kshapero

I am not mechanically inclined so I rely on my LBS for that. I am an organizer of a group ride so I am in a position of influence to newbie's purchases. The LBS is a sponsor of our group. So I send them a lot of business. They personally give me handsome discounts and never charge me any labor for anything I need. But....if I bought a component (say, new brakes) from someone else or mail order I think that would end the gravy train. Am I now a stooge for the LBS or should I bolt for mail order heaven?

EricB

Buy from whoever you want to, but if you are getting handsome discounts why buy from someone else?

I really don't think the shop would care where you bought the crank. I would however offer to pay for them to put it on.

Eric

Daytrip

Are you saying your "handsome discounts" don't meet or beat what you can get the same stuff for online? And if not, is the savings worth killing off your sweet deal?

As to whether you're a stooge for the LBS, I guess that's one way to look at it. You might also be called a shill. Personally, I'd say you're giving them something tangible in return for their sponsorship, which I consider legitimate. Now if they're screwing the people you refer to them, that's a different breed of cat, IMO.

kshapero

Discounts are very good about 15%. Service is very good. All the guys there are serious riders themselves but they don't carry everything, so that is a little limiting. And they are honest dudes as I see it. So I will probably ride the gravy train for now.

blamire

don't expect them not to charge labour when fitting parts you didn't buy from them.

kshapero

I agree

Daytrip

My LBS recently gave me a 20% discount on a pair of shoes because I bought two bikes and a bunch of other stuff there last year. The total came to $116. When I got home, I took a quick peek online to see what kind of a deal I really got. What I learned from the mfg. website is that MSRP on that particular model of shoes is just under $90.

When I went back and pointed out the discrepancy, I was refunded the difference and told it was all a big mistake. Lamentably, nobody offered to discount 20% off the $90.

So, methinks they won't be seeing much of Daytrip around there this summer.

kshapero

That sucks dude. Buy elsewhere.

NRRider

+1

cjump

to the OP, "don't bite the hand that feeds."

RacerJRP

when in doubt always says you bought used off some guy for mad cheap! .....

Ratfish

Just keep in mind that they're running a business, not a charity, and it should all work out.

jhmiller

I don't see the problem. Your buddies can shop wherever they like. If they're OK with this LBS, and you think it's a decent place, everybody wins. You just win a little more.

DScott

A good relationship is priceless, really. That's the real bargain here. I get 15% off retail at my LBS as a club discount, and they often do little jobs for nothing. Most recent example was checking and straightening a bent der. hanger. I love those guys!

Still, I do a fair amount of shopping onlline, partly for price, but partly for availability of specialty parts. Overall, I still spread my money around in what I feel is a fair manner.

Campag4life

Just another mechanically uninclined guy by the balls.
Payola is your penance for your deficit.
Look at the bright side...you have more time on your hands because you can't wrench. Second job?

fordmanvt

I do some of both...I do my own work on the vast majority of stuff, and get discounted prices online when I do.

When something is beyond my abilites, I will take it to the shop and let them order my specified parts. They are generally a little more than the deals I find online (including shipping), but anything bought through them comes with free install.