Commuting - LBS Pricing on Linus Bikes

My wife wants to get a new Linus Dutchi 8, but it looks like the retail price at local shops ranges from $799 (http://www.wheelhousebikes.com/product_details.cfm?id=93&catid=22) to $879 (http://capitolhillbikes.com/product/linus-dutchi-8-3904.htm). Can anyone explain the big discrepancy? We're in a bigger city, so maybe that's just the cost of rent being passed on. I just thought it was a large difference, and wasn't aware of big price differences between major brands like Raleigh, or Trek.

Can anyone enlighten me why this is?

Any number of reasons could change the price. There really is no way to tell why there is such a change in price without knowing the shop owners and asking them outright. I searched quickly online and saw a price of $799 for the bike. Could be that the one charging $879 just wants to make more money or is one of those I will give you 10% off if you buy it today kinda guys? Its really impossible to know.

Yeah, I wasn't sure. My local shop looks to be one that's charging more, even though I really like the shop itself. I didn't know if this was a 2012 model price increase, either. I'm not sure if "2012" models are even out yet.

Different shops have different markups. Maybe the $799 shop works on 30% margins while the $879 shop rounds up from a 35% margin. Unless you're mechanically included and have the tools, I'd try to figure out which shop will build the better bike. I haven't worked at an LBS in years, but it was pretty typical for the "95% assembled" bikes from the factory to have poorly set up derailleurs, hubs that were too tight, cables that had not been pre-stretched, and more. Some shops do better than others at correcting those things.

What city are you in? I've seen a couple LBS's were blowing out Linus bikes for a decent discount.

Check the MSRP to see if the $799.00 is a deal and if the $879.00 is the suggested price.

I hear that these are very nice bikes and have two clients who own these and have been well pleased with their experiences.

At close to $900.00 I'd be looking to save an extra hundred and get a Breezer Uptown 8 which is a stellar deal when you consider it comes fully equipped with everything you would ever want in a roadster.

Tell the shop you like that you found it cheaper but would like to support him if he can sell it to you cheaper.

Tell the shop you like that you found it cheaper but would like to support him if he can sell it to you cheaper.

This is probably your best approach. I've done this before, and generally it works. Start by telling the shop owner/salesperson that you like the shop and that you want to support your LBS. I'd say if they get to within $20 of the other shops price, it's worth keeping you business local.

Different shops have different markups. Maybe the $799 shop works on 30% margins while the $879 shop rounds up from a 35% margin. Unless you're mechanically included and have the tools, I'd try to figure out which shop will build the better bike. I haven't worked at an LBS in years, but it was pretty typical for the "95% assembled" bikes from the factory to have poorly set up derailleurs, hubs that were too tight, cables that had not been pre-stretched, and more. Some shops do better than others at correcting those things.

Although I posted out of curiosity, we still ended up buying the bike. This may be a good suggestion, since before we left they took the bike back to the mechanic to give it a checkover before she took it out.

Even at closer to $900, I have to say this is a really nice bike for the price. We got the 8 speed Nexus model, which has nice parts like Tektro brakes, Schwalbe tires, and a fully cro-mo frame along with the standard steel painted fenders, rack, kickstand and metal bell. Even though it's a dutch style, it's pretty zippy and she rides faster on it. I did replace the stock pedals, which were crap, with MKS rubber block pedals.

At close to $900.00 I'd be looking to save an extra hundred and get a Breezer Uptown 8 which is a stellar deal when you consider it comes fully equipped with everything you would ever want in a roadster.

I've heard good things about Breezer's commuter bikes, but the wife was insistent on a "pretty" bike. She didn't find the Breezer's too pretty.

What city are you in? I've seen a couple LBS's were blowing out Linus bikes for a decent discount.

I'm honestly surprised about that. I'm in DC, and you see Linus bikes all over the place. I think they're selling a lot of them, which makes sense. I think they are well-designed, well-spec'd bikes. A good example is the over sized fenders that are also decently long. I get annoyed when city or commuter bikes are spec'd with short, low coverage, sometimes flat fenders. I'm looking at you, Jamis.

maybe clearing out older models? They were about a 100-200 off. Pretty good, I almost plopped down for a Gaston.
Maybe you can look around at some dealers, maybe they have autumn sales going.

My wife wants to get a new Linus Dutchi 8, but it looks like the retail price at local shops ranges from $799 (http://www.wheelhousebikes.com/product_details.cfm?id=93&catid=22) to $879 (http://capitolhillbikes.com/product/linus-dutchi-8-3904.htm). Can anyone explain the big discrepancy? We're in a bigger city, so maybe that's just the cost of rent being passed on. I just thought it was a large difference, and wasn't aware of big price differences between major brands like Raleigh, or Trek.

Possibly a difference in 'after sale' service? For example, my preferred LBS provides lifetime tuneups on new bikes purchased from them. Another LBS in my area provides tune ups for only one year post sale. Even among the chains (performance versus REI) this type of difference exists.

While this may not explain the whole difference, it could be a part. Also, I get the feeling that some shops here in DC are 'trendier' than others (or more convenient, or have better marketing, etc...) and therefore command a higher price?