New to LBS shopping
 

Hi. I've never purchased a new bike before and decided that now is as good a time as any. I've visited several LBS's and talked with many LBS employee's/sales people. Due to being in a small town, I have to travel an hour or more to get to the LBS's. Of the 4 I visited, 3 of them did not listen to me as to what I was looking for in a bike and what type of riding I was going to do. They kept trying to get me on the newest Carbon Fiber Road/Race Bike and talked the praises of how fast it is and what a smooth ride, and it's worth the extra money you'll spend on it, etc... The 4th shop was quite different. The first salesperson actually listened, found that he wasn't as experienced in what I was looking for and took me to a mech there who like myself isn't small. We talked for quite a while and I quickly realized that he and I were on the same page. I'm having him do a build for me as the LBS doesn't carry the brand I was looking for. I'm going to be professionally fitted tomorrow and review the component list of the build before pulling the trigger. I have a question that many of you may be able to shed some light on for me. I'm going to be looking at a total price of $1400, I realize this isn't expensive to many but it is to me. Can I expect the LBS to "throw in" or "comp" some items as well, maybe a tool kit or floor pump? I figure probably not but would like to hear your experiences. All replies are appreciated. If I've posted in the wrong area, forum mods please move this and forgive me my trespass. Ride strong my friends. :thumb:

I certainly wouldn't expect it, maybe they could throw in some discounts on accessories.

UD

Nope, but you could ask for free water bottles.

Thanks for the replies. That's what I was thinking. Oh well, either way I am way stoked. A new Bike for me wooooo hooooooo!!!

I'm glad you found a good place, and +1 to LBS shopping!

So tell us about the bike already! What are you getting? What's the build like?

Post photos when you can.

Cool that you found a good shop.

Ditto on the free water bottles....at the very least.
Considering this is the end of the season, they might be willing to offer some discount on the total package. They are probably more likely to consent if the parts are already on the shelf.

You might want to ask - after picking out the components you want - what they can do to help you out on the price. I managed to negotiate a decent deal last year at around this time.

You might ask for a discount on accessories at time of purchase. Most bike shops will understand that when they total up the cost of the bike, and then you and they start to put together a list of all the accessories you're going to want, that the total cost will add up (pump, tool kit, water bottles, seat bag, maybe some clothes).....see if you can get 20% off any accessories you buy at the time of purchase...or for the first 30 days or something.

I find that on any purchase over about $200, I have a pretty good success rate just asking politely, "Is there anything you can do for me on the price?" I've gotten 10% off most of the time, which is a good return for a simple question.

Well, I'm glad you found a bike shop you like.

You reduce the risk by being professionally fitted, but I know I would hate to buy a bike without doing a test ride, myself.