MSRP vs expected cost
 

If the bike's manufacturer lists an MSRP of say $3,000, what should the price I pay be?

It's not like buying a car.

Off season: ~20% off.

New model: full list

Over/under: 10% off for a larger dealer.

If it's bikesdirect.com, plan on spending 30 - 50% of whatever number they pulled out of their...hat. If it's anyone else, expect to pay anywhere from 70% to 100% of MSRP, depending on the demand for the particular model, the LBS and how long the bike has been sitting around the shop.

If you end up spending full MSRP, at least get them to throw in free tuneups for a year and maybe some pedals and 10 or 20% off any accessories you buy. Even if you don't pay 100%, try that anyway. Lots of LBS's will offer that to you without being asked.

Depends on the bike and how well the bike shop is selling that model. Cervelo = full MSRP (or pretty damn close)

No worries, it's NOT.

I picked up my Madone for about 80% of MSRP.

I payed full retail for my Kuota Kharma but I was okay with that. I got 10% off all the stuff I bought and I have continued to get 10% off so it works out in the end.

Ok, now riddle me this....why would a shop have a $3,000 MSRP (per manufacturer's website) for sale for $3,500????

Spec'd identically.

It's not like the inflation rate/cost of living in Cincinnati is forcing the upgrade in price.

The market dictates the price.

can't you just check yourself?

At a local shop here

2008 Madone 5.2 pro MSRP $3629
Shop price $3299

It would help to know which bike you are looking at.

$3000

$3000

Seriously. Why do people ask these questions? Why not just say, I want to pay cost instead :rolleyes:

I'VE GOT IT!
They're using the BikesDirect theory for pricing. Today they artificially raise the price based on the individual price of the components to $3500, then tomorrow they lower it back to $3000 and claim it's a 16% discount!

The bicycle industry is baffling...

Part of the problem is, for years, folks have been conditioned to go in, ask for, and get a discount at the locally owned and operated mom & pop LBS, even when they've never set foot in a shop, let alone dropped a red cent. And with market pressures, even before an economy teetering on a downturn, LBS's will play ball, just to keep competitive with online, mail order, and FleaBay, and not lose a sale.

Do folks go to Home Depot and haggle over the price of a faucet or lumber? Do folks go to their grocery store and haggle over the price of produce? Ever try to haggle with Wal-Mart over the price of anything? Yet they have no problem trying to put the screws with the LBS...

And yeah, there are LBS's everywhere that suck, and aren't worth supporting...but when you find one worthwhile, that knows their stuff, and treats folks well, THEY'RE the ones that deserve your support. Develop a relationship with them, and if they're worth their salt, they'll treat you well for years to come.

? whatever

I bought a Specialized Allez Elite in the winter and paid $1100 (MSRP $1200) after talking to the manager at my LBS. I'm guessing I could've gotten a bit more off if I bought the one off the floor instead of ordering one that was my size.

I bought a ~$400 Trek hybrid earlier during a big sale and it was 15% off.

It also depends on your relationship with your LBS. I know I can count on at least a 20% at the two LBS I frequent; some times the discount can be massive, like Deda Newton bars for $30. :)