Originally Posted by
tjspiel
I bet just getting one and sticking in the window of the bike shop would generate interest.
Riding one into a Trek dealer generates interest--from the staff. I've had mine in three other Trek dealers since I bought it not quite two years ago. The typical response is, "Wow! So that's a Portland? I've never seen one before. Awesome bike!"
Still, I can understand the dealers' reluctance to stock them. Mine sat on the rack unsold for two years before I was ready for it. I don't know how many times I looked at it without understanding what I was looking at.
Then one day, I went in with a list of features I wanted in an all-seasons commuting rig, and the manager said, "Oh. I have two. One's even in your size." A little while in the trainer confirmed it. A week later I went for a test ride and put down the deposit.