If it makes you feel any better, I'm still waiting for my LBS to finish getting built. They started painting last weekend. I could go to another BS an hour away, but I'd rather give business to the local boys. They have returned all of my emails very quickly. Only downside is that it is a somewhat typical Trek dealer with about 10% of MSRP for price. Not terrible, but not cheap either. We definitely need some more 2.1 pics though. I still need to buy a computer and pedals yet, so that will give me something to do for a couple weeks. I hope you get your bike soon.

To verify...You went to a shop to measure you so that they can verify your fit calculations so you can order a bike elsewhere and your upset that they wanted to charge you for a fit?

Thanks.. I'm looking for a computer too (HR + speedtrap compatible). Let me know what you pick up

I did almost the complete opposite today. I went to go test ride a bike, with full intention of buying it online, and ended up putting a deposit down on it. I'll pick it up next wednesday or thursday. I really wanted to find a cool shop I like, and these guys were a great help. All Star Bike Shop on Ridge Rd. in Raleigh.
-Gene-

The bike is fine, looks great!!

But if you photographed it from the drive side, we can see more of its beauty.

wheels have been recalled

Really? info? I've searched and found nothing. Though I do notice the photo on the WalMart website shows a different (non-radial laced) front wheel than is on his bike.

went to a Mike's Bikes in san rafael, CA

i told them i wanted to buy a specialized seat and wanted to get my sit bones measured (because they come in diff sizes). i was told to sit down on the "ass pad" the guy measured my sit bones to be 120mm, he then went to the saddles and got me the model i wanted in a 140mm size. when i got home and went to their website i saw the smallest size they sold was a 130mm . . . .

I count 4 (5 if you count each wheel reflector)

1. Wrong side of bike
2. Wrong gear combo
3. Flip it
4/5. Wheel reflectors

I think that's it. Did I miss anything?

6./7. Front/Rear reflectors.
8. Not in front of white garage door

Good call. I had a feeling I was missing something.

Also, the outlet face looks like a spoke card. I'm gonna count that as 8.5 because had it been in front of a white garage door, no outlet face spoke card could have manifested itself in the rear wheel.

9) Cranks at wrong angle
10) Valve stems in different and incorrect positions

Yeah...amazing, isn't it?

He'd be like the customer that's back trying on shoes. "Something we can help with?"

No, I am trying on shoes to figure out the size I need so I can order a pair.

Seriously.

It's funny...most every "bad LBS experience" I've had working in one has been because of the behavior of the customer.

My favorite:

It's 9.15am...

"Are you open?"

No, we open at 10.

"So you are closed?"

Yes, we open at 10.

"So you open at 10?"

Yes.

"Is service open?"

No, they, along with the rest of the store opens at 10.

"So service is not open either?"

....true story...

Or the guy that demanded to buy a bike that was the wrong size because he liked the color (we made a note on his transaction about this) then brought the bike back a year later complaining that we had sold him the wrong bike. Fortunately we showed him the facts. We took the bike back and asked him to take his business elsewhere.

I've said it before...we really do sit around after closing over a beer or two and share the stories.

I helped a lady out the other day who brought in a Craig's List bike bid sheet who wanted my advice on whether or not she was getting a good deal. But she was mucho hot.

I love these threads. It's amazing how many people think that because they have a heartbeat, they should have their @$$ kissed.

Hi...

It's too bad the shop lost your order. People, even in a bike shop, are human and mistakes happen.

A common misconception is that bike manufacturers have warehouses full of bikes. Not true, especially in road bikes. It gets doubly hard with a bike like the one you are interested in, because it's made in China.

They, companies, have production runs. Most of the time there's a bike in stock at the manufacturer's warehouse, but sometimes not. The good news is that, in Trek's case they have a dealer site which lets the dealer see when the bike will be available. Which is what it sounds like is going on here.

In our case, we'd probably give you a gift card to apologize for the error. Because we treat customers this way, all the time, we sell millions of dollars of bikes. And are a top ranked shop in the US.

Since, reviewing the thread there don't appear to be any responders that actually know anything about the bike business or how business is transacted between a shop and a manufacturer, I hope this helps.

I hope you get your bike soon.

I would certainly not do the above...

I shopped while I was there. I was with a salesperson at least 20 minutes. He showed me the bikes/cloths/parts etc. they had while I was waiting for the "fit" guy to come back from lunch or something. It was the second time I went there. They could not find the guy the first time. I would have gone back and shopped again later too but the whole charge incident and how it was handled p!$$'d me off. I specifically told the guy "...I have these measurments can you verify them with me. I dont want a "fit"...Im trying to set up my bicycles correctly...maybe I'm going to buy a new bike later..."

Maybe I would have bought a Lite Speed from them and I would have certainly bought parts for my older bikes since they had alot of NOS stuff. I gave them the opportunity to sell me a bicycle and I gave it a serious consideration.

I look at a "fit" as a tool to attract potential customers. The Specialized "butt-o-meter" is another example. A shop with these tools can say "we can make sure you get the right bike size from us". I went to 2 shops that I would not have gone to if they did not have these tools. Both shops got sales from me. Maybe not the $5000-$10000 in sales they were hoping for but I spent my money and time there.

I'd have helped you with that without charge...but that's not what you said the first time.

...the rest of the story...

These LBS threads are like dogs barking in the backyard.

Sorry if I was not clear the first time

Thanks for the well-wishing but lets get one thing straight, the 2.1 frame is made in Taiwan, not China :p

Every time I have ever walked into Trackstar in NYC has been my worst LBS experience.

Big thumbs up to NYC Velo though, they're fantastic!

I didnt know all pictures had to be magazine quality...

I'm just getting into road biking... and realizing that some of the sterotypes of this crew may be earned.. lol

I love these threads. It's amazing how many people think that because they have a heartbeat, they should have their @$$ kissed.

And that's exactly the kind of attitude that makes me pass by three Bike Shops to go to one that's over an hour away, where I'm treated well whether I'm buying a new Orbea or a piddly bottle cage. Hubris will always kill any small business.

Aside from photo's being taken from the drive side (we like to see all the goodness), no one expects these things. Search "OCP" (obsessive compulsive poseur), it's kind of a running gag around here to make fun of the stereotypes you reference.

You get treated well when you deal with people in a respectful manner. Some people think because they are a "customer", that gives them license to act like an @$$ h o l e. Not true.

That's the point.

It's not that hard to understand. Except for some people.

At my shop I treat everyone nicely and with respect no matter what or even if they are buying. With that said bike repairs are not free and neither is my fit knowledge. I have spent lots and lots of time and the shop has spent lots and lots of money for my education. I am not talking about quick questions or the "is my seat straight" questions but please do not expect me to put your bike on the trainer and for me to start measurements for free UNLESS you have purchased a bike from us or have purchased a component that may effect your existing fit. I would not walk into a florist and buy a few flowers and expect them to make it into a arrangement for free.

Well International in Garden City used to be a top flight shop in 1987, but since thier best employee left to open his own shop it went down hill quick and has just been lingering for the last twenty years.

What happened there? I would not be surprised by anything you write.