Originally Posted by Percist

I recently noticed after 3 months of ownership that my madonne 5.2 has a 105 cassette vs the "full Ultegra" they told me. I don't really care, the discount I got on the '06 was significantly more than the price difference. It was just the dishonesty which I would normally chalk up to carelessness until someone told me this weekend that they've seen bikes marked down only after spec parts were replaced by lower end components in the same LBS at season's end.

Is this common? Do shop owners get a lot out of moving frames with lower gruppos?

The next time I buy a bike from a seemingly reputable dealer do I really need to know what every component is supposed to be?

Better yet, does this mean I can haggle for them to trade up the rear derailleur and stick some other poor sap with the other?