rob-rider

I've been looking for a new Axis for a couple months now and am having trouble finding a bike shop that sells it for less than its $1300 msrp. Anybody know of a place that could save me a few bucks? I've been reading all of your advice for a long while but this is my first thread so go easy on me.

BikerRyan

You are probably not going to find a local shop that will sell it to you for less than the retail. This is because the local shop is going to provide you with quality customer service AFTER the sale. This service, which cannot be had over the internet, is well worth the 50 dollars you might save by ordering one from another store. The bike shop does not make money by selling bikes because the bikes cost money in several ways. First they must be shipped to the store (shipping costs), then assembled (labor hours), then maintained (labor hours), then warrantied (shipping costs and labor hours). Support your local shop and they will support you when you need it the most (like when you need your bike tuned before Saturdays ride and you took it in for service Friday night). Dont try to knock down the price, a bike shop is not a car lot and wheeling/dealing is not appreciated. Many times a shop will offer you a discount on any accessories that are purchased with the bike so be sure to ask.

-Ryan

RacerX

While I agree that you should go through your LBS, I see absolutely no problem in telling them it is more than you want to spend and kindly ask them if they can work with you on the price. Nothing wrong with that.

Maybe they can swap out for a cheaper wheelset to make it more affordable. (Something they usually don't do on factory bikes but if they are not Bianchi labeled, they could just sell the Shimanos-or whatever it is- on another bike or seperately). You could ask for 105/Open Pro wheelset or whatever they have that could knock off the price. It's not something I would expect the shop to agree to but if you really want the bike, throw it all out there. You never know.

Finally, since cross season is a long way off they might be willing to sell it a little cheaper knowing it might otherwise sit for 1/2 a year.

Whatever you do, buy from a good LBS and good luck!

Dirtgrinder

Where are you located?

rob-rider

Thank you all for the replies. In the end, I found a great deal on last year's model from a guy who, incidentally, works at a bike shop. Dirtgrinder asked where I am located and the answer to that has a lot to do with why I posted this thread in the first place. I live in the northern part of Japan and up here LBS's have trouble getting a hold of cyclocross bikes like the Axis. They are available, but the cost is considerable. With that in mind I began a search on the internet for a better deal. Because I have lived abroad for number of years, I didn't feel a strong affinity toward any particular LBS and wouldn't be able to take advantage of their after-sale service anyway. Hence my search based only on price.

Anyway, thank you again for the information. My bike will be arriving here soon so I plan to spend less time behind this screen and more time out there on the road. But I will continue to check in periodically and see what new interesting threads await.

Dirtgrinder

The reason I asked where you lived is that I bought an Axis last year from a local shop. I know the guy pretty well and probably could have got a decent deal for you but you're a loooooong way from MO. Enjoy the Axis, it's a great bike. The only thing about it I didn't like were the Koski pedals. Couldn't hardly get unclipped. You might want to try them out leaning against a wall before you take off on it and find out you can't unclip.