Giant Fuji

My LBS has this bike on their floor. The owner says he can knock about 20% of the sticker price of $1700 (MSRP in 2013 btw) getting it down to $1300. I feel that is still too high myself. I would think getting it to around $1000 would be way better, but I am unsure how to go about the haggling. I can get a 2015 Fuji Roubaix 1.1 from Performance Bikes with a mix of Ultegra and 105 for that price, although the nearest one is 2 hours from me. What are your thoughts on this?

Lazyass

I would make the drive to Performance.

RoadGuy

I have no experience riding either this Specialized, or the Fuji mentioned by the other Poster. But I can comment on the market value of the 2013 Specialized. The Specialized is almost three years old. As soon as you roll it out the door, it will be worth a realistic 60% of MSRP, meaning if you are lucky and need to sell it immediately, you might get $1000 for it if you are willing to wait for the right Buyer. $1360 (20% off MSRP) is an unrealistic Selling Price for the bike shop to ask. You probably could have gotten that price or better when the 2014s were introduced and the 2013s were clearanced (2016s will be here in four months).

If the Specialized really speaks to you, and it fits, talk to the Store Owner about a more realistic price. I'm sure he will be motivated to move the bike out, as it is dead inventory, and has been costing him money since he received it at least three years ago. I'd offer him $1000, or $1100, and wait for him to counter-offer.

Giant Fuji

I think $1000 is a better price myself. I have no idea what the markup is on bicycles, but that is money just sitting there, I hate to insult the guy with a lowball offer. He could sure use the room. I will talk with him and see what he can do, but if we cannot come together on the price, off to Performance I go.

Cary, or Raleigh store better?

Lazyass

The only Performance I've been to in NC is the one in Chapel Hill. I'd go to whichever is closer. If you wait there's a good chance it will be on sale over Memorial day weekend.

Giant Fuji

Roger that! Thanks!

garysol1 

As a full fledged Specialized fan boy I would be looking hard at that Fuji. My only concerns would be the Oval branded wheels, brakes and especially the crank. Be sure to ride it before you buy it. I would really be interested to see the shift quality up front with the Oval crank.
I do ride a Smartweld Allez and absolutely love the feel of the frame but I have never ridden the Fuji so I can't really be of much help comparing the two.

cale

If you go about this thinking it is about grace, you may be playing into his hand. It is usually better to just be up front and cut to the chase. But if you ask me, the LBS has already earned the diff and you'd really just rather be riding...

Giant Fuji

Thanks for the input. The Oval branded cranks are rumored to be rebranded FSA's so I am not too concerned with that. The wheels might be a problem because I'm a clyde (just a hair over 200 lbs.) and they are 28/24...That is my only concern with that bike. Other than that, Ultegra STI shifters, cassette and RD and 105 FD really make this look good. The Allez is 105 gruppo except for brakes, probably zero real difference except it's 10 speed, and axis brakes / wheels with 105 hubs. If I can get the price down I will jump all over the Allez, the thing is stunning to look at. The geometry of the Allez is probably better for me too since the Fuji is really race bike geometry, not to sure on that.

Stucky

Why not offer the guy with the Allez $900? You have nothing to lose....worst he can do is say no. Then go get the Fuji.

As seems to be par for the course....sounds like yet another LBS owner who is a terrible businessman. Keeping outdated inventory around is stupid- He wasn't smart enough to let it go for a reasonable price when it was current...and yet he's still trying to milk it; while advertising to everyone who walks into the store that he doesn't have a clue. Hilarious! I wouldn't pay a dime over $900 for it. As soon as you roll it out the door, it's worth the same as any used Allez of the same vintage.

20% off MSRP! I would have laughed in his face! If he were lucky, that might be what somebody pays for it at the end of 2013 on clearance!

ColaJacket

I got my bike from the Cary store, mostly because it is closer to where I live. If you're coming up I-40 (US-1), it should be closer. But the Raleigh store probably has more stock. And the Chapel Hill store may be where the local warehouse is. Try the Cary store. If they don't have what you need in stock, then they can tell you if one of the other local stores has it.

And if you buy it now, and it goes on sale on Memorial Day, then Peformance will give you the difference back.

GH

black_box 

You may want to compare the geometry for the fuji, allez, and tarmac. I think the allez and tarmac are the same, if not very similar depending on the size.

rms13

The Allez is also old 10 speed 105. I would go with the Fuji

garysol1 

Very similar but the Allez has a slightly taller headtube.

ravenmore

I just bought a Fuji SST that also has all the Oval branded components. The crank shift performance is ok. Main problem with it is that it is heavy along with all the other Oval components. I'll be changing them all out over time.

Slackerprince

I'm way over 200 and ride 20/16 wheels, so I wouldn't sweat the wheels too much.


S

garysol1 

Welcome back

Giant Fuji

I am pretty set on the Fuji at this point, too many pros and not enough cons. My current Fuji is a 58cm the new one will be 61cm. I think this will actually be a better fit for me in the long run since my seat post is waaay up in the air after my fitting. Looking at the geometry numbers side by side revealed the 61cm frame is not THAT much bigger anywhere, reach is only like 17mm farther out. The true test will be when I'm on the bike since my current bike had that goofy adjustable stem and it's got a bit of rise to it. Well, endurance to race bike geo...what can I say

garysol1 

When it comes to reach 17mm is HUGE.....

Giant Fuji

I hear ya, like I mentioned, true test will be when I am on it. I'm kinda gangly with longish arms so I may be good. They have a great return policy so no worries there if the fit is wrong.

garysol1 

Good luck! Looks like a really good deal on a nice bike. Enjoy!!

Giant Fuji

Thanks, I appreciate your input.

Giant Fuji

Talked to the LBS one more time, not budging on the price. Went home and ordered the Fuji. Done deal, now the wait until it is ready for pickup...

ravenmore

Gracias!

Stucky

Excellent!

The asshat at the LBS is going to be taking that bike to the grave with him. The dope has an opportunity to unload it....but just keeps holding on to it. It ain't getting any more valuable as time goes by..... If I were a banker, I'd NEVER ever make a business loan to an LBS! If I were in your shoes, I'd ride the new bike to his store, just to rub it in his face!