hokiesean24

I figured that title would draw some interest in the thread!

OK, so, I am a newb looking to buy a new road bike. I have a friend who just recently opened a LBS about 20 miles away. So, I went and tested a Fuji Roubaix there, he offered it to me for $975. I was considering that purchase until I was told to check out a couple bikes at BD, so I did. I had pretty much decided I was going to order the Motobecane Sprint. https://https://www.bikesdirect.com/pr...ane/sprint.htm

I called him today to inform him of my decision and make sure he was still on board with doing my assembly and fitting for me, as we had discussed before if I bought elsewhere. When I informed him of my plans he told me to not order the bike, do some research into the brands he carries, let him know which bike would be equivalent, and he will match the price ($995) or make it too close to turn down.

So, PLEASE take a look at the Fuji, Cannondale, and Kestrol bikes and let me know which one you think best matches with Sprint I was looking at. He's a really good guy, so, I don't want to try and completely rip him off, but he seems very serious about getting me on a bike for the same price. I asked which brand of the 3 has the most leadway for him to play with in the price, and he said Fuji.

Let me know what you guys think, it would be greatly appreciated by this newb!!

twahl

Fuji Roubaix for $975 vs. Motobecane Sprint for $995

I'm sorry, what was the question?

The Moto is a decent bike for a good price, but it is not a Fuji, Cannondale, or Kestrol. Go take advantage of your friend, he's not going to make much on it.

hokiesean24

No no, hes looking to put me on a bike with equivalent components as the Sprint; ie full ultegra bike. The Roubaix is Tiagra with a 105 rear derailleur for the same price. So, it would be something better than the Roubaix.

But what would you suggest??

twahl

I would suggest that the difference in frame is more important than the difference between Tiagra/105 and Ultegra, and that the difference in support between BD and your friend's shop is priceless. If that's your price point, and it were me, I'd buy the Fuji without question.

A lot of people buy the motobecanes when they get a good deal on a frame and strip the motor for the components. As I said, not a bad bike, but it's not the bike you're going to get from a local shop either, friend or not.

ShadowGray

Thing is, while the sprint is full ultegra, the other parts aren't as high quality as those from a more well known brand. You'd have to take into consideration that the derailleurs aren't the entire bike. Anything with 105/ultegra is pretty damn close in quality.

Bacciagalupe

If you are a n00b, don't buy through bikesdirect.com.

Basically, they will send you an unassembled bike, with no ability to test ride, no real fit assistance, no free tune-ups for the next year, and spotty warranty service.

BD works ok for people who know what they're doing and have all the requisite tools and experience. If you don't have that skill-set, you will be better off with the LBS.

Jaeger

Umm, the Motobecane is Ultegra-equipped versus the Tiagra-equipped Roubaix. The closest Fuji would be the Fuji Roubaix RC, with a MSRP of $1820. I dunno how he could match the price of the Motobecane Sprint, but if he's a friend and his service is worth something I'd be willing to pay a little more for it. But that's still a big discount to ask for.

EatMyA**

you gotta be joking, c'mon tell me its a joke.

In case youre not, then go with the fuji.

Cdy291

I work at a bike shop and can tell you that that $1820 Fuji cost them more than $995.

hokiesean24

Yeah, like I said he is a good guy. A really good friend of my brothers (8 yrs older than me). From my brothers stories, they had some pretty wild times he did a lot to keep him out of trouble and gave him a place to live back in the day. He also is just getting his shop up off the ground and wants to get me on a bike from his shop for advertisement, etc etc. In his words, hes willing to take a beating on the deal if needbe...

pungee

He is not a true friend now is he?

ShadowGray

So ask for somewhat of a deal, but do remember that LBSes don't have a lot of overhead on their bikes, stick with something that isn't too outrageous.

monkeyevil

Don't be an *******.

Either buy the bike you want online, or pay him a reasonable amount for a bike from his shop. If he truly is a friend help him out a little If your just looking to take advantage then do whatever...

Shops don't make a lot on bikes... they make money on parts and service.

mrt10x

I had a long post ready to go saying the same thing but my system went down. Those that are saying go with the Fuji are lost in the sauce. The Fuji Roubaix is nothing special. It is an aluminum frame with CF seat stays. Mike could tell you exactly which factory in China/Taiwan that frame was built in, could be the same one as the Moto.

The difference between Ultegra and Tiagra is huge IMHO. The RC is the Fuji you would need to consider. As far as Cannondale, there I would tell you that the frame does make a huge difference. The CAAD 9 frame is a world class racing frame and if you could get a 105 equiped CAAD 9 then I would jump all over that over an Ultegra Moto or Fuji. Even a 105 alloy Synapse would be a better deal than an ultegra moto or roubaix.

Kestral does not make a bike that is comparable, or that you would be able to get for less than a grand, unless I am missing something.

Bottom line, IMHO, the Moto frame and the Roubaix are a wash, the ultegra is far superiour to Tiagra. If he can sell you the Roubaix RC. or a CD with 105 for $1100 or $1200 it would be worth buying from him because it is going to cost you that much to get the Moto put together.

jgmacg

But if he's a good guy, why would you be willing to beat him? If you're relatively new to cycling, the functional differences between Ultegra and 105 and Dura Ace and SRAM are going to be lost on you anyhow. It all sounds cooler, sure, and may be worth more if you decide to part the bike out and sell it. And if it turns out you don't like riding very much, 105 gathers dust just as well as Ultegra.

If it were me, rather than try to gouge my friend since he's just starting out, I'd have him put me in a much, much better frame with more modest components. I'd have him fit me, and give me a modest discount on some accessories, like a helmet and a better saddle. I'd have him agree to free tune-ups for a year or two. In exchange, I'd tell everyone I knew about his swell bike shop.

If you were to do the same, then a year from now - if you're still riding and looking to upgrade - go to him and look for a really substantial discount on component upgrades. Or a trade-in on a super high-end bike at a year-end discount, plus the additional good-friend-who-helped-give-you-great-start discount.

Why try to swindle the guy now, short-term, rather than build a really good relationship with a bike shop you can work with and trust for the rest of your life?

hokiesean24

A lot of you are hitting the nail right on the head. I am looking for a REASONABLE request. I am not looking to make a request that is completely trying to screw him over. At the same time, I feel much like mrt10x. I dont think there is a huge frame advantage from the Moto to the Roubaix. Therefore, I feel like I would be making a bigger sacrifice to help him out if I take a Roubaix series bike with substantially downgraded components.

Can someone with more knowledge than me offer any insight as to how the 'other' components compare to one another. Like the Ritchey cockpit vs. the Fuji on the various Roubiax. Wheels, tires, etc etc. I really want to be able to justify buying a bike from him instead of the Sprint, thats what I am looking for. Unfortunately, I dont think there is THAT much of a difference between the Moto and Roubaix frame alone (or name as it may be) to justify the downgrade in drivetrain components.

Make sense?

mrt10x

Makes sense.. I did have a comparison on the other components, lost it when my original post crashed..but in reality they are pretty close. The Ritchey stuff on the moto is their middle of the road stuff..really no better than the Fuji stuff. The Vuelta wheels are better than the wheels on the Fuji, in fact the wheels and the ultegra is probably where the weight difference comes in.

I would ask him what his bottom line is on a CD CAAD 9 with 105. I really have no idea what that bike goes for, so I could be way off base here, but if it is within 2-300 of the Moto I would take him up on that.

DScott

Define "friend".

Jaeger

That's a good suggestion - at cost it might be within a reasonable range of the Moto.

Another possibility would be to pay him for a fitting - use bikes in his inventory to get a really good idea of the bike fit and size you want - and then order the right size Motobecane. That way you can be confident of ordering the right size while he's compensated for his time, expertise and use of his inventory. Then when the bike comes in he can set it up and change stems if necessary. You get the bike you want, he gets paid for his service.

RT

Support your local bike shop friend.

Spartan112

I got my CAAD 9 for $1099, he should be able to get close to the Moto on one of those. Great bike too.

Triguy

I think you are trying to compromise with the guy. I can dig that. I agree with what others have said that it's a tricky comparison.

However, I would say, he should be able to figure out a deal for you on a Cannondale Caad8 Optimo 1 or Caad9 Optimo 3; maybe expect $1000-1200. The cannondale frame is way sweeter than the Motobecane, so the drop from Ultegra to 105 is no big deal.

If he can do that for you, go for it, and don't forget to tell all your friends to go there.

JoelS

Support your local bike shop! You won't be able to beat having a local shop for service. Buy the bike there and give them the business. It's worth it.

grail29er

dont be a jerk. buy from the person you know and pay a reasonable price for it. a good working relationship with him will be worth more than a couple hundred bucks...

Cheshyre

yeah, go with the LBS. the relationship and free stuff you'll probably get from buying at an LBS will more and make up for the deal on the Sprint.