Catgrrl70

I am so frustrated right now I could scream. Maybe I will!
So I'm checking out pricing on a custom Soma Smoothie ES vs a custom Surly Cross-Check.
So far, one place who was willing to give me a quote on what they thought I should have is several hundred dollars too high - and when I suggested switching out a couple things (I was specific and didn't touch the brakes/derailleurs and important things) he came back and basically said "no" and offered my an inferior pre-built bike instead.
Another place told me to basically, do it myself (even though I gave them my list).
Still waiting on the third.
Jeez - I'm willing to give you a list, work with me! Call me! I can visit you! I want to buy from you, but I don't want to do it all on my own and I need help! I am not a beginner commuter! I know what I want!

So this weekend I'm getting together with a friend of mine who is amazed that no one will help me and he is going to help me himself. AND I'm more inclined to purchase a complete Surly Cross-Check and then switch out a couple things and STILL beat the prices I got.

Surly vs Soma what do you think? I need something to last and be a good commuter with all weather and lots of hills.

*RANT over*

pluc

Were you spec'ing a Cross-Check Complete or building a Cross-Check from the ground up? That's pretty different. When a bike shop orders a bike, it gets a box with everything in it, and assembles it. They can't just swap a piece, because it's at their loss.

Catgrrl70

No - build from ground up. Just trying to negotiate things like a pedal - I don't want a $70 pedal, give me a $20 pedal (but nope)!
I would only switch out pieces if I personally bought a complete bike and did the switch myself.

pluc

Are you kidding me!? Run, run away fast!

You really gotta find yourself a nice bike shop and stick to it.

PdxGecko

It's a bit of a drive down to Portland, but Demitri at Veloce does custom builds all the time. He does everything from commuters and single speeds to one off Independants and Wiler TT bikes, 1K to 10K.

He built a SS Soma Double Cross for me custom from the ground up. He was very helpful in suggesting choices, but let me make the final decision on every part.

https://www.velocebicycles.com/index.html

Tell him I sent You ! Jon W.

BikingGrad80

If you want something done right ...

unkchunk

That's my view. You're never going to find the perfect bike shop. Especially for commuting, as we seem to be the "bastid child" of the cycling industry. The only thing you can do is figure out which LBS you can work with and then build a better relationship with them. I had a Surly built up around the Nexus internal hub and did it in January and February when I figured the LBS had more time to devote on my project. With improving weather and longer day light hours, LBS's are starting to get pretty busy now.

I recall that most was done through QBP and that there is a discount for ordering a whole bike, even though individual components were specified. A whole bike included pedals and a saddle. I already had my own clipless and a Brooks, but had to get the cheapest generic saddle and pedals to get that discount. The LBS priced it both ways for me. I'm sorry, I'm rambling now.

Anyways, yeah... find yourself a good LBS and try to make it better. And remember, when it comes to Price, Time, and Quality... you can only pick two.

BikEthan

Part of the price issue is that it's a LOT more expensive to buy all the parts individually to build up a bike than it is to buy a complete bike which might account for the $200 or so too high. That still doesn't excuse the incredibly lame service you've been getting from these people. I'd find a better shop with people who are willing to work with you a bit. Good luck!

Catgrrl70

Yeah, I don't know why it's been so problematic finding a good shop. There's only two in my area I can get to easily, otherwise it's a 30 minute drive. The one shop that seems to be refusing to listen to my input on a custom bike offers fantastic service so I'm *shocked* that they are acting like that.

Anyway, I'm looking at doing it myself w/help of my friend built around the Soma Smoothie ES frame. And I've heard great things about Veloce in Portland, so perhaps I'll give them a ring today as well. No issue visiting Portland at all!

CliftonGK1

Not to be a jerk to these shops, but are they Velo and Counterbalance? (I've heard a lot of complaints against those two shops; in particular the attitudes.)

I'm not too familiar with the shops downtown, and you might want to try posting in the PNW regional forum for some advice, but I'm a big fan of Sammamish Valley Cycles. It's on the eastside in Redmond, so it's going to be a trip across the lake for you, but seriously, it's worth it. I just got my X-Check from them over the new year, and whether you're building up from custom or want a complete with some swap out parts, they'll work with you to make the bike you want.

I don't know if they deal with Soma, though. If it's a QBP brand, they'll order it for you. That's how they did for my Surly. They don't have them in stock, but it was only 1 week for them to order it in.

Catgrrl70

Clifton, neither one!
I am waiting to see if my shop, who basically told me to get a cheaper bike, comes around. I sent them a nice email clarifying my position so we'll see. I want to use them for service b/c they have been fantastic - don't want to drop a name here unless they do a turn-around and be helpful.

There's a limited amount of places in West Seattle and one of them I dropped last year b/c of basic wierdness...

This is all very interesting but now I've got to do some bike parts research, then do some real 'work' and my decision will likely be made by Monday.

idcruiserman

Do it yourself. It's not difficult.

X-LinkedRider

I can't tell you how many shops I have walked out of based on the attitude alone. They should be lucky people are willing to walk in and buy overpriced stuff, but then to act like they don't offer service, when that is the whole reason for buying stuff at a LBS instead of the internet.... Just a disgrace.

CliftonGK1

You might consider buying your frame and parts where you can get them the cheapest, and looking to a place like Recycled Cycles or The Bikery about learning to do all the build work yourself.

JustBrowsing

My recent experience with one of my LBS. [posted to the mechanics forum since that was a more appropriate place for it]

D-Fuzz

Have you actually been in any of these shops or have you enquiries been by phone &/or email? That may make a difference in their attitude. If you visit the store in person, it is a lot tougher for them to say no, especially if you have cash-in-hand. If you are communicating through email, they likely think you are just trolling and will likely be less interested.

pluc

Talking to the boss also usually helps.

MIKEnDC

Where I live it's the opposite. There are three LBSs within an easy ride of me (one of which is an REI), and the two true LBSs both are difficult for someone like me (with fairly limited experience but wanting to learn and do as much as I can--not just to save money, but so that if something breaks on the road, I can deal with it). I suppose if I was spending $3K it would be different. I've talked with both LBS bosses, though, and it appears to be a clear case of excrement rolling downhill.

When I've needed to order a part, I just go to REI.

For JustBrowsing, there is a shop in DC I like: City Bikes in Adams Morgan. Good atmosphere and pretty helpful (and I hope that they weren't one of the shops you were referring to ).

Catgrrl70

Great questions/comments all!
1. In person - YES, absolutely - I have a good relationship with the main shop! Have been in person to all places. First I go in, discuss what I ride, how I ride, how long, etc. Then talk about what I'm interested in and components, etc. "Ok, great! We'd be glad to help! We'll get a quote to you, then let us know what you think." They have inititiated the emails, not me. They've also said, give us your list and we'll go over it, no problem. No answer.
2. I have been working with the owner.
3. This is exactly why I have been driven to the internet and contacted shops in Oregon. I'm trying to keep my business in my local area, but am finding it impossible.
4. No problem with doing it on my own with help of a friend who has built bikes. So we are comparing my options this weekend.
5. They know I have have the cash - made it clear I am ready to do this now, not later.

KrisPistofferson

Just to clarify; you're not just writing down a list of parts from Nashbar, etcetera, adding up the total, then expecting to pay exactly that price if the LBS orders and assembles the bike for you, right?

JustBrowsing

I realize this is going way offtopic, but I thought I'd respond. City Bikes has been very hit or miss for me every time I've gone in (leaning more towards miss though). That's actually the place I was referring to in my other post about shops that have knowledgeable employees, but they can't be bothered with helping the customers. I've been in there and had someone who was really willing to help me exactly once. I've also been in there a number of times to get some parts/tools and there were between 6 and 10 employees working, 3 or 4 customers in the store, and nobody was willing to help any of us (I actually spoke with one of the other customers once about how ridiculous it was that not a single employee was willing to help either of us--even after we asked for some help). More often than not, the employees can't be bothered to interrupt their conversations about what they did the night before to actually sell something. On top of that, they have a tendency to mark things above MSRP. Yes, they do have a good selection. And yes, they do have knowledgeable people--assuming you can get one of them to help you. But no, I shouldn't have to FIGHT to GIVE them my business.

And Catgrrl, I wish you luck on your new build, however it happens. Keep us updated on it.

CliftonGK1

I vote for #4.
If you have the time and the expertise (or access to someone with it) then build it yourself. You'll end up saving money versus buying all the parts at the LBS, and you'll learn how to build/repair everything by working with your friend.

I'm working on a bike rebuild at home, including building a new wheel. Sure I could have brought it to SVC and asked them to build a track hub into the wheel, or I could have bought a freewheel conversion kit, but I'm getting so much more out of actually doing all the work myself.

Catgrrl70

Heck no! This is a very specific list worked up with a shop. I've done some research as well on my own (bike people, other shops, etc) and know that some pieces on the bike can be reduced in price (like, I don't need a seat - I have a great seat already) and I'd prefer different pedals...stuff like that. I have no problem with the brakes/derailleur system etc. I expect to pay a bit more through a shop absolutely, with good reason as I expect them to know what they are doing and for help/advice. Plus, I'll need more parts after it's done (fenders, new lights, etc) so the ultimate cost will likely be more like their quote...I just think I don't need every single piece on the bike to be the highest end piece out there.

I'm not asking them to reduce their price hugely, just a little; what can they do to help me come closer to my price range...

MIKEnDC

Sorry Catgrrl--I'm not really trying to hijack your thread. FWIW, I'm trying to do as much on my projects as I can, and so that's my vote for your situation. I figure even if it costs me a bit more in $$, I'm better off in the long run having done the work myself.

And JB, I guess this is a case of YMMV--and it sounds like you've been in there quite a few times more than I have. I guess it also goes to show how little I think of the shops out my way.

cman

Have you tried Aaron's in Seattle? https://www.rideyourbike.com/