Too bad that first video was released months ago. I'm guessing something similar of the rest. Regardless, Wade rides one section in the first video that a lot of us ride and I've never seen anyone hit it that fast, a near-vertical double roll over that's slick and has a nasty run-out. Never ceases to amaze.

All excellent points. Now we need our local bike shops to recognize this and act on it, showing that they can think and work outside the box. ;) I agree that MEC is much more public about how progressive they are compared to most LBS's. Having said that, to some degree, LBS's are only as "green" as their suppliers since the LBS can't/doesn't make the parts/bikes themselves. Also, it's been said MEC talks the talk but has a hard time walking the walk so to put them on a progressive-pedestal of god-like environmental conscientiousness is ridiculous. Most of them probably drive cars, take vacations (via jet-flight), own computers and buy products manufactured somewhere in southeast Asia: http://www.storyofstuff.com/ To say "at least they're trying" is relevant, but so is the recycling program at my local bike shop which just so happens to sell only Canadian made products if at all possible and justifiably sells everything they do based on reducing, reusing and recycling, including clothing and pannier bags made from recycled materials. Oh, they also installed green-lighting this past year, don't have a fax machine (they do but apparently it's never plugged in), use environmentally sensitive cleaners and to top it all of, every single person on staff either walks or rides to work.

Yet another issue local bike stores need to tackle if they want to keep consumers coming through the door. But those experienced, professional employees come at a cost and it's hard to pay those wages if consumers are constantly shopping online and going to MEC.

"The LBS have nothing to worry about from either the bikes or any parts that MEC sells. They have two different client bases." - I disagree. MEC's bikeline is target-marketed at the fastest growing sector of bikes in the urban environment, commuter/urban/city/comfort. And there are plenty of LBS's who sell these style of bicycles successfully year after year, providing quality service and support. MEC's bikeline will directly impact the sales of any LBS in the same market. "What we are seeing is capitalism at work. MEC has a new product line and Race Face has a new customer. Both will do better because of their working together." - RF will only do better if people choose to buy their product at MEC. I suggest they buy it, like you, from their LBS. That also sends a message to MEC. "capitalism: a system of economics under which ownership of and investment in the means of production and distribution depends chiefly upon corporations and private individuals."....I don't know exactly how a "CO-OP" would fit into that.