One thing I have always wanted to do was start with a frameset, and build up a bike with exactly the parts I wanted, instead of buying a factory bike and upgrading later. Recently I found a place in my life where I was able to do this. I started by asking a bunch of technical questions on this board and a couple others (thanks, BTW), then compiling a list of every single part I would buy.

I like to buy from my LBS when I can, so I sent them my list and asked for a quote. Then I asked on these boards for sources, and contacted some of these. I was a little surprised that my LBS couldn't or wouldn't come close to some of these other BS's prices (not BS like you think, BS as in bike shop). So I went with a couple different sources, neither of which are within a 12 hour drive of me. Both of these guys have small shops, great service, and great prices, so I'm going to give them some good ink here.

Where I live the shops don't have an extra high knowlege of DH bikes, so I'm sure that's part of the reason they couldn't help much. But how do you feel, should I have spent the extra cash and bought from mt LBS, or was I cool supporting another shop even though it wasn't local?

Here's the best two sources I found. Justin at JB still has a few things to send me, but from past experience I know he'll come through. I've pestered him so much he'll probly be as glad to get me the rest of my stuff as I will be to get it

JB Mountain Bikes (PA)

Another good one but I just bought a couple things from Larry (so far):

Mountain High Cyclery (CO)

Hi, Mike. No, I'm not a stalker, it's just a coincidence. BTW thanks for the welcome

I think that it's important to support the LBS, but only if you think there's any benefit for you in the long-run. I'm sure there's nothing better than a friend in an LBS when you're in need of some expertise or tool. However, any "free" work done for goodwill purposes by the shop may well have been paid for over the months (or years) where you've handed over your hard-earned money and bought equipment that, quite frankly, can be bought a lot cheaper elsewhere.

I buy most of my things over the internet. One particular place(https://www.deesidecycles.com) has come up trumps again and again; they're based in England and ship worldwide. Another place I've used is branfordbike in US.

As an example, one quote for Open-Pros on 105 hubs around 169 GBP (LBS), another around 125 GBP (Internet)

The point I'm making is it's your money, get the most you can for it ("bang for bucks" I think is the phrase)

From a bike shop point of view: thanks for shopping at a bike shop. Each shop may have a specialty and it may not be your style of riding.

You're doing DH, go with a specialist. Freeway speed on dirt has a very painful learning curve.

Soooo, what did you get? V10? Turner? Ellsworth?

Santa Cruz Bullit. I'm not building for pure DH (yet), instead I'm gonna try to keep it XC'able. I'm probably going to end up spending more than I would have on a spec bike, but this way I've been able to choose every single nut and bolt that's going on it, plus I get some extra experience putting it together from the ground up.

I think I'll go ride today. Supposed to be in the 50's (teens C) here today so it should be a good day. I'll be so glad when spring gets here, these short days and scuzzy weather has gotten me into the bad habit of spending way too much time on this machine, instead of the machine that has wheels...

this is the way I see it. (there are about 10 shops here in vegas) and I would go to the shop that has the most knowledgable and helpful crew.

One interesting thing I find is that the better shops have people that ride a lot working at them... for example I met up with a mtb group a few weeks ago, there were two guys from the same shop riding with us. they were really nice and even gave me some advice (even though I didn't pester them) about different aspects of my bike. These people (the ones who really love what they do) are the people I go to, they know what it is like and will treat you well.

so in retrospect support the shops that you like, if the LBS doesn't cut it, then take your business elsewhere.



p.s. I like your pearl jam sig

Wooohoooo!! somebody recognized it!

Nice choice, with the 5th element shock that frame is amazing!

Good riding.

does anyone build their own bike for the $$ savings? i think that it is the thrill of doing it yourself...if you look in the mail order mag's and add up the parts separately rather than the ultregra set complete.... it does cost much more albeit more up front at one time...

If you have great connections for good prices, tell me ! The only economy I see is if I take a junk or disposed bike and do something worthwile with it.

Regards,

I buy local for most stuff. A couple of shops in the area give me discounts that makes them competitive with on-line shopping once you factor in shipping. Oh, there are times when I order on-line because the local guys just can't come close to the on-line price.

In fact, I probably pay about 15% premium to buy locally, but I am willing to pay that. The local store has the parts in inventory, they are a great help, and I like talking with them. We share advise and send each other business. Sometimes the LBS even volunteers to lend me tools.

Better yet, the LBS will quickly and happily change parts if you find out you bought the wrong one.

On-line business will absolutely change all commerce, not only bicycle shops. Obviously, the local guy can't compete on price for every part every time. If you want or need an LBS, then support him/her with your business. Otherwise, you may find yourself on-line more looking for parts and asking for advice on how to fix stuff yourself.

I've thought about this for awhile. Shops need to do something new to compete with online retailers. What that is, I don't really know. Perhaps establish an hourly rate for repairs or mechanics time. There is little or no way a LBS can compete with large mail-order houses. NO WAY!

Scary thing is, I work (albeit part time) at a shop and get things at 10% over cost (to cover shipping...etc.) and I still buy thing online because they're cheaper and I can get them faster!

There are few shops in town that are into the type of riding I enjoy. I end up having to ride a friends bike that has a new "Whatever" to see if I like it. I then have to order it, because no one around here stocks it, then I have to wait till we order, (we usually put in an order twice a week), then I have to wait untill it comes in, (if the wholesaler has it in stock), usually about 2 weeks for the whole process.

Or, I can order it online, get it in 2-3 days and it's usually cheaper or about the same as what my price is. If I were paying MSRP on stuff, I'd be crazy not to get everything on-line.

I'm definitely in the minority, because I know how to fix bikes, and I have the tools to do almost everything at home! Many people do not, and that is what keeps local shops thriving!

If any shop depended solely on sales and didn't do any repairs, they would go under in a matter of months.

Shops depend on repairs to keep their doors open. It's not the largest margin of profit, but it is the biggest "liquid" portion of the balance sheet.

I see a couple things happening. 1)a lot of single owner shops are going to go under if they keep doing business like they have been. 2)Shops are going to start being purchased and franchised, like Supergo and Performance. 3)More shops are going to have to start doing more and more internet sales and drastically cut profit margins in lieu of volume. 4)start offering a different type of service, where it's service only, and no (or little) sales of product. 5) Retailers need to join together and put more pressure on companies to limit on-line sales or selling left over mechandise to wholesalers.

The last solution goes against my every grain of freedom, and the large corps should have every right to sell to whomever they damn well please, but if all the retailers got together and said, "fine, we refuse to sell your product" then things would change!

If anyone suggests government involvement, I'm gonna scream!

L8R

I think maybe we should put a huge tax on the big boys, like supergo and performance. Like, every time you buy something from them you have to pay a 18% sircharge to buy bicycles for the Afghanies, so they won't have to drive their American built Humvee's and pollute the air when they are dragging around their missile launchers...

Sorry dude I just couldn't resist :angel:

I knew I was asking for trouble from you!

BTW, what do you have left to buy?

What fork did you end up getting?

L8R

a2- If I hadn't taken a big dose of cold medicine about an hour ago I would have been able to resist the temptation LOL

I think everything I need is either here or on the way. I ended up buying a Super T from JB (link above). I think it was dirtbikedude who gave me his link way back, anyway he ended up being the best source I found for alot of this stuff. He's also doing my wheelset and getting me a pair of Hayes 8" disc brakes. He already shipped the frame to me. I went ahead with the King hubs and as far as I know the front 20mm is the only thing he hasn't gotten yet. I'm sure there will be more I'll need later but I'm almost ready to start building.

Snowing very hard here today so no need to be in a big hurry

I appreciate everyones view on suporting your LBS. It is real hard to compete with mail order on prices however we have them beat in service.

Personally, I prefer buying things from my LBS and I'm happy to pay a little extra to do so. I like being able to look at it for myself, to try it out, to have how it works explained to me (or be given a demonstration). Thus the only time I don't buy something from my LBS is when I can't (i.e. they don't sell it).

Here's a good examlpe of why to use a BS, even if it ain't a LBS.

I ordered a bunch of stuff from one of the big boys a couple weeks ago (starts with nas...). They sent the stuff 2 day air or whatever they call it. 4 days later it gets here, and I am one item short and it just happens that the one item is part of a Christmas gift. So I call them. They have to send me a form, I send it back, yadda yadda yadda. I need this item before Christmas so I decide to make a call to one of the shops I listed in the first post on this thread. Turns out, he has nearly the same thing, even cheaper than nashbar (ooops). And I got it 3 days later, in plenty of time for Christmas. Plus his shop is in CO where I've done alot of biking, so we get to visit about all the trails up there. Try doing that with one of the mindless drones that answer the phones at perf... or nash...

I too pay a small premium to shop locally. I think it is worth it. My LBS gives my wife and I a standard 10% off retail across the board. Thus, while I still pay slightly more than I might if I shopped intensely, the value of a steady relationship and the friendship as well as the expertise of my LBS is well worth it.

One great value I get is good conversation whenever I am simply visiting. I use this time to tell the manager everything I am dreaming of as regards cycling. This way, when my wife visits to shop for a gift, they know precisely what I would pick. This makes it really easy for my wife and rsults in my always being pleased without having to return anything.

I am very biased toward my friends at the LBS. They make it worth it.

Buying components on line can often mean that you're still supporting an LBS - just not yours! There are many LBS' that sell their wares online; it saves the 12 hour drive Mike mentioned. The guys in my local are very nice and seem to know their stuff, but I wouldn't consider buying anything other than tubes, patches etc. from them as they just cannot match component prices I can find elsewhere. When they can get close, they'll get the business.