BGBeck

I recently decided I wanted to check out the KHS Green bicycle. I checked their site, found some local dealers and took a drive. None of the shops had a Green in stock, in fact, they had no KHS bicycles at all. They could order a Green for me, if I paid for it in advance. Since my intention to check one out before putting any money out, that's not something I want to do.
It's not just KHS either. I stopped by to see about a Schwinn model that's similar to the Green. The shop is named "XXXXX Schwinn". Nothing in there but Giant bikes. "Oh Schwinns aren't any good any more so I don't sell them." the owner told me. So why "XXXXX Schwinn"? It's like going to Acme Ford and finding a lot full of Dodges. Yet XXXXX is on the Schwinn website as a dealer.
Do the manufactirers actually check to see if the dealers they list on their websites actually carry any of their bikes?

A10K

Sometimes distributors supply multiple brands as package deals; a dealer must order from each brand A, B, and C. If bikes from Brand C aren't profitable in a given area, a dealer may only make a minimum qualifying order once a year (say, 3 bikes), and stock up mostly on A and B, so they effectively have no selection of Brand C.
I know that for a long time Giant manufactured bikes for Schwinn, I don't know to what extent that relationship continues now that Schwinn is a Pacific/Dorel holding.

wahoonc

Best bet is to call ahead.

We are on the search for a new city bike for my son. Unfortunately he needs the XL sizing. He likes the looks of the Trek Belleville, so far we haven't found a dealer with ANY in stock. We are not about to plop down $700 for something that he hasn't at least had a chance to test ride. I have ordered the occasional bike sight unseen, but I have been riding for over 40 years and know what I like and don't like and by looking at equipment and geometry have a pretty good idea of how it will perform for me.

Aaron