Race wheels - LBS or online?
05-16-09, 04:47 PM
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Race wheels - LBS or online?
Seems that most people posting are are going online for race wheels. Not sure if it's the better selection, or lower prices, or both, but did any of you buy your race wheels from your LBS, and if so, why?
05-16-09, 04:59 PM
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The LBSs here carry pretty much Mavic and Easton. If you want anything else it's a sight-unseen special order. I can do that on the internet and get much better pricing.
That said yesterday I ordered a set of ROL Race SLs. Can't wait to get them...
That said yesterday I ordered a set of ROL Race SLs. Can't wait to get them...
05-16-09, 05:31 PM
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I think the reason is that there are more than a few direct-to-consumer businesses that offer outstanding value and great performing products compared to what's available at your LBS. The upside for your local shop is that they will probably earn your $ anyway through hub maintenance, truing, etc.
05-16-09, 05:33 PM
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I'd say online I'm gunning at spending no more than $600 MAX $800 on carbon tubulars (used) to race on, the risk of wrecking em' is just too high. I'd love to go down to my LBS and buy a set of 808s but it's just too risky for me, I know others are fine with it, it's just a personal thing.
Last edited by fauxto nick; 05-16-09 at 05:36 PM.
05-16-09, 05:36 PM
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Not to mention I priced out some Easton EC90 Aeros at my LBS for ****s and giggles and it came out to something like $2300 w/tires after tax lol, I could find a set new on ebay and then my tubbies from PBK for about $1300 most likely, and the shipping would probably take about the same.
05-16-09, 06:17 PM
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When I upgrade my wheelset, I'm going to buy them from my LBS. My LBS supports the local club, and the owner is a super nice guy. They may not have the same deals as online retailers, but I enjoy buying from them because of how much they support the local cycling community. Support those who support the sport!
05-16-09, 06:28 PM
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When I upgrade my wheelset, I'm going to buy them from my LBS. My LBS supports the local club, and the owner is a super nice guy. They may not have the same deals as online retailers, but I enjoy buying from them because of how much they support the local cycling community. Support those who support the sport!
Williams cycling does neutral support for many races here in California and sponsor many teams
05-16-09, 06:30 PM
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You get 3 things online that you often do not get with your LBS.
1 is selection. Lots of online companies have a much wider selection of components because shops can specialize in certain areas. An example of this is Competitive Cyclist.
2 Because of this specialization you will often get experts who are more knowledgeable than people at your LBS when it comes to very specific things.
3 because of the constant competition prices are often low.
The one great thing about your LBS is their always right there when you need them. This is the downfall of many online stores.
1 is selection. Lots of online companies have a much wider selection of components because shops can specialize in certain areas. An example of this is Competitive Cyclist.
2 Because of this specialization you will often get experts who are more knowledgeable than people at your LBS when it comes to very specific things.
3 because of the constant competition prices are often low.
The one great thing about your LBS is their always right there when you need them. This is the downfall of many online stores.
05-16-09, 06:30 PM
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Ok, maybe support the sport was the wrong terminology. I'm going to support the LBS because they support my riding. Williams doesn't have much going on in CT...
05-16-09, 06:45 PM
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Folks go online to save $ #1 #2 is selection IMO. Best of both worlds is to work with your LBS and see if they can come close. Another issue with buying wheels from the UK or Ebay (Ebay in most cases) = zero warranty. So in this case you might as well pick them up used.
