pseudoware

This was at REI, in the bike shop/repair dept. I said I was interested in upgrading the groupset on my bike, and asked what's a typical labor charge for something like that.

"What's a groupset?"

I'm fairly new to road bikes (MTB'r for years), but I didn't expect that. Uncommon terminology, or unknowledgeable employee?

CliffordK

Are you buying Campagnolo? Did you try Italian?

Gruppo?

CliffordK

REI walks the line between Department Store and LBS.

No doubt some employees cover multiple departments, at least on the sales floor. Hopefully they have a few mostly dedicated bike repair personnel. So, I suppose I'm not that surprised.

I had to look up Chainset a while ago, so not everything is known to everybody. Just explain what you meant, and let it slide.

techsensei

I used to be the Master Technician at an REI. I'd be inclined to throw a different question back at you, "What exactly do you mean by a groupset?" Not because I don't know what a group/groupset/gruppo is; I would want to know what it meant to you. Do you want just the drivetrain, or drivetrain and brakes? Or the whole shebang, including changing or building wheels? Obviously the cost of labor would depend on your answer.

Rowan

Are you sure the question was "What's a groupset?" and not "What groupset?"

Looigi

Where did that word come from, anyway? Group? OK. Set? Maybe. But groupset is a redundant. We used to buy frames or wheels but now it framesets and wheelsets. Seems the cycling market is appending set to everything nowadays. And anything they sell you is an investment, no matter what it is.

Retro Grouch 

I wouldn't know how to answer your question either.

Exactly what parts were you wanting replaced? Were you including hubs, headset and bottom bracket? How you answered that question would have a BIG impact on the estimated price. Honestly, paying somebody to replace a lot of components on your bike is never going to be cost effective. You're generally much better off buying a whole bike with the components that you have a yen for.

RonH

In 2012 I went into the (at the time) only bike shop in the area and asked if they had or could order cleat covers for SPD-SL cleats. One guy asked "what are cleat covers". The other guy asked "what are SPD-SL pedals". I walked out and ordered some online.

rydabent

This is not a strange happening for these days. No matter what kind of store or auto dealership you go to, knowledgeable buyers seems to know more about the product than many salesman. Its a sad fact really!!!

chaadster

I blame the English. They say that, "groupset." Also they say "chainset" for the crank. Those people...

skidder

True. About 15 years ago I sold Chevys, and anyone who came in for a Corvette was ALWAYS more knowledgeable than any car salesman. I'd just show them the 5-8 new cars we typically had, and the occasional used one, and they'd look 'em over very carefully to see if it was exactly what they wanted ('Vette customers were really picky customers). Important thing was don't try and BS the customer. FWIW: I sold one in the time I was there - really sweet commission on those things!

Gresp15C

I think this is a side effect of the intense price competition in retail. There's no longer enough money in it to justify becoming an expert salesman.

Dave Cutter

Don't forget we also have a real age division in cycling styles too. A young cyclist could be very experienced. Maybe even some sort of local youth champion... yet only know BMX cycling. My grandson has been an avid cyclist for years... yet has no interest in road bikes. He has never even ridden a road bike (which I would happily provide him). His knowledge of mountain bikes is only passing at best.

I have also met store sales people who didn't seem overly knowledgeable about the cycling sport I most prefer (road bikes). I take it with a grain salt. I know the manager of the local Performance as well as the head mechanic... and they are both VERY knowledgeable. The other bike shops in the area are similar. Not every employee is... or needs to be... manager capable.

jefnvk

Does REI even sell full groupsets? I don't think it'd be my first choice of shops for such a job.

SteelIsRealHevy

Lemme guess, the salesman gave you a price & you replied "pfff I can get it cheaper online" & left.

Next OP thread "Ebay Woes"

FullGas

if the answer is 'groupset, chainset, colorway'...

the question is 'what are terms I don't use?'

AlexCyclistRoch

To be honest, the only reason most of us pay more at a 'brick and mortar shop' is so that people who work there that are into the same sport as we are can make a living. If they replace those who have a passion for our pastime with minimum-wage flunkies, then, yes, I'll go online to buy there.

Dave Cutter

Actually I am a big believer of: "If you can't fix it... you don't own it. You're just renting it from the repairman".

But some things (particularly as I age) I accept I need to hire-out. But I still do most of my own bicycle repairs... because I can. But even the bicycle needs to go in the shop on a rare occasion. I don't know the future of the LBS... or any brick and mortar shop. I wish them all the very best.

Gweedo1

What do you call employees/owners with a passion who only earn minimum wage performing their jobs? "The real deal"sounds good to me.

Guys like me are only interlopers in the life style of cycling. I don't have the courage to "live the dream" as it were, so props to those who do and don't live the drudgery of a 9-5 job like so many cowards like me do. Those who toil away in bike shops for min wage aren't losers in my book. Bad mechanics maybe, but losers...nope.

Sy Reene

Less and less LBS's in the US sells full groupsets any more at over 50% upcharge vs. overseas (I'm sure they could sell you one, not sure they are). That said, I think you're right, REI wouldn't be my first choice. At least at an LBS, they will be more experienced in at least building up a bike from the frame/fork.

Also, not sure how other posters are confused by what is meant by a groupset? Go online, eg. Merlin, they sell lots of groupsets. I don't see the constituency of these varying much, ie. a groupset includes: Crankset, BB, Chain, cassette, FD, RD, levers, brakes and cables.

CliffordK

groupgate?

rydabent

I could not disagree less. Everyone should know all there is about their job. You could study at night you know.

fietsbob

You were In REI , you may have talked to someone who was more trained to sell tents and sleeping bags , not Bicycles .

were they the Mechanic wearing the Shop Apron. ?

So, did you share your superior knowledge with them with patience and courtesy?

himespau 

Some people would say it also needs to include wheels and/or headset to be a full groupset. Others say you don't need a crankset included. 20-30 years ago, the seatpost might have been part of the groupset. It can mean different things to different people.

bruce19

A bike at REI? This is a surprise?