lolo341

Okay, here's my multifaceted dilemma:

I have done a lot of research and have settled on a Jamis Quest. Hurray! However, I was/am interested in the Quest Elite because I want Shimano 105 components. The nearest LBS to me that sells Jamis only has the Sport (Claris 2400 8-speed 50/39/30 crank) in my size in stock. It's a 2014 model that they're pricing at $699, which as far as I can tell was the original price two years ago or close to it (MSRP on 2015 models is $729). The salesperson told me that they could order the Elite for me but suggested that if I don't race that the Shimano 105 would be lost on me. He told me that he'd had a bike with Ultegra components, and he upgraded to DuraAce but because he doesn't race anymore, the difference was negligible. In short, if I want to "blow a bunch of money" - his words or close to them - on an Elite, he can get one for me.

Ok, this made some sense to me until I considered the fact that just because he couldn't tell the difference, doesn't mean that I won't be able to. (Also Claris to Shimano 105 might be apples and oranges to Ultegra and DuraAce). Neither he nor I know what I might feel if I were given the opportunity to ride the bikes side by side. Second thought he's not even offering to sell me the Comp (Sora), which is the middle bike of the Quest line up, but the Sport, which is the most basic of the Quest lineup.

The next nearest LBS that sells Jamis is a few hours drive from me. Meanwhile, I've found an 2015 Elite online in my size for about $1000. While I want to support my LBS, I'm not sure if it is supporting me. While there's often something to be said for a salesperson who might talk you into spending less than you need to, I'm not sure that this isn't more about that fact that the bike I tested had cobwebs on it and had been in the window presumably for a very long time. I might be less conflicted if he had offered me a real deal on his old stock, not just $30 less than I could pay for this year's model. But he didn't, and I think I might always wonder about the Elite if I don't try it out. Afterall, it's not just about the Shimano workgroup. The Sport is 4130 chromoly; the Elite is Reynolds 631. Different brakes, different tires, etc. My suspicion is that it'd be unlikely that I'd enjoy the Elite less than the Sport, but would I appreciate it enough to spend the extra dough?

So my question is this: do I ask the same LBS to order an Elite for me, though it's sure to be much more expensive than the one I found online, and if they order it, am I obligated to purchase it? Do I forget this shop altogether, and see whether the inconveniently far away (but doable) LBS can help me out? Or do I order the bike online at a killer price and pay an LBS for assembly since I don't think I can do it alone and to assuage my "guilt" for not buying locally by at least sending some bucks their way?

Thoughts or suggestions welcome!

shelbyfv

The Elite is a MUCH nicer bike than the other two. 631 and 11 speed 105 are "no apologies needed" features. Get the Elite unless you are primarily budget driven. Agree that your LBS is trying to move out their old stock. A friend recently got an Elite through our LBS that was not listed on the website as a dealer. Might be worth asking if there is another, more trustworthy shop near you.

trailangel

Get the bike you want! Elite will be a lighter bike.
Doesn't the Elite have carbon fork while sport has steel?
Isn't the Elite made with 631 tube and the sport generic tube.
Elite 11 speed. older sport 8 speed?
Your LBS wants to sell you older stock to get rid of it... and $30 off ain't much.
Get the bike you want!

MRT2

The Quest Elite looks to be the much nicer bike, as well it should given it is more than twice the retail price of the Quest Sport, which is pretty much an entry level road bike. Other than moving out old stock, the bike shop's attitude is puzzling. Maybe the Quest Elite and Quest Comp are on back order, or sold out?

lolo341

Thanks for your response. After sleeping on it, and your and the other responses below, I'm pretty certain I won't regret seeking out the Elite. Interesting about your friend's experience with an LBS that wasn't listed as a dealer. I do have quite a few shops near me, just none listed as Jamis retailers. Time to make some phone calls! Thanks again!

lolo341

Thanks for your responses.

@shelbyfv. After sleeping on it, and your and the other responses below, I'm pretty certain I won't regret seeking out the Elite. Interesting about your friend's experience with an LBS that wasn't listed as a dealer. I do have quite a few shops near me, just none listed as Jamis retailers. Time to make some phone calls! Thanks again!

@trailangel - I think you're absolutely right. I've never gotten a particularly good vibe from the shop. I should take my business elsewhere though now I wonder if I can find it relatively locally or whether I should buy online and have it assembled locally. While I prefer the former, the latter might actually work out better for me in this case.

@MRT2 The store in question is kind of a "dudes and bros" hangout. I went with another female friend, and though there weren't any other customers, we didn't get immediate attention. A few minutes later, a guy in business casual came in, and he was sort of invisible for a few minutes too. There was a little of a party atmosphere in the back with sales clerks and maybe friends or neighborhood locals - about five guys in all. The owner of the store opened a "pop up" location much closer to my house last year, and a neighbor said he had a bad experience there. The pop up didn't last; meanwhile, a completely different outfit located there and they seem to be doing well though they sell Fujis, Civias, and a couple local brands. I only went to the store I did because they sell Jamis, but clearly I need to take my business elsewhere, whether online or to the further away store and/or call around and see if anyone else might stock it. But overall, I agree with you that I shouldn't be swayed.

fietsbob

Jamis has its Dealer franchises , shop the shop you like , get a bike there , even if they cant sell the bikes imported under the Jamis brand name.

NB there is No Jamis Factory .. the Importer Owns , uses the name & contracts out the manufacturing ..

Its How Business is done , now..

lolo341

Good information. Thanks @fietsbob. I have pulled the trigger am offically an "elitest." Thanks for everyone's feedback. Called the further distanced LBS. They checked the Jamis site, and it's out of stock. However, I ordered it myself, am having it shipped to that LBS, and for $65 they will not only assemble, they'll let me do it with them. They have a friend and customer for life even if I have to drive some miles out of the way.

fietsbob

it often happens this late in the season Ordered batch sells out of the Importers warehouse ,

so you have to search amongst other dealers that may have unsold store inventory.

mtnroads

Good choice. The Quest Elite is a great bike. I have a 2011 here in the Philippines that I bought NOS a year ago, and love riding it, even on our crappy roads. It has a wonderful ride and handling. When I get back to the States I'm bringing it with me.