General Cycling Discussion - Would you haggle this on a new bike purchase?

Hey gang

I was able to find a 2009 Trek at a LBS. The bike has a triple crank on it and I was wanting the compact crank. The Shop said that they would swap it out even, but they would charge me labor in doing it. Should I haggle the labor cost as well, or just go with it? This is my first purchase where I am doing something like this and I am not sure of the etiquette. I was thinking since I am paying over 2 grand for a bike, then perhaps they should work with me some...


Thoughts?

How friggin' much labor cost can there be in a crank swap?

Seems your other option requires a crash <koff> course in bike-mechanics and buying around $75 of tools. Take your pick.

Find out what the labor will be IN ADVANCE and then make your decision. I would expect it to be around $30 or so depending on what is involved.

A proper swap might also require changing the bottom bracket and front derailleur too as well as adjusting chain length. Ask about them. Personally where I live, and at my age, I would prefer the triple.

If the shop don't want to sell a bike- Find another that will.

It takes 5 minutes to change a crank- 10 if you want to do it properly. The length if time it will take them to stop argueing with me on why they won't do it for free.

they are being pretty cool about it, the shop attendant was making it out to be no big deal to do. I am going in on Saturday to finalize the deal and just wanted some simple input...I will see what the cost is and go from there...


Thanks for the response guys, it is appreciated.

don't know what the usual practice is for this type of thing but I notice that you're a firefighter.....they should do it for free in appreciation of what you do.....my 2¢

Thanks homebody.... I do not like to use what I do for a living to get perks, and will often argue against it. Its a job that pays the bills... I am just lucky enough to have the job that I always wanted and get paid for it as well...


Like I mentioned, I have never bought a bike where I wanted to change out components. Hell this is my second bike purchase from a LBS altogether. I did not know what the practice usually is. I see no reason for owning a triple crank in Texas and just wanted input before I close the deal out on Saturday...


Thanks for the reply.

I'd try to get it for free - it isn't much work and they get a big purchase out of you and probably some repeat business.

I'd phone half a dozen shops and ask for their best price on the combination, and possibly email some Internet suppliers. I'd also ask the LBS whether they expected me to take the showroom model - in which case why aren't I getting a discount? Or whether they are building up a fresh bike for me, in which case why am I getting charged for work?

Sorry but I think they are giving you a good deal. I can't imagine them charging you more than $30 labor, and you are asking them to modify a bike that they paid for stock as is. Not only that they are giving you a new in the box part for trade for an OEM out of the box part that they can't just put back on the shelf and sell for full price.

I had the 53/39 rings on my SuperSix swapped for 50/34's when I bought it. Shop gave me an even swap on the rings and charged $20 for the labor. No big deal. They're putting extra effort into modifying a stock bike to make it the way you want it.

How friggin' much labor cost can there be in a crank swap?
Going from a standard triple to a compact double would mean more than a simple crank swap. The BB would have to be changed as well (shorter spindle), the chain length adjusted, front derailleur lowered, and the derailleurs adjusted.

Perhaps a dumb question, but can you use the triple brifters with a double compact without any problems? Can you lock out the extra shift to the granny ring?

As for the cost, I paid $40 to swap a crank to change crank arm lengths. I did not buy the bike or the new crank from the LBS that swapped it. Too much? Maybe, but they turned it around quickly and did it right the first time. I'm more concerned about losing access to my bike for 2 or 3 days than I am about haggling over $10 or $20.

Keep the triple. There are no disadvantages, and someday you'll be glad you have that granny.
As for your original question, if you're spending $2000 for a bike, you can afford to pay the guy for his time and labor. Even if he doesn't have to change the bottom bracket, he'll need to do some fiddling, possibly change the chain length, adjust the front derailleur, stuff like that. It's not hard, but he deserves to be paid.

If they agree not to charge you for the labor, I would certainly drop a 10 spot in the mechanic's hand. Or a 6 pack of beer, which is sometimes even better.

They should have charged you for the crank with free labor. Talk about 'doing it wrong'.

Walk into the bike shop like you own it and make eye contact with your salesman. Pull out your cradit card but don't give it to him yet, keep it in your hand. Ask: "Are you going to be able to cover the labor on the crank swap or am I going to have to think about this a little longer?"

Nobody wants to lose a $2,000 sale on the last detail. If they do say "No" you've left the window open to call them back tomorrow or even later today. Either way you can rest assured that you got their bottom price for that bike.

Wow, thanks for all the great responses guys.

The shop hinted that it would not be much, the guy that was working with me at the time was not there, and they did not want to get much into the transaction and the swap without him there (not sure if he is the owner or not). I will talk with them about it this weekend. From what I gathered its not just a simple crank swap, it would be all that has been mentioned. Honestly if its less than 50-75 dollars in labor, than its not that big of a deal, the shop owner does have to pay their bike mechanics, and irregardless, I was going to bring them a 12 pack of beer just to thank them for setting the bike up after its all said and done, crank swap or not. I want them to know me when I come in and maybe treat my baby with just a little extra touch of tlc.

I am still debating if I want the swap or not, I dont see a need for it, then again, whats it going to hurt If I have it?

Once again, thanks for the information and input..

You might as well learn bike-mechanics. Sounds to me like this debate is unending - and just keeping it as an option, or doing it and paying the labor charge, should be a painless decision. Now look at the mess! :eek: :D

Hey gang

I was able to find a 2009 Trek at a LBS. The bike has a triple crank on it and I was wanting the compact crank. The Shop said that they would swap it out even, but they would charge me labor in doing it. Should I haggle the labor cost as well, or just go with it? This is my first purchase where I am doing something like this and I am not sure of the etiquette. I was thinking since I am paying over 2 grand for a bike, then perhaps they should work with me some...


Thoughts?

My LBS gives 3 years of free labour with every bike purchase, along with 2 free tuneups in each of those 3 years. Maybe I just have an outstanding LBS, but I would expect roughly the same deal if I ever bought a new bike at any store. In this case, I would take my $2000 of business elsewhere.

don't know what the usual practice is for this type of thing but I notice that you're a firefighter.....they should do it for free in appreciation of what you do.....my 2¢

I'm a carpenter. Everyone lives in a wooden house, right? I deserve some compensation.

Going from a standard triple to a compact double would mean more than a simple crank swap. The BB would have to be changed as well (shorter spindle), the chain length adjusted, front derailleur lowered, and the derailleurs adjusted.

This I know, JDT, as I've done it more than a dozen times myself; I'm making a point about throwing down $2K for a bike, then haggling about $20-30 worth of 'custom' work.

Don't read more than I write, OK?

Wow, more than a dozen.

The best part of the whole deal is the shop is trading you a crank they could sell for one they will sit on for five years. It is a poor cash move for them. They are going to eat the cost of the crank set(and if you have your way, the labor) to move the bike. They will not get full return on the sale of the bike until they sell the crank they took off the bike(Which, in the case of a triple road crank, can be a long freaking time) and they will never get the cost of the time spent to set it up with the compact back.

And while I am ranting, what is the big deal about being a fireman or policeman? It is just a job. Sometimes there is calculated risk in that job, like lots of other jobs. I never had any one shaking my hand when I commercial logged(Nor did I expect it) and it was riskier on a daily basis then being a fireman(No three on two off, that was six days a week, 12 hours a day), The guy that works third shift at the Quicky Mart, making sure you can get that late night soda, is at greater risk than a cop or fireman and no one wants to give him the keys to the city.

Here's an alternate option to think about. Pay the labor cost. But ask if you can watch and get a quick lesson while they do the work. Then it's a win all the way around.

And while I am ranting, what is the big deal about being a fireman or policeman? It is just a job. Sometimes there is calculated risk in that job, like lots of other jobs. I never had any one shaking my hand when I commercial logged(Nor did I expect it) and it was riskier on a daily basis then being a fireman(No three on two off, that was six days a week, 12 hours a day), The guy that works third shift at the Quicky Mart, making sure you can get that late night soda, is at greater risk than a cop or fireman and no one wants to give him the keys to the city.

My son is in the Air Force. A couple of years back, when we went to see his graduation from basic training, we walked around town with him. He was required to be in uniform. Many people thanked him for his service to our country.

I was in the Army from 1975-1978. No one ever thanked me and I had no expectation that they would. I didn't care then and I don't care now, but you've got me to thinking. Should I be carrying a grudge of some sort? :rolleyes:

Trenches

I am sure you are not directing the firedfighter remark towards me, since I indicated it my early post that I do not use what I do for a gain on anything, and I do agree with your statement.

Second, the shop was blown away by the fact that I even wanted to do this. From what they said, most want at least a tripple crank and the easiest gearing that they could get. The shop made it sound like it was a rare request and made it sound like it was no big deal to.. I could be wrong, but I think the cost for a tripple is more than the double, if thats the case, then the shop would make some money on the equipment swap..

Thanks for the information

I could be wrong, but I think the cost for a tripple is more than the double, if thats the case, then the shop would make some money on the equipment swap..

Not really, because the shop then has a triple that they technically have to sell as used, and wait for the right buyer to come along to buy it. Dunno about anyone else here, but before I'm going to it's going to have to carry a decent discount.

-R

Bargain, haggle. Always. It's an efficient way to save your hard earned money. Just do it politely and end with a sense of humour. You will more than likely want to revisit that LBS.

My LBS gives 3 years of free labour with every bike purchase, along with 2 free tuneups in each of those 3 years. Maybe I just have an outstanding LBS, but I would expect roughly the same deal if I ever bought a new bike at any store. In this case, I would take my $2000 of business elsewhere.

That free labor is for when you BUY parts...not when they give them to you. Here they are offering to trade a stock part for something off the shelf. They don't have to do it. They could make him buy the new crank. I think the shop is being more than generous, I'd pay a few bucks for the labor.

I would also think about the so called "$2000 of business". The shop's profit on this is not as much as you'd think. Most LBS make more on repairs and parts than new bike sales. They don't usually have a big profit margin. Most shop owners aren't getting rich these days.

Also, being on good terms with the guys at the LBS can net you lots of good help and information when you need it. If you hammer them over every nickle and dime, they aren't as likely to go out of their way to help you next time. My LBS has given me plenty of little freebies (mostly in the form of labor), but I never asked for any of them.

W
And while I am ranting, what is the big deal about being a fireman or policeman? It is just a job. Sometimes there is calculated risk in that job, like lots of other jobs. I never had any one shaking my hand when I commercial logged(Nor did I expect it) and it was riskier on a daily basis then being a fireman(No three on two off, that was six days a week, 12 hours a day), The guy that works third shift at the Quicky Mart, making sure you can get that late night soda, is at greater risk than a cop or fireman and no one wants to give him the keys to the city.

You sir, are a prick. It's not about the risk they take to themselves, it's about the lives they save....yours included. If you've never had your life saved by a policeman or firefighter, be grateful. But if you ever need them....you better be doubly grateful because the guy that works third shift at the quicky mart isn't going to do a thing to save you.

swap out the triple for the double it'll shift better and easier to adjust - lighter and probably all you'll ever need

swap out the triple for the double it'll shift better and easier to adjust - lighter and probably all you'll ever need

Shift better is pure balderdash.
Easier to adjust is only true for guys who - well - aren't very good at adjusting front derailleurs.
I'll give you lighter but not by much.

You sir, are a prick. It's not about the risk they take to themselves, it's about the lives they save....yours included. If you've never had your life saved by a policeman or firefighter, be grateful. But if you ever need them....you better be doubly grateful because the guy that works third shift at the quicky mart isn't going to do a thing to save you.

AFAIK, firemen are very well compensated, moreso than a commercial logger, a carpenter, or a Quicky Mart cashier. They also receive medical benefits, retirement, overtime and hazard pay. The issue was whether they deserve a discount for doing their job....just like everyone else.

You sir, are a prick. It's not about the risk they take to themselves, it's about the lives they save....yours included. If you've never had your life saved by a policeman or firefighter, be grateful. But if you ever need them....you better be doubly grateful because the guy that works third shift at the quicky mart isn't going to do a thing to save you.


AFAIK, firemen are very well compensated, moreso than a commercial logger, a carpenter, or a Quicky Mart cashier. They also receive medical benefits, retirement, overtime and hazard pay. The issue was whether they deserve a discount for doing their job....just like everyone else.

As the OP stated TWICE, he's not interested in the 'fireman's discount'; somebody else made that an issue, just being hemorrhoidal. And, there are a LOT of firemen out there who are VOLUNTEERS, don't get paid for their hazardous duty, so get off it.

Butter, you're right...Trenches is a prick.

At least I don't think I understand a business because I managed to replace a BB a couple of times.

If you guys had even a limited amount of reading comprehension, you would see my comment was directed at the guy claiming the OP should use his job to draw some kind of extra perks. AGAIN, THIS WAS NOT DIRECTED AT THE OP. HE EVEN AGREES WITH MY POINT IN POST #27.
The irony of this claim is that the OP should should use his job type to the detriment of the owner and employees fo the bike shop. He does his job, they do their job, but he is somehow better. Awesome, logic system
I could go on but this is like trying to argue with some one that believes aliens helped build the pyramids, or flouride causes cavities, or professional wrestling is real.
Beter a prick than a moron. You guys continue your circle jerk.

Retro - you must consider trimming the derailleur part of the fun - guys I ride with that have triples are good at making adjustments as they get plenty of practice at it.

And while your at it, ask for the old parts back!

OK guys, spoke withe shop this am....

They are going to swap all the equipment across the board. At first they tried to blow off me paying the mechanics, acting like it was not necessary. I told them that I would pay them for their trouble, fair is fair. We agreed too 50$ and a 12 pack of a pale ale....


I think everyone wins on this deal... Getting the bike soon and thanks to all for the information and opening my eyes on some things..

Second, the shop was blown away by the fact that I even wanted to do this. From what they said, most want at least a tripple crank and the easiest gearing that they could get. The shop made it sound like it was a rare request and made it sound like it was no big deal to.. I could be wrong, but I think the cost for a tripple is more than the double, if thats the case, then the shop would make some money on the equipment swap..

Thanks for the information

Ah -- so they might be able to get that triple crank out the door pretty quickly, then, offering to swap it onto a bike for the next customer who doesn't want a double.

$50 and a 12-pack is certainly fair. Maybe they'll offer one to you while you wait. ;)

Ah -- so they might be able to get that triple crank out the door pretty quickly, then, offering to swap it onto a bike for the next customer who doesn't want a double.

$50 and a 12-pack is certainly fair. Maybe they'll offer one to you while you wait. ;)
That would be great!!

Looking at their bikes in stock this AM... I would say 85% of the road bikes come with a triple on them...

In the end, they are pleased to have a new customer (esp one that brings beer) and I am a happy camper as well... Good for both parties if you ask me..

On a $2,000 bike, they should swap the crankset for free if the cranksets are of comparable value.

If the new crank has a retail value significantly higher than the one they are taking off, I would have expected them to either (a) eat the cost difference to get you to buy the bike or (b) charge you the cost differential but install the crank for free.

The LBS has plenty of opportunities to either install the triple he takes off on another customer's bike or unload it on eBay. There are "new bike take-off" parts on fleabay all the time (it's where I bought my last crank...).

If you guys had even a limited amount of reading comprehension, you would see my comment was directed at the guy claiming the OP should use his job to draw some kind of extra perks. AGAIN, THIS WAS NOT DIRECTED AT THE OP. HE EVEN AGREES WITH MY POINT IN POST #27.
The irony of this claim is that the OP should should use his job type to the detriment of the owner and employees fo the bike shop.

I completely agree with you on this issue. Monetarily, everyone should pay their way through society. And as you pointed out, the OP agrees with that concept as well. I only responded because you dismissed the risks that firemen and policemen take every day in the line of duty. Saying that a convenience store clerk is at greater risk is ridiculous.

I work in a chemical plant where there is a risk of dying every day. People have been killed in similar plants, but my plant has 12 years without a lost time accident.

The biggest difference between the risks that fireman and policemen take versus the risks that you or I take in our jobs is....they take risks to help others. We take risks for a paycheck.

sounds like a fair deal - nice gesture with the pale ale you'll be teachers pet for sure now when you come in and get great service. Enjoy the new bike!!

AFAIK, firemen are very well compensated, moreso than a commercial logger, a carpenter, or a Quicky Mart cashier. They also receive medical benefits, retirement, overtime and hazard pay. The issue was whether they deserve a discount for doing their job....just like everyone else.

The issue to me was the statement about quicky mart cashiers being at greater risk than firemen.

OK guys, spoke withe shop this am....

They are going to swap all the equipment across the board. At first they tried to blow off me paying the mechanics, acting like it was not necessary. I told them that I would pay them for their trouble, fair is fair. We agreed too 50$ and a 12 pack of a pale ale....


I think everyone wins on this deal... Getting the bike soon and thanks to all for the information and opening my eyes on some things..

Good man, sounds like you made friends with a shop, got the bike how you want it and are good to go.

Nickels and dimes, anyone? bk

The issue to me was the statement about quicky mart cashiers being at greater risk than firemen.

Quickie marts tend to get armed robbers a lot!

At least I don't think I understand a business because I managed to replace a BB a couple of times.

If you guys had even a limited amount of reading comprehension, you would see my comment was directed at the guy claiming the OP should use his job to draw some kind of extra perks. AGAIN, THIS WAS NOT DIRECTED AT THE OP. HE EVEN AGREES WITH MY POINT IN POST #27.
The irony of this claim is that the OP should should use his job type to the detriment of the owner and employees fo the bike shop. He does his job, they do their job, but he is somehow better. Awesome, logic system
I could go on but this is like trying to argue with some one that believes aliens helped build the pyramids, or flouride causes cavities, or professional wrestling is real.
Beter a prick than a moron. You guys continue your circle jerk.

I DO understand not only A business, but THE business, because I'm IN IT.

It amazes me that some people can read more than what's there, and feel superior because other people don't read the same nonexistent words.

And we can't continue our circle-jerk, you're the pivot man and you're MIA.

OK guys, spoke withe shop this am....

They are going to swap all the equipment across the board. At first they tried to blow off me paying the mechanics, acting like it was not necessary.
I told them that I would pay them for their trouble, fair is fair. We agreed too 50$ and a 12 pack of a pale ale....

I think everyone wins on this deal... Getting the bike soon and thanks to all for the information and opening my eyes on some things..

Smoked ... you are really taking care of the mechanics at this shop ... a good idea in the long run :thumb:

The real question here remains unanswered - how much did the LBS discount the 2009 Trek model as the new 2010 bikes arrived last month?

My local shop has all of the 2009 models discounted 15%- 30% ...