Let me ask this then. Is it reasonable for me to expect the LBS to match the base price as in I can get X biek for $2190 online can you give me X bike for $2190 plus tax? 

Support your local bike store.  Sure, ask them if they can match the price or come down a little but you are gonna get your bike serviced and maintained at the LBS not the internet.

I bought a pair of bike shoes from Nashbar to save a few bucks....when I got them in the mail, it took me about 30 seconds to conclude I didn't like them....I sent them back.  Next day I went to my LBS and bought some shoes that I could touch and feel frist.

Wal-mart put most of our local mom and pop shops out of business and the internet is gonna put our LBS's ouf of business if we don't make an effort to support them - even if it means we occasionally pay a little extra.

.~Mike

I have been shopping for a road/tri bike now for a little while now. i have been reading specs, reviews, looking at pics, etc etc...this being my first road bike, i was very overwhelmed.

then, i went to my LBS. talked to the owner for a long time. i came away feeling better in an hour than all that time i had spent doing my own research.

when the time comes to buy my bike, i'm going LBS. sure, i'll pay a little more, but i'm willing to go there b/c  i like having that expertise locally...well, that, and cool biking stories that he was able to share with me...

good luck