Hybrid Bicycles - Service plans?

I am new to biking and am looking at a Trek 7.3 or 7.5 FX. The Trek store offers a 5 year service plan for an additional $169. Should I get it? The other local store said it is a waste of money that you only need one tune up a year, etc. I probably won't be a heavy rider but I guess you never know. Thanks for your help!

#1 - what is the warranty that the store is giving you by buying the bike alone?

they should give you a year at the least. i was able to get tuneups/minor adjustments for life from my local bike store.

IMO, it does not make sense spending $200 on a warranty on a $500 bike.... or even a $700 bike...... if you wont ride it hard, then i am sure the basic LBS warranty (if they have one) should provide you with good enough coverage. this is my opinion though, others may suggest to get the warranty and have absolute piece of mind.

which remind me... what does the extra $169 plan cover? at the least, your shop should give you one free tune up (if not the first year of services free) ... after that, the maintenence consists of things you can do yourself -change brake pads, lube chain, etc etc etc.

fwiw.

Does the service plan cover maintenance or is it like an extended warranty (i.e. "insurance")? If you are talking about the Trek Red Shield plan, I'd view it as "insurance". For that % of cost to value, I personally would "self insure". But when it comes to insurance, everyone seems to have different views and if you like piece of mind then at the end of the day $170 might not be so much to pay.

Cheers,
Matt

I am going to call them tomorrow (it was the officialTrek store) and see exactly what it would cover. I am a girly girl and will not be changing my own breaks, that much I know! :lol:
I agree it seemed like a lot extra but I read it costs $60 for a tune up, and even one a year would cost more than $169 over 5 years.
The other store I went to said they give you a tune up when you buy it, but I think that was it. They said the plan isn't worth the money, but of course they wanted me to buy the bike there instead and they don't offer that protection. I'll see what I find out tomorrow. Thanks for the help!

I think it is the Red Shield plan. I looked it up. It covers the list below but not tune ups. I think I will probably pass on it. Thanks for the input!

Wheels - Spokes, Rims, Hubs, Quick Releases
Fork - When not covered by the manufacturer
Crank - Pedals, Crank Arms, Chain Wheels, Bottom Bracket
Brakes Assembly - Levers, Cables and Caliper Components except pads
Drivetrain - Derailleurs, Chain, Shifters and Cables, Cassettes
Suspension - Components front and rear
Wear and Tear - Mechanical breakdowns experience as a result of normal wear and tear after one year from date of purchase

Trek has officially joined the ranks of Sony. Electronic retailers try and sell you extended warranty because it has huge margin and pays well.

Run run to a different store and a different brand.

Trek has officially joined the ranks of Sony. Electronic retailers try and sell you extended warranty because it has huge margin and pays well.

Run run to a different store and a different brand.
Or just don't get the extended warranty.
You might want to ask the bike shop if they will give you free tune-ups for a couple of years.

Basic bicycle maintenance is really easy.

I'm teaching my gradeschool Grandchildren how to do it (YES, even the girls;) and, it's really surprising how quickly, and easily, that they pick it up.

They seem to enjoy doing it, and revel in their work and knowledge.

Try it, you might be surprised......

Or just don't get the extended warranty.
You might want to ask the bike shop if they will give you free tune-ups for a couple of years.

Personally I simply would not do business with a company that has a policy of picking people's pockets especially after they tried to pick mine. There are other choices out there.

^ Exactly!

I said it in another thread - when i was looking for a fx 7.7, i went to one LBS that was HORRIBLE! when i tried to haggle, they said they cannot budge on manufacturer prices, not to mention that since the 7.7 was a special order, i would have to also pay for taxes, shipping and assembly!!!!!!!!

i could not believe my ears! im here willing to spend 2 grand on a bike and they're not willing to cut a deal? LMAO. i laughed myself out of the store.

the lbs i finally got my bike from, i got a HUGE discount on the bike, and was not charged tax, assembly or shipping. i got the bike literally for MSRP - about $300 . and the icing on the cake? they threw in the life-time tuneup/adjustments on the house. im getting all my bikes from this place from now on.

just keep in mind - it's your money and stores/companies should be treating you with the utmost respect and be willing to give you a good deal based on the fact that you have many options to choose from in the first place.

my LBS is so good - they had a leftover 2009 trek 7.2 and they were asking only $400 for it! brand new! i bet they would have budged even more if someone came with cash in hand.

Run run to a different store and a different brand.
+1
Trek is not the only brand out there and definitely not the best brand. Lots of newbies buy Trek because Lance rides Trek. Lance is getting paid big bucks to ride and advertise their bikes.
Shop a few more bike shops and see what other brands look and feel right for you.

When I bought my 2010 7.5 trek i got the maintenance package for it, but skipped the red shield. I forget what I paid for mine, but basically it is free tweeks, adjustments, and annual off season full tune-ups. Basically if i bring it in the next two off seasons, I'm saving money.

I've seen, around here, more bikes needing repair DUE to the "tune-ups" the local shops do. I'd urge one to learn basic bike-skills and take care of tune-ups oneself. It's fun, and you'll be assured of the best labor.