Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

C&V brain

Old 07-13-11, 06:15 PM
  #1  
Wherever I may roam....
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Topton Pa
Posts: 1,893

Bikes: A few bikes

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
C&V brain

So, I started a second job at a rather large bike shop today that is right by the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. They specialize in higher end roadbikes, track bikes and MTBs w/ entry level stuff mixed in. First thing I noticed, though they stock plenty of tubulars, there was only ONE lugged steel bike, a very nice De Rosa track bike (customers), second thing I noticed was that I don't have a clue about new bikes! A couple came in and were looking at roadbikes and was asking what the differences were between the different ones and I balked I don't know jack about SRAM or brifters etc. I took home a bunch of catalogs to study. I sure have my work cut out for me!
RobE30 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 01:47 AM
  #2  
Cisalpinist
 
Italuminium's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Holland
Posts: 5,557

Bikes: blue ones.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times in 11 Posts
Haha, better get used to these new wondrous materials they call "plastics". Like Simplex delrin derailleurs, only slightly better and more UV-proof. Luckily all the groups have catchy names now instead of random numbers.
Italuminium is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 02:05 AM
  #3  
Veteran, Pacifist
 
Wildwood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,305

Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?

Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3876 Post(s)
Liked 4,781 Times in 2,206 Posts
You must be one of "those guys" who work at big bike shops and don't know jack. We complain about you a lot.

Just kidding, have fun & remember that the majority of your customers just want some good guidance/service.
Wildwood is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 03:54 AM
  #4  
Wherever I may roam....
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Topton Pa
Posts: 1,893

Bikes: A few bikes

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm not totally clueless, I just can't tell you the subtle differences between Sram Force, Red, Apex etc.... yet
RobE30 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 05:42 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
rootboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 16,755
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 132 Times in 78 Posts
Just tell customers those fancy, over complicated doo-dads are placed on the bikes temporarily, and need to be replaced with proper hardware at their earliest convenience.

Last edited by rootboy; 07-14-11 at 06:35 AM.
rootboy is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 06:23 AM
  #6  
rhm
multimodal commuter
 
rhm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,852

Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...

Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times in 339 Posts
You're going to love it!

(psst, what's the employee discount?)
rhm is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 07:19 AM
  #7  
Bicycle Repairman
 
kingsting's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Land of Three Mile Island
Posts: 685

Bikes: Many

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Liked 32 Times in 18 Posts
You'll pick up on it. Never fear...

I've been at a local shop forever and I don't know anything about the new high-end stuff either.

my niche is on the service end of things. Customers bring in old stuff all the time and the full time mechanic doesn't care for it and isn't sure what to do with it. That's where I come in...

I know right where your shop is. I'll stop in and visit sometime.
kingsting is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 07:59 AM
  #8  
On a mission from God
 
svt4cam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: In a squalor
Posts: 290

Bikes: 6? Favorit (under construction), 82 Bianchi Nuovo Racer, 76 Alan, 8? Raleigh Fixie, 75 Atala, 94 Cannondale 2.8, 75 Paramount P13, 94 Cannondale RT1000 tandem, 76 Masi Gran Criterium, 81 Motobecane Grand Touring, 77 Mondia Super, 12 Specialized Crux

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by RobE30
I'm not totally clueless, I just can't tell you the subtle differences between Sram Force, Red, Apex etc.... yet
It's really all simple salesmanship in carbon fiber land, the more you spend the faster you'll go (that is, up until it breaks in half).
svt4cam is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 08:13 AM
  #9  
FBoD Member at Large
 
khatfull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 6,246
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Best price/performance...

Shimano: 105
SRAM: Rival
Campy: ???, not a Campy guy.

Just like anything else best price/performance ends up being a couple notches above bottom of the line. In the case of Shimano, when properly maintained and adjusted, IMHO, 105 works just as well as Ultegra and DA...the latter are a little lighter and a little nicer finished but 105 just works. As does Rival. I rode one Rival bike a copule years ago, I really liked it, for brifters

The price difference can be better spent on good tires, better clothing, and a host of other things that can more highly impact the riding "experience".

And, as is the case with my job, one of the best things you can say to a customer/client is, "I don't know the answer to that, but I'll find out for you." It's always appreciated more in the end than misinformation.

Have fun...sounds like a great experience.
khatfull is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 08:22 AM
  #10  
Dropped
 
JunkYardBike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northwestern NJ
Posts: 6,232
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
They're not going to ride the bike anyway. These are the garage queens of the future, so you're educating yourself for the next generation of C&V.

Since performance and function are really a moot point (re: bike hanging in a garage), the real issue is how much money you'll bring the shop. Upsell, upsell, upsell! That means convince them they'll need every accessory in the shop. Maybe you can also sell them on a folding bike, because it takes less storage space.

Also, beware the "C&V fade". Talk to cyclotoine. He used to be an active participant here until he started working in a shop. He's largely forsaken C&V. Or maybe he just got a life!
JunkYardBike is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 08:44 AM
  #11  
No one cares
 
-holiday76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Yardley, Pa
Posts: 6,147
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 226 Post(s)
Liked 105 Times in 64 Posts
just make sure you ask each sucker in there buying a new bike if they happen to have an old bike they want to "throw out" or get rid of.
__________________
I prefer emails to private messages - holiday76@gmail.com
Jack Taylor Super Tourer Tandem (FOR SALE), Jack Taylor Tour of Britain, Px-10, Carlton Flyer, Fuji The Finest, Salsa Fargo, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Carver All-Road .


-holiday76 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 08:56 AM
  #12  
rhm
multimodal commuter
 
rhm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,852

Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...

Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times in 339 Posts
Perhaps for a nominal fee you could take their old bike away for recycling.
rhm is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 08:59 AM
  #13  
FBoD Member at Large
 
khatfull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 6,246
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by JunkYardBike
They're not going to ride the bike anyway. These are the garage queens of the future, so you're educating yourself for the next generation of C&V.

Since performance and function are really a moot point (re: bike hanging in a garage), the real issue is how much money you'll bring the shop. Upsell, upsell, upsell! That means convince them they'll need every accessory in the shop. Maybe you can also sell them on a folding bike, because it takes less storage space.

Also, beware the "C&V fade". Talk to cyclotoine. He used to be an active participant here until he started working in a shop. He's largely forsaken C&V. Or maybe he just got a life!
And folks are incredulous that most of us malign LBSes?
khatfull is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 09:05 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
zandoval's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,418

Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 929 Post(s)
Liked 1,595 Times in 1,021 Posts
Some of the new stuff I have seen impress me with how high tech some of the old stuff remains - The old and new bikes have far more similarities than it would seem at first...

I think you bring allot to this shop...
zandoval is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 09:14 AM
  #15  
www.theheadbadge.com
 
cudak888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,496

Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com

Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2401 Post(s)
Liked 4,350 Times in 2,075 Posts
Make sure you use carbon specific grease when lubricating stems and seatposts, or else they'll melt to the frame.

-Kurt
__________________












cudak888 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 09:30 AM
  #16  
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
 
Zaphod Beeblebrox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Posts: 7,536

Bikes: Upright and Recumbent....too many to list, mostly Vintage.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by JunkYardBike
Also, beware the "C&V fade". Talk to cyclotoine. He used to be an active participant here until he started working in a shop. He's largely forsaken C&V. Or maybe he just got a life!
Fade them this way!

Especially that UK-only Raleigh
__________________
--Don't Panic.
Zaphod Beeblebrox is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 10:09 AM
  #17  
Dropped
 
JunkYardBike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northwestern NJ
Posts: 6,232
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
Originally Posted by Zaphod Beeblebrox
Fade them this way!

Especially that UK-only Raleigh
I'm trading that 50's French mixte to him, so it hasn't started yet. But I'm afraid to think it might soon end up in the scrap pile!
JunkYardBike is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 10:11 AM
  #18  
Dropped
 
JunkYardBike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northwestern NJ
Posts: 6,232
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
Originally Posted by khatfull
And folks are incredulous that most of us malign LBSes?
I was being purposefully cynical. On the other hand, I'm not sure how I would handle selling thousands of dollars worth of equipment to someone when I'd be more inclined to suggest they start inexpensively with a decent used bicycle to gauge their interest/commitment. But hey, some people have the money to spend, and who am I to judge their cycling future?
JunkYardBike is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 10:48 AM
  #19  
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
 
Zaphod Beeblebrox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Posts: 7,536

Bikes: Upright and Recumbent....too many to list, mostly Vintage.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by JunkYardBike
I'm trading that 50's French mixte to him, so it hasn't started yet. But I'm afraid to think it might soon end up in the scrap pile!
Nah, just wearing SRAM 10 speed.
__________________
--Don't Panic.
Zaphod Beeblebrox is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 11:01 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
fender1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berwyn PA
Posts: 6,426

Bikes: I hate bikes!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 429 Post(s)
Liked 710 Times in 233 Posts
Originally Posted by JunkYardBike
I was being purposefully cynical. On the other hand, I'm not sure how I would handle selling thousands of dollars worth of equipment to someone when I'd be more inclined to suggest they start inexpensively with a decent used bicycle to gauge their interest/commitment. But hey, some people have the money to spend, and who am I to judge their cycling future?
While I was in between jobs (2 years ago) I worked for a LBS that sold lots of expensive bikes & accesories. I tried to direct the inexperienced folks to "moderately" priced Specialized TriCross models w/ no clipless pedals based on the idea stated above. Most customers promptly ignored me and boguht what they wanted. I knew I was in the wrong place when I watched a customer whose was sold a $5k Specialized road bike have a hi-rise stem installed during his $300 "fitting"because the bike was too small..........
fender1 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 11:03 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
bobbycorno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,543
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by RobE30
I'm not totally clueless, I just can't tell you the subtle differences between Sram Force, Red, Apex etc.... yet
Rule of thumb: the more it costs, the lighter and better-functioning it is. And yes, you CAN buy performance. (ROFLMAO)

SP
Bend, OR
bobbycorno is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 11:04 AM
  #22  
No one cares
 
-holiday76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Yardley, Pa
Posts: 6,147
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 226 Post(s)
Liked 105 Times in 64 Posts
Originally Posted by fender1
While I was in between jobs (2 years ago) I worked for a LBS that sold lots of expensive bikes & accesories. I tried to direct the inexperienced folks to "moderately" priced Specialized TriCross models w/ no clipless pedals based on the idea stated above. Most customers promptly ignored me and boguht what they wanted. I knew I wa in the wrong place when I watche a customer buy a $5k Specialized road bike and have a riser stem installed because the bike was too small..........
that guy posts on the road forum and has authored several internet blogs about bike fit.
__________________
I prefer emails to private messages - holiday76@gmail.com
Jack Taylor Super Tourer Tandem (FOR SALE), Jack Taylor Tour of Britain, Px-10, Carlton Flyer, Fuji The Finest, Salsa Fargo, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Carver All-Road .


-holiday76 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 11:43 AM
  #23  
Dropped
 
JunkYardBike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northwestern NJ
Posts: 6,232
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
Originally Posted by Zaphod Beeblebrox
Nah, just wearing SRAM 10 speed.
That's right! Employee discount...

Originally Posted by fender1
While I was in between jobs (2 years ago) I worked for a LBS that sold lots of expensive bikes & accesories. I tried to direct the inexperienced folks to "moderately" priced Specialized TriCross models w/ no clipless pedals based on the idea stated above. Most customers promptly ignored me and boguht what they wanted. I knew I was in the wrong place when I watched a customer whose was sold a $5k Specialized road bike have a hi-rise stem installed during his $300 "fitting"because the bike was too small..........
Remind me never to post a photo of my aluminum Giant road bike.

I guess some people just don't get buyer's remorse like me...or, to put it another way, aren't tightwads like me. Who's to stop someone from buying the latest and greatest if they have the do-re-mi? Conspicuous consumption makes the world go round. I just want to know who's getting rich? Not the bike shop owners. The big name brands I guess?

"It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you're gonna have to serve somebody."
JunkYardBike is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 12:00 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
fender1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berwyn PA
Posts: 6,426

Bikes: I hate bikes!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 429 Post(s)
Liked 710 Times in 233 Posts
Originally Posted by JunkYardBike
That's right! Employee discount...



Remind me never to post a photo of my aluminum Giant road bike.

I guess some people just don't get buyer's remorse like me...or, to put it another way, aren't tightwads like me. Who's to stop someone from buying the latest and greatest if they have the do-re-mi? Conspicuous consumption makes the world go round. I just want to know who's getting rich? Not the bike shop owners. The big name brands I guess?

"It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you're gonna have to serve somebody."
It's a free country so people don't need my permission or advice for anything. Billions of people survive and even thrive without my opinions and advice (how do they do it????). I just found that most folks I spoke with wanted to be considered a "serious cyclist" and the more expensive stuff gave them that feeling.

This shop's owner was doing okay but in no way was he getting rich. People always want newer, better stuff. Who am I to tell them no? The opinions of some under-employed, pretentiuos, know it all, desperately clinging to old ideas?

"Apple, scmapple! Did you see the picture quality on this here Beta max??? Why would you ever need anything else**********
fender1 is offline  
Old 07-14-11, 12:13 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,574 Times in 2,580 Posts
On my first day as service manager in a relatively high-end shop at the time, I somehow managed to sell the most expensive bike we had on the floor (and I can't even remember what it was--I had little interest in new bikes then and now). The shop owner was in a panic because I didn't realize that the bike had unglued sew-ups mounted on the rims when the buyer took it for a test ride. Fortunately, he didn't take any tight turns. That bike likely got hung up on a hook in his garage and has been through several C&Ver hands (this was back in 1990).

Neal
nlerner is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.