Originally Posted by
VT to CA
Oh my God, the nerve of that guy, wanting the best price he can get! How insulting to shop-owners!
Anyone who doesn't try and get the best deal they can get is a sucker. The VAST MAJORITY of shops know this, and take steps to win people's business. They do, in fact, compete with Bikes Direct, albeit not with prices... pay less at BD and you're SOL if they bike doesn't fit. Pay more at an LBS, and have someone take the time to make sure the bike fits- and yes, if need be, swap out a low-cost item to make sure it does, at no extra charge. And usually yes... they'll knock a few bucks off the top. Pre-season or not. This isn't the "Insulting, Unreasonable Customer Expectations Special"... this is business as usual.
I don't know if you run an overpriced shop or just like getting bent over the service counter when you buy a bike, but jeez. The OP has every right to be questioning his experience thus far...
The one thing you aren't factoring in is the fact that the modern American expects goods for what are in many cases are unrealistic prices. The cheaper, cheaper, cheaper mentality has a cost of it's own either in poorer quality or less service. I have a suspicion that the OP wants both a rock bottom price on a current model bike and excellent service at the same time while admitting being a PITA. Good luck with that.
FWIW, I get amazing deals at my LBS (I don't work at one). In fact I'm heading over there today to look for some bars, a seat post and a stem for a new build.