Buying from a far bike shop a bad idea?
 

I'm in a small dilemma. I found last years model of the CAAD10, but the shop is about 1 hour and 30 minute drive away, the last one I could find in my size. It's not a price thing either, the older model would cost $50 less than what I could get for this years model, maybe I could ask for more of a discount though. I don't like this years color scheme so I would really be willing to go out of my way to buy it. Do you think this is a bad idea? The bike shop offers 1 major tuneup and as many small adjustments within the first year. So by purchasing from the long distant bike shop, I would probably never go back for any adjustments except for the major tuneup. I would basically be foregoing any service and if any problems arise it would be awful. Is it worth it to go all that way to buy a bike?

My most recent bicycle (just the frame) was shipped from the UK to Australia to me.

We bought the bicycle before that (a tandem) from a shop about 250 km away. We made a weekend of it, went down there on a Friday, test rode it on the Saturday ... and bought it.

We bought my bicycle before that (just the frame) from a shop about 100 km away.


1 hour and 30 minutes drive doesn't seem too far. You can do your own tune-ups for basic stuff, right?

Ive never done my own tuneups before (is the bikeshop adjustment worth buying locally for?) I've purchased an old bike off eBay for college and it had no problems, but I wanted to get a bike at a bikeshop mainly to get it professionally fit.

I don't see it as a problem. If it is the bike you want then go for it. Both of my current bikes were purchased from a shop that was not local to me at all. I went to those shops to buy the specific bike, just like your situation. I do most of my own wrenching but would not hesitate to take either bike into my LBS for service even though I did not buy it from them. Funny thing is that they are a business and have never declined me servcice because I did not buy the bike from them.

It's hard enough to find the bike you really want that fits. Buy it and learn to do your own maintenance. It's really not that difficult, and the cost of the tools is repaid by lower ownership costs. The best benefit of DIY is a bike that's always in great shape, because you make the minor adjustments as needed rather than at your end of season tune up. bk

From what I can see as per your post - an hour an a half's drive gets you a bike you want in your size in a color you like and they'll do a complete fitting with you before you leave with the bike. And if you explain your situation, I'm pretty sure they'll prestretch the cables to minimize any possible adjustments required, and tweak the spoke tension on the wheels if necessary.

Alternatively you could buy a bike that doesn't fit in a color you don't like for a little less money if you shop more locally. What was the question again?

If you have the money, buy the bike you want. Bike maintenance - although I'm no expert at it - is relatively straightforward. Just be prepared to pay a bit to get expert service at your LBS if you're not willing to drive the distance (or ask a friend who is more experienced to show you the ropes!). The LBS by my place is quite reasonable. $40 for a seasonal tuneup, and they do a good job, often doing the "little things" for free. Heck, I've bought so much from there, they just give me a 10% discount if I ask.

If you don't get the bike you want, *every*single*time* you ride it, you will keep thinking you should have bought a different bike, and you'll have buyer's remorse to no end. You'll complain about the colour to your spouse, your kids (if applicable), your friends, your co-workers. Save yourself and your family the grief - just buy it! ;)

That's what I think too.

Essentially you're paying a little more (the price of a tune up) to get the bike that you want. A year from now you will have forgotten about the money but you'll still have the bike. Make sure it's the one that you want.

Hi Pengwin,

I agree with the last 2 replies. A 90 minute driving is not that much dude! I´haven´t bought any of my bikes in my country! Simply because I don´t get what I´m looking for at a decent prize (retail price) or because it takes all LBS a lot of time to get picky stuff, anyhow I buy locally for components, tools and clothing. Just make sure you make comfy with the fitting at the shop where you are buying your bike and learn how to give minor maintenance with your buddies.

Enjoy the CAAD

Good advice all around. Lucky me though, it sold today, just when I thought to myself "it will still be there as I'm making a decision." Just when I wanted to purchase it. What are the odds, eh?