Tpcorr

So I patronize a certain LBS, nice group of folks, knowledgeable, great mechanics and fair prices. I want to buy my new bike from them but don't like the brands they carry. My question is can I purchase the bike I want from this particular LBS, even though they are not authorized dealers of that brand? If yes, would it affect the warranty in any way?

Thanks

Tom

SempreCycling

I wouldn't, but that's just me. You never know down the road how many times you'll have to prove you bought it from them.

Consider taking a longer drive and find what you want.

merlinextraligh

It likely would affect the warranty, and potentially cause complications for the shop with their current brands.

If it's a brand that isn't sold in your area, they may be able to become the local dealer for that brand, even if they only sell you yours and don't stock them.

When we bought our Co-Motion, the LBS worked with Co-Motion and is now an authorized Co-Motion dealer.

silversx80

How do you know you don't like the brands?

I'm sure there won't be any hard feelings if you by something else more up your alley.

RPK79

Why would you leave out important information such as the brands they do carry and what you are looking to buy?

Tpcorr

I've test ridden the brands they carry, and just feel more comfortable on a Trek or Cannondale.

Tpcorr

I didn't think the specific brands were germane to the discussion. I'm looking for a more endurance type geometry and am comparing apples to apples in the respective bike lines.

Tpcorr

Yeah, I thought that might be the case, thanks.

RPK79

If you were looking for a QBP brand bike your LBS may not carry it, but could easily order it in. The specific brands are not only germane, they are central to the discussion.

gc3

^^^^ wut he said!

Tpcorr

I'm not sure what difference it makes but my LBS is an authorized dealer of Specialized and Giant, but I'm going to get either a Cannondale or a Trek. I just wanted to know if this particular shop could order in brands for which he is not an authorized dealer.

Sy Reene

Ask them?
though, for example from the Trek warranty page on their website:
"This warranty applies only to Trek bicycles purchased through an authorized dealer or distributor."
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/support/warranty/

Tpcorr

Thanks Sy, guess I'll have to buy the bike elsewhere.

deacon mark

One of the LBS sells mainly Specialized so of course I just stay away.

thump55

I didn't know there was a such a thing as a bike shop that wasn't either a Trek or C-Dale dealer.

cicatrize

I'm with you on that too. I have three LBS in my town. Two have Trek and Cannondale and the other has Cannondale. I kinda thought they'd all have at least one of those due to their popularity.

cyclistca

Ran into the same situation. Test rode a number of different bikes but in the end liked Trek which they did not sell. Bought one from the local dealer that I felt I could work with. Since then I have done my best to a least direct some business their way. Have recommend them to a few friends that are looking for bikes. I've also had them do some repairs on one of my other bikes.

in the end you need to get the bike that works the best for you.

RPK79

Around here there are. Erik's sells Specialized, Pinarello, Bianci, Wilier, and Raliegh. No Trek or C-dale. I stop at a smaller shop often and they don't carry Trek or C-dale either (Giant and Specialized). I don't think I've seen a shop selling Cannondales around here to be honest.

Tpcorr

We have a plethora of bike shops on Long Island and I have test ridden the Roubaix, Defy Advanced, Bianchi Intenso, Felt Z5, Pinarello Rokh, Emonda, Domane, and the Synapse. So far, the Domane and the Synapse have felt the best. A buddy has a CAAD 10 in my size that I have ridden a couple of times for about 30 miles, and even though it's racier than the other bikes, with the possible exception of the Emonda, I felt very comfortable on it.

merlinextraligh

They definitely can't sell you a Trek. Trek is very picky about what they require to be a Trek dealer.

RPK79

Just buy the bike you want and go the the LBS you want for service. No one is going to shun you.

2manybikes

It depends on the individual bike shop and the wholesaler/distributor they buy from. It also depends on the bike brand as well. In most cases a retail shop has to have an "account" to sell a particular brand. Some brands will sell them one bike, most will not. The shop has to have their credit approved just like most things. The shop wants a good price so they need to buy in volume. Some brands will say they have to buy so many bikes at once, to be a retailer. If you do want a particular brand bike, and want just one, the shipping cost to the retailer will be very high. The shop wants to buy a bunch of bikes and/or parts at one time to divide the shipping cost by all the things purchased at once.

The only way to know the answer is to ask the shop you want to buy from. Different business plans and policy's can change the answer.

12strings

I'm in this same situation...small town with one bike shop, they only carry KHS road bikes, and not many of them...they mostly have bmx and mountain bikes, and even skateboards. I've had them do service on my bike, and they are nice, competent people...bike shifts much better now; but I tried out the KHS aluminum bikes, but after trying a steel jamis quest, My mind was made up. I'll be driving an hour away for my bike purchase. (hopefully soon)

Retrieve

Agree! Just be up front with them, if they aren't cool with it, than move on.....................profit from a bike sale pales in comparison to profit from a long term relationship. If they are smart they will roll with it.

Shuffleman

I am very loyal to my LBS but I do not like the brands they carry either. I told him what I wanted and why. They were completely cool with that. They still get all my service and referrals. In the end, you shop carries the brands that they feel are best for their business. You have to do the same and go with the brand that is best for you. I am quite certain that the shop will be happy to service any brand. Like Retrieve said, if they are upset with you that they are not worth your loyalty anyway.