Galls

So I come to the commuting section seeking advice, not necessarily on which bike to purchase but rather on where to purchase it.

I moved away from NY to NW Arkansas, so now the risk of theft is much lower and the hills are much steeper. As a result I am now migrating away from my theft proof dahon, fold then lock, and my theft resistant, older than I am, miyata. I went to the LBS here, asking about a soma smoothie ES build because I am rather tall, that estimate got back to me and it was quite a number. LBS then recommended Surly Cross Check, put me on a 62mm floor bike and the fit seemed fine while the price was much less.

Now the only issue I have is one which is beyond the LBS' control, the sales tax in my little town is %10, a great way to encourage local small business development.

Now the libertarian in me is looking towards purchasing the bike online Cross Check online. Froogle has discovered several shops online which would allow a significant retention of funds. However, I would like to know if anyone has dealt with any of these stores before.

http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...e.aspx?sc=FRGL

http://www.fullcycles.com/product_in...roducts_id/471

However when I compared to the current Cross-Check on the surly website, I noticed that several components seem to be mismatched. It seems to me these mis-matches result from a yearly change, a 4400 instead of a 4500, but does anyone know of any severe problems in the past one or two years with Cross-Checks components which necessitated a change?

I will still use the LBS, not for charity but for fit, downtube shifters, bar tape and probably a new stem.

Barrettscv 

I would negotiate with the LBS first, and if that fails... buy online.

Michael

kk4df

Jenson is a good online source, and I almost bought my Surly LHT from them. But first I went to my LBS, and they were willing to swap out to give me the tires I wanted (Schwalbe Marathons), the brake pads I wanted (KoolStops), and added fenders, rear blinkie, and aerobars at discounted pricing with free shipping, assembly, and installation of accessories. Yes, I paid list, but got all the swaps (tires and pads) for free, and got the accessories bought and installed for less than their list price. I'm very pleased, and didn't mind paying the 7% sales tax for this extra service. Plus, I have a good place to go for future service on my bike.

Like Michael, I recommend you give your LBS a shot at it before ordering online. You might be surprised.

JMRobertson

New to a small community... get to know your neighbors and use the LBS even if you take a few hits to the wallet. You'll gain in contacts and in community.

Galls

well lets see, they are offering to sell it to me at MSRP, $1025 plus $100 labor.
That puts their total at around $1240 after tax. Most of the difference between jensen and LBS is then a tax which they cannot overcome. I am gonna assume their cost is around $850-900 so they will not have that much wiggle room, but there is a point where it can become economical so I will jsut have to say is that as low as you can go?

JeffS

Check out Speedgoat. They have a sale going on through Friday. Reputable shop.

http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=119394

I don't know why they don't have the 62cm bike listed, but I'm sure they can get it.