Does anybody have any experience returning an REI bike? I bought my wife a mtb there about 6 months ago. She rode it two times and hated it. I have heard that you can return them for any reason within a year. Is this true? They sell Electra tool around bikes there. My wife would rather have that instead. She would at least ride it. I would love to take the mtb back and buy the other one.
Do you think that they will take it back? It seems unreasonable to take it back but if they will, I would be quite pleased. I know that Performance would accept it but I do not have much experience with REI.

Yes they will take it back

Yea, just not forever, any more..

you cold have called them and asked?

Brought to you by the magic of Google: REI Help Center - Return Policy

I returned a bike to REI. I bought a Novara Corsa just before winter. About 4 months later, after the winter, my wife bought a Fiona. I liked her bike's features more, especially the shifters, and returned my Corsa for a Forza (same features as the Fiona). No problem with the exchange. The bike I returned had maybe 80 miles on it. They didn't bat an eye over it. The only thing I heard the staff discussing was whether they would put it back on the floor or sell it during a "garage sale" day. It looked brand new - I think it went back on the floor.

Personally I have returned several things but they were defective (non bicycle). I think it's a little unfair to take advantage of their policy just because someone makes a bad decision.

Sometimes a bad decision can be made because of bad advice from the retailer's staff. The OP is not 100% satisfied. From REI's website:

[h=2]100% Satisfaction Guaranteed[/h]We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund within one year of purchase.

They will take it back Great thing about REI True Customer service!

I just got back to my office from REI. They took the bike back with no problems. They asked me if anything was wrong with it and I told them that my wife rode it once and hated it. They said ok and returned my money. We then bought the other Electra bike for her, which they had to order. It should arrive some time next week. I was very pleased and surprised. The rep said that since the bike was flawless it may go back on the floor but more than likely it would get sold in their used and returned product sale.

I'd be interested to hear what most LBS's do with regard to return policy. REI may not be Walmart, but it also isn't your local bike shop. The ability of large corporate businesses to provide, "loss leader" type service is another way that small businesses are being run out America. Don't get me wrong, I like the ability to return stuff with little hassle and my guess is some businesses (bike or otherwise) do provide this, plus something no big box store can, personal service from a seller who has a personal interest in keeping the customer happy. I hope most LBS would take a reasonable approach returns, but having to resell "used" items is a loss many small businesses shouldn't have to (regularly) shoulder, or in the future we will have no option than the REI(s) of this industry.

it's structure of a Consumer Co-Op is a bit different than a Private small Business.

It is interesting. I think that Performance has a similar setup. I was truly surprised that REI would take the bike back. I was going to put it on CL when my buddy told me about their policy. I would not blame them if they denied it after that many months. I would not expect any retailer to take it back. Even though it did not have a scratch on it I was pleasantly surprised. I do shop there and this experience has been so good that I will be more vigilant in going there. I bought my wife another bike to replace the returned one. I am unlikely to buy a bike for me there as I like Scott but no other brand they carry. they do have clothes that I like though.
LBS will still get my bikes but I will buy other stuff there. Great experience.

I've bought a number of returned bikes from REI and got great deals on them like a 2014 Radonee for < $600

Do you have a local store? Pack up the bike and drive down there. Leave the bike in the car, the walk in and talk to them.

It may be easier if you just want to do an exchange, and your bike is in 100% original condition.

Personally, I'd probably just sell or give away the unused bike and buy a new one.

Oh, and strike Thursday and Friday off of your Calendar for REI.

Yeah or just find the nearest store and call them: REI Store Locator: Find an REI Store Near You