Artes

Greetings,

I want to move from a hybrid to a road bike for daily enjoyment on our paved trails with a longer term goal of riding in multi-day events like Ragbrai (IA) or Bran (NE). The chain stores were only interested in having me sit on a bike, spin around the parking lot and ask if I was ready to make a purchase. Frustrated with my early experiences, I found a family owned LBS in town that cares about properly fitting a bike after listening to my needs and goals. Depending on the results of my fit measurement, I'm looking to test ride a Bianchi Imola/Vigorelli, Felt F75/F65, and maybe a Giant Sport OCR1.

My question is about model pricing. I didn't notice if they had any 2006 Bianchi's on the floor, but the remaining 2005 models were listed at full MSRP. Is that common for this time of the year or should I negotiate a discount before the purchase? If I decide on the Imola, is it worth ordering the 2006 model since the Shimano 105 cassette is 10 speed? I haven't seen the 2006 metallia blue in person yet, but the 2005 silver finish is nice.

Thanks for your advice.

mtnroads

Some local bike shops here are discounting the 05 Bianchis that list for over $1000 by around $300. One bike shop person told me they bought a lot of 05's recently - I assume from a distributor, and at a good price. I have seen the Imola for around $975 and Vigorelli $1300.

the beef

Ten-speed is the future, it might be a better investment to go with the '06. I can, however, tell you that the Imola is a great bike - it's got a very strong and lightweight steel frame, which makes for great ride quality.

BeeTL

General rule of thumb for a bike shop in a larger town with a fair amount of sales volume and competition:

1. 10% off MSRP is pretty standard current year pricing
2. 20% off is not unusual for 'last year's model' retail store blowout sale
3. 30% off can be seen offered by Bianchi dealers online selling last year's stock on eBay - don't expect to see that from your LBS unless they are active on eBay

I bought two bikes at 30%+ off MSRP off eBay and my current bike at 20% off MSRP from my LBS. Each was a fantastic deal in its own right.

I hope that helps.

Artes

Wanted to post and update for more thoughts. Today felt more like summer as we hit 90 degrees with a fair amount of wind at times.

I must say that I really like the people working at this particular LBS in town. The guy I have been dealing with took my fit data and adjusted a 2005 57 mm Bianchi Vigorelli and 2006 56mm Felt F65 to take out on a test ride.

After watching me circle the parking lot a few times to check over the fit and explain shifting, he turned me loose on the nearby roads. I spent around 45 minutes riding on lightly traveled roads with a nice climb on the way back. Coming from a straight bar hybrid, it did take a bit getting used to the new hand positions while working the gears and brakes, but it was nice rest my in multiple positions on the road bike. The granny gear did come in handy climbing on the return stretch and overall shifting was smooth. There was a bit of a learning curve on shifting through the front gears. I was a bit disappointed to learn they do not discount their 2005 Bianchi models considering I would be spending money there on shoes, seat, helmet, gloves, service and other items. One other shop in town does carry Bianchi so I still may be able to work something out otherwise I'll leaning toward the Imola price level. Any thoughts on working the price down 10-20%?

Tomorrow, I'll be taking the Felt for a test drive. I wonder if I'll notice much difference between the aluminum frame and compact crank.

Thanks for your input.

BeeTL

How much do you value the relationship you have with this shop? That will determine your best strategy.

That said, they have treated you well so far.

Some thoughts:

1. Offer 20% off for a cash payment for a 'last year's model'.
2. Explain you understand that 10% off is pretty standard discount nationally for current year models.
3. Explain that you are aware that last year's Bianchis are routinely all over the internet.
4. Explain you value your relationship with the shop and understand you will puchase many accessories at full retail.
5. Ask to talk to the owner.
6. Be prepared to either walk or pay full reatil, whatever you're comfortable with.

Pickin's are a bit slim on eBay today, but here are a few 57's:

https://cgi.ebay.com/Bianchi-Vigorell...QQcmdZViewItem
https://cgi.ebay.com/USED-2005-BIANCH...QQcmdZViewItem
https://cgi.ebay.com/Bianchi-Reparto-...QQcmdZViewItem

Artes

Just thought I would post an update on my search for a road bike. After visiting several bike shops and riding a models from Felt, Trek and Bianchi, I prefer the ride and Campagnolo setup on the Bianchi Eros/Veloce. One LBS in Omaha, that has treated me so well, has a titanium grey 2004 Eros in stock at MSRP. If I'm paying full retail, I might as well order a 2006 model.

A Bianchi dealer in Lincoln, about a hour away, has a 57cm celeste Eros on sale for $975, but wasn't sure if it was a 2005 or 2006 model. I will need to consider the cost of the free adjustment period when buying a bike here since I would use the local shop for tune-ups because of the distance.

I will be testing out a Cannondale R700 this afternoon to get a feel how those ride.

Having learned so much about road bikes and cycling in general the past few weeks, I can't wait to finally own one and hit the pavement.

uga8589

If the LBS is not really flexible about a cash discount, why not offer to take it in store trade? You would be spending the $$$ anyway and some is better than none. It is a win-win. Post pics after you buy it. Were all dying to see.

jimx200

Artes, I ride a 2006 Eros....I am in love with this bike. Incredible ride, Campy drivetrain is awesome, and the Mavic wheels are strong and light. If you cannot find locally, check out www.villagebicycle.com. I bought 2 Eros (myself and nephew) from Jim (owner) shipped both to Calif., and saved a bundle. A BIG thumbs up for the Eros here. Good luck and let us know what you get.

Artes

jimx200,

Thank you for the recommendation to check into the supply at Village Bicycle. I spoke with Jim this morning. He has a deal on a Veloce that I cannot pass up. I'm going to pick up my fit work information over the lunch hour and forward it to Jim to make sure it will be the ideal size.

The LBS will be my primary contact point for a proper fitting, service, accessories and joining their club rides. Nothing personal, it's just business on the bicycle purchase. The sizable gap allows me to properly budget accessories and clothing from the LBS. I still fully intend to solicit their business for the rest of my needs and my continued education.

I hope to post pictures when she arrives. This message board has definately been a treasure trove to educate and inform a newer road cyclist.

yater

What kind of deal are we talking here? I'm looking