NYC newbie questions on buying
06-11-05, 08:41 PM
#1
Reengineered Core Process
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I have just became interested in bicycling after having not been on a bike in close to 10 years. My only experience has been with mtn bikes as a kid so I've been riding around on an used mnt bike. But now that I'm getting into longer and longer rides (did a metric century, 65 miles, earlier this year and plan to do a full century in sept) I'm looking to buy a road bike. This forum has been great and I've the Under $700 thread has been my obsession for the past week now. After trying a bunch of different bikes and lbs I've settled on the Lemond Reno (double).
The Under $700 thread seems to suggest that one is expected to make some kind of deal with the lbs about the price (which should never be msrp unless rare or in high demand), discounts on other purchases, and other things included in the purchase (service/fitting/assembly/etc...). So far none of the places I've called or visited (about 9 places now) seem to carry my size (53 cm), so it would have to be ordered, and they all quote the same price of $800 with nothing else included except 1-3 years of tune ups.
My questions are:
1.) How does negotiating/haggling work now that I've settled on what I want and shopped around?
2.) Do I ask for a lower price and/or discounts on other purchases to sweeten the deal?
3.) Given that everyone is going to have to order it do i just go with which ever lbs seems to have the best/longest service afterwards?
4.)Is there anything I should know about buying a bike from a NYC lbs?
5.) Would it be worth checking not quite so lbs?
Thanks!
The Under $700 thread seems to suggest that one is expected to make some kind of deal with the lbs about the price (which should never be msrp unless rare or in high demand), discounts on other purchases, and other things included in the purchase (service/fitting/assembly/etc...). So far none of the places I've called or visited (about 9 places now) seem to carry my size (53 cm), so it would have to be ordered, and they all quote the same price of $800 with nothing else included except 1-3 years of tune ups.
My questions are:
1.) How does negotiating/haggling work now that I've settled on what I want and shopped around?
2.) Do I ask for a lower price and/or discounts on other purchases to sweeten the deal?
3.) Given that everyone is going to have to order it do i just go with which ever lbs seems to have the best/longest service afterwards?
4.)Is there anything I should know about buying a bike from a NYC lbs?
5.) Would it be worth checking not quite so lbs?
Thanks!
06-12-05, 08:34 PM
#2
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Bikes: 2006 custom Walt Works roadie, 2003 Fuji Finest (road), 2002 Giant Iguana (mtb), 1986 BMW K75 (motor)
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uhh, you have not test ridden the Reno?
Sounds like your main goal is long distance riding?
Ask the shops to get one for you to test ride, don't let them bother if you can't take it for at least a couple of hours. Also test a steel frame, like a Jamis bike, for the same test ride. NOTE: looks like Jamis has a longer top-tube than the Reno, this may be good or bad depending upon your body.
The longer you're on a bike on any given day, every little annoyance that you experience in the first couple hours will still be there and probably more annoying come hour six.
As for where to buy, focus less on price and more on service. Go to shops you're considering and try to sneak a peek at their fit process with other clients.
If you see a shop that does the stand-over fit, moves the saddle up or down and they do nothing else... kick 'em in the shin, then walk out to never return.
Sounds like your main goal is long distance riding?
Ask the shops to get one for you to test ride, don't let them bother if you can't take it for at least a couple of hours. Also test a steel frame, like a Jamis bike, for the same test ride. NOTE: looks like Jamis has a longer top-tube than the Reno, this may be good or bad depending upon your body.
The longer you're on a bike on any given day, every little annoyance that you experience in the first couple hours will still be there and probably more annoying come hour six.
As for where to buy, focus less on price and more on service. Go to shops you're considering and try to sneak a peek at their fit process with other clients.
If you see a shop that does the stand-over fit, moves the saddle up or down and they do nothing else... kick 'em in the shin, then walk out to never return.
06-13-05, 06:08 AM
#3
Senior Member
Originally Posted by donbert
My questions are:
1.) How does negotiating/haggling work now that I've settled on what I want and shopped around?
2.) Do I ask for a lower price and/or discounts on other purchases to sweeten the deal?
3.) Given that everyone is going to have to order it do i just go with which ever lbs seems to have the best/longest service afterwards?
4.)Is there anything I should know about buying a bike from a NYC lbs?
5.) Would it be worth checking not quite so lbs?
Thanks!
If you agree to buy shoes and pedals and other stuff (pump, helmet, etc) at the same time, most LBS will work out a good discount for you on the package deal. I'm pretty sure that you will be able to get 10% off on the bike alone, but you may have to work it a little. Don't seem too interested and don't be afraid to go to other Lemond dealers to see if they will give you a better deal. If they will at the farther store, tell the closer store the scoop and ask them to match the price. This way you can have the closer store do your adjustments. Buying from a shop with good mechanics is never a bad idea and if they offer a good service plan, it can be very valuable to you.
