Going to the Bike show and I am ....

Steer clear away from red bikes.  Wolves in sheeps clothing.  They are decievingly slow.  You think, ah, red bike....fast.  But no, the red in the paint is made from lead which actually is heavier, and is attracted to water, which means it will be slow in leaving T1.  Just my .02.

Have fun at the show.  Wish I were going.

Talk about a wolf in sheeps clothing, how about a guy averaging 15mph in his last tri telling you about how other-colored bikes are slow.

ALWAYS consider the source.

Personal experience:

DO NOT buy from a chain bike store. The owner operated shops care about their customers and go the extra mile for you. The bigger stores usually could care less. They treat you right when you make the big bucks buy but god help you if you have a service/warranty issue

Or (like me), you could pick the best of both worlds: black, red, and silver. 

I'm in the industry, and believe me the margin for independent bike retailers ain't all that impressive.  Don't go into the relationship (and I use that word because the better shops do view it this way - you're not just a customer), don't enter the relationship with the chip on your shoulder that their jipping you.  Be prepared with questions and find the expert in the store that will really help you.

Tell them what kind of riding you do, any injuries you have, average mileage per week, long term goals, that you're local and you want to build a long-term relationship and plan to do service with them.  Ask them what kind of service plans or recommendations they offer.  Ask them if they have fitting services.  You'll probably know more than the average Joe when you go in to the store (by nature of the fact you're on this board), but be open to hearing new ideas, too.  Ask them if they have any group rides from the store. 

All these types of questions will help them feel good about you as a customer (and be willing, in the future to offer you loyalty deals, i.e. on service or accessories.)  If they try to sell you something out of your budget, gently voice your objection - go home with the bike YOU want - this will make you really happy in the end.  Consider, too, if they have financing; this is not something to dupe you into a better bike - think of it as a service the shop offers you (and they often pay high processing fees to offer you this), that allows you to pick the best bike now (and pay later).  Often the rates are much lower than slapping it on your credit card. 

Other questions to ask: How long has the shop been there, how they got in the business, do they ride too? 

Hope this helps! 

Support your local bike retailer - in the long run they will help the sport stay healthy!!

Out of curiosity, what is the name of your LBS? 

I think this shop is about 1/2 hour away from you.  If you're ever nearby, swing in and tell them Katherine from TBS recommended the store.

Spin Doctor Cyclewerks (Greg Anderson)

140 S. Hickory Ave.

Bartlett IL 60103

p.630-289-7360