Phatman

ok, I am building a fixie project, and I went to the shop to get a cog. I saw on sheldon brown that the cogs were around 20 bucks, so I'm like, ok, sheldon is a bike shop, the prices should match. So anyway, I went in, and they ordered me a shimano d/ace cog for 22 dollars. Before ordering though, we talked about the different brands, the other main one was surly, but he said it was 37. I didn't want to pay 37 dollars for a cog, and thats why I ordered the dura-ace cog.

Anyway, so thursday, they called and said that the d/ace cog was backordered like two weeks, and they might not have it for a month. They ordered a surly cog for me, and it was waiting at the shop for me with my name on it, if I wanted. there was no pressure to buy the surly cog. however, he did say that it was a 40 dollar cog. I declined, and said that I would wait for the dura-ace cog.

I'm a bit confused. why does the surly cog cost 40 bucks? this is USD, I live in maryland, this is not canadian or aussie bucks. I looked online, and the msrp is like 25 dollars. 25+5 dollar shipping is 30 dollars. so why is my lbs charging me 40? thats like twice the msrp w/ tax.

I have been happy with my shop for the past year or two, and the salesmen are really helpful, and I am happy that they went the distance and ordered me that cog. however, I think that this is just plain price gouging! I can get a whole cassette for 40 bucks! of course thats not what I want, just a price comparison. but still. When I go to the LBS, I do not expect a discount, however, I do expect to pay msrp. is there something wrong with that?

I know its just ten bucks, but I really feel like I am getting screwed here. do you think that they would bargian with me? I'd be willing to pay 30, which is the price that I'd pay online.

what do you guys think? am I being unreasonable?

Jakey

The LBS may buy the shimano stuff for a cheaper cost...

You could always buy it online.. I like to support my LBS as much as I can... but sometimes you have to do whats best for your wallet.

Phatman

well, I doubt the shimano thing.

anyway, it is resolved. I again have faith restored in my bike shop. I went to a salesman, and said, "I can get the exact same part online for 25 dollars with 5 dollars shipping, and I really don't want to pay 40 dollars here." the guy gave me the cog for 30 bucks. I really like my LBS. I'm gonna keep going there for a long time, I think. Good people.

seely

For some reason shops can get Shimano stuff really cheaply through Quality, but the Surly stuff is pretty pricey through them.

roadfix

My LBS sells Surly cogs for $24. DA's for about 20. Try and get EAI cogs if you can..... they're the best, at about $25...

George

Phatman

well, I got the surly for 30...I'm happy. I'm off to buy chainring spacers...I just finished dishing my wheel (happy) and I need to true it up a pinch...then I'll be a non coaster...

stapfam

I use this line at my lbs all the time, I know what I want, find the price I want to pay, and offer my lbs the chance to sell it to me at that price. Sometimes they match, sometimes they come near, and sometimes they save me money, by pointing out that the cheap part is last years, won't fit my bike, or is rubbish quality. This way, my lbs is still in business, and they are always there for me to tap their knowledge, or sell me parts that I want.