Originally Posted by
FlashBazbo
Putting all this in the best possible light, here's my theory now: I think they are "place holders".
I'm thinking the cheapo groupsets and wheels are there to occupy space for fit -- and perhaps a test ride for a serious buyer -- but with the assumption that, for a fee, they're going to be changing those components out for the eventual buyer. If they can sell a limited edition $7,000 Bianchi with 105 installed, so be it. But they will also be willing to sell that Bianchi with Super Rec, if you'll pay the upcharge. Given the level of these bikes, it seems like a LOT of wasted low-level groupset stock -- but maybe it's a winning strategy. I would sure like to hear how they work it. (But even if I ask, I don't think they're going to want to talk about that with a guy off the street.)
This makes a lot of sense. As much as we all like to go to the LBS and see nice frames tricked out in 7900, Red or Super Record, it cost the shop a lot of money to invest money in their display models with no assurance they're going to sell.
So by putting the nice frames with lower end components on them, it lowers their exposure to risk.
I'm sure a sales person would be smart sell the upgrades to group sets and wheels once a buyer settles on a frame.
edit: it would still, to me, make a lot more sense to have at least one floor model of each frame in a popular size (54 or 56) dressed in the high end stuff.