UmneyDurak

Hi.
So I decided to just visit bunch of LBS and see what bikes they have, since my post about bike sudgestions didn't produce too many replies. I might have been too general.
Anyway I'm aiming to get a bike in July. Right now I just want to look at what is available in my price range (2-2.2k after tax). Maybe test ride a few. My question is how frank should I be with LBS. I don't want to give them an impression that I will guarantee that I will buy from them, but I also want a good service. Don't really want to be brushed of as a window shopper.
Last time I bought a bike about three years ago I just went with a friend and he sudgested an entry level bike for me to buy. This time I want to be a bit more picky which bike I buy.

Thanks.

Serpico

just control the conversation, if you get some lamer who trys to sell you something you don't want, or to push inventory he is trying to get rid of---then go somewhere else

I am -very- specific on who I'll deal with, pushy salesman bomb and then I go spend hundreds on components somewhere else

you're the one with the money--

DonD

I shopped at 3 different shops before buying my bike. I was pretty honest with the salesman at each of the shops, and simply stated that I wanted to ride a bunch of bikes before I bought one. I mentioned which comparative bikes I was interested in (including brands they didn't carry) so it was clear I was going to shop at a couple of other stores.

I should add, the line "this was pretty good, but I want to see how <whatever other bike> compares to it" was my mantra.

No one gave me a hard time over it. I was pretty pleased with the service at 2 of the 3 shops, but ultimately bought in the last shop I went to, simply because i like that ride the best. Granted I didn't spend as much as you are considering, but I think it would probably work the same.

- Don

spackler

I agree. I'm going through this process now. And there are good guys out there. I called one to follow up with them on their price matching policy b/c I want to buy from them but another shop has the same bike for $100 less. The LBS told me that I should buy from that other shop b/c it is so low and that there would be no way he could match that price.

I'll probably shell out the extra $100 and drive the extra 20 mins though. One, he actually had the bike I could test ride, when I rode it a kid there was a tremendous help switching stems and adjusting the seat and putting it on the trainer to make sure I got the right fit, and he told me to go buy from another shop.

Maybe I'm being naive, but if you're honest with them, they'll be honest w/ you and you'll know a good shop when you find one.

gawnfishin

What did you buy?

^*^BATMAN^*^

I just found a great shop, this tiny littel store, in the downtown of the local town, they are a cervelo dealer(great), and i went in there, and they gave me a ton of great advice for fixing things, and self fit stuff. So i bought a new chain tool off them, then I found out that because I am in the military, I get a 10% discount, bonus, I am bringing my P3 in there for the DA 10 speed upgrade.

As for how to shop, I agree with DonD, shop like you know what you are looking for, but most of all, be informed, there is so much stuff on the interent, go find a few bikes you really like, then check the interent, find reviews, ect. BE INFORMNED!!!

Ostuni

just a little to add to the good advice given above.... i used the same approach as i do when buying a new vehicle: spend a lot of time up front on research, determine exactly what you want and what your target price is, don't get emotionally involved (or at least conceal your emotional attachment), and when you are ready to buy, negotiate the best price you can in a calm, friendly, but business-like manner.... haggling and bargaining is a sport, but not one that requires you to beat the other guy - hopefully you'll hit a price that will allow the lbs to make a living and make you happy too...

simplyred

I've been to some great bike shops and some CRAPPY ones...

Granted, happily I put the most money [the bike] in a store that had top notch salesmen and great service..

I hate some shops where the sales reps/workers are just a$$wipes who don't show ANY enthusiam/friendliness towards me being there; they have one word answers/opinions [kinda] for any question I have about anything... it's like ...
"Do you want my business or what?"

I dunno, you'll get a feel of what's a good store and what's a bad store..

-Peter

hi565

I flat out say, im in the process of buying, I am not really planning on buying right this moment, but if you could help me that would be great. And as said before if they try to ween you inot buying it get out of it and leave. I always say flat out if I am looking or buying, or looking at what to buy at the moment. The control is in your hands.

UmneyDurak

Ok thanks for great replies. Stoped by a shop today on my way back from work, they had a giant tcr c2 composite for 2k, one of the bikes that caught my interest when I was looking at bikes online. I will test ride it next week see how it feels. It comes with time impact pedals, but I was told I could swap them for shimano ultegra ones. There was talk about me paying extra, will look more in to it if I decide to buy from them. Especially since I think both pedals cost about the same.

One thing the sales person said the frame was carbon. I don't think he was 100% correct what is the deal with composite frames? I searched around all I found is composite this composite that, but nothing on what exactly it means. I'm guessing it's carbon with some other material?

Jakey

I tend to like the smaller shops with less popular brands.... They tend to want your business more (unlike the trek dealer who would probably be just fine if you didn't buy a bike there) and in the case of my LBS... its probably got the best mechanic and fit person in town. He'll only carry brands that he himself will ride, and with any bike purchased they give you *LIFETIME* minor tune ups.

ginger green

You need to focus your time better than just ride a bunch of bikes - I doubt you will be able to remember the ride from one Saturday until the next.

I suggest you do a top 10 list. Or a list of must have vs want haves. Do as much research on line as you can - narrow your search here.

I think the bike shop will give you vague answers to vague questions. Or they will lead you towards something your may not have wanted or needed.

Give the bike shop clear instructions on what you want and how much you will pay. You might even do this on the phone before you go shopping.

"I'm looking for brand xyz with the blah blah blah, I want this saddle, these pedals - blah blah - Please quote me a price - I'll be in on Saturday for a test ride.

Let us know how you made out.

GG

UmneyDurak

Thanks for a sudgestion. I do have a small list of bikes I'm interested in, but I guess it's not very clearly defined right now. I'll write down all the bikes I'm insterested in, should make talking to sales people easier.

ZappCatt

The TCR copmosite is considered full carbon.

Even if the pedals are the same retail priced, it will often cost a little to swap out the OEM(kit version) for a full retail version off the shelf.

Since those bikes are selling like hotcakes, you might not have much bargaining room...

RoboCheme

If you live near a Performance bike store, they have them on sale for around 10% off plus the 10% worth of in-store coupons (if you joined their club for $20). I bought my OCR C2 from them for $1840 plus coupons. It lists for 2050$. If they don't have the TCR in stock, they'll order it for you. Good luck.

AnthonyG

Carbon composite works like fiberglass. With fiberglass fine glass fibers are formed into matts and then shaped into a mould and then coated with epoxy resin. Carbon composite uses woven carbon threads which are formed into matts instead.

Therefore you have a composite of carbon threads and epoxy resin.

Regards, AnthonyG

hi565

Ultagra no question. I lve mine, I wont ever get a different pedal.

hi565

Jakey I have a shop almost like this. The guy carries merlin, bianchi, Trek (I dont think he really has a choice) Lemond. Im not sure what else, its a small place though. Although I do have a very large LBS and they are one of the best shops I know of, they carry every type of bike! (well almost) From trek to orbea, from felt to independent fab.

That is def. where I am dropping my money for my next bike