General Cycling Discussion - I just ordered a new bike...need advice

Hello,
Many of you will remember me, I returned my x-mart bike and was looking for something better. Well, I was trying to decide between the Trek 800 and the Specialized Hardrock Cromo.

Well I decided to get the Specialized for $279. My LBS will give me a free 30-day tune-up, but they also have an offer that you pay $59 and you get 5-years of free service. Such as tune-ups, wheel trueing (sp?), brake work, etc. Is this a good idea to purchase?

Thank you everybody for your help, it is greatly appreciated!! :)

if you're not mechanically inclined, and don't plan to be, then $59 is a great deal on 5 years of tune ups. but then again, it could be a ploy for them to "find" stuff on your bike that "needs" to be fixed or replaced... and they can make a pretty penny that way

it could be a ploy for them to "find" stuff on your bike that "needs" to be fixed or replaced... and they can make a pretty penny that way

Hmmm, never thought of it that way, thanks. :(

I would say most likely, they figure most peope buy bikes ride it a few months then sit in their garage, so no tuneups after a few months and they come out ahead. Basicaly the same way rebates work, they give you the option for $10 rebate but they know only 20% of the people actualy put in for the rebate.

If you are planning on riding the bike then spend the $59 if you can afford it. Over time tune ups can get costly.

Just try to get something in writing telling you what the service plan covers. For example does it cover cables or just the labor to replace the cables?

I'd agree with delirious and lowcel. Have something in writing before you buy. Remember, however, that even if it doesn't cover any parts (which I wouldn't expect it to), it is probably still a good deal for anyone who doesn't want to have to spend time learning about bike maintenance. It's not too hard to learn, but it does take a little time and practice. Plus, $59 over 5 years=$12/year=$1/month.

i think $59 sounds like a good deal. most places give a free 30 day tune-up, but cables and parts are usually still in the break-in phase for longer than 30 days. if you don't do your own repairs, 1 tune up later will cost you somewhere around $59.

fishepa,
My dealer gives free tune ups for one year from purchase, and also installs upgrades and parts free, for the life of the bike, if you buy the parts at his shop. This includes tires and tubes. I even took a bike in that I did not buy from him, and he changed the tube and tire for free. Also, post a link so that I can see what your new bike looks like. BTW, how did it go when you took your bike back to Wally? - Ted

Terminator,
Wal-Mart took it back with no questions asked. I have heard some people say they are starting to not take bikes back, but I had no problem.

Here is a link to the bike I got. They had to order it since they did not have the size frame I needed. I can't wait until Friday to get my bike!! :)

Specialized Hardrock (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03HardrockCroMo&bl=mountain&my=2003)

The cro-mo's coolio..good choice.

Is there any one local(that has it) you can ask about the extended service plan? It might be good for you but generally extended service plans are not worth it, this goes for tv's and refrigerators too.

Nice looking bike. It looks a lot like my KHS. I hope that you enjoy it. - Ted