So my girlfriend has been looking at bikes lately and she found one she absolutely loves. Unfortunately she's probably a 46cm. We used competitive cyclists calculator to get a rough idea of her size (45-46cm). She's been on a couple other 50cm bikes and it seems a bit too big for her and the next size down for the bike she likes is a 46cm.

So the question I have is, the bike shop she called said they can get the bike in her size for her but that she'd need to leave a deposit. Now as soon as she told me that I thought what if it doesn't even fit her or is just plain uncomfortable? She didn't ask if it's a refundable deposit either. If it's non-refundable then she's either out a big hunk of money or she's stuck with a bike that she's going to hate. She said that she thinks they want a 50% deposit.

I've never had to order a bike before from a bike shop, so is this a normal practice? I'm thinking about going in and talking with them in person. I think they might be taking advantage of the fact that she's a female...

It's not as if she's not a serious buyer is, she's would be more than willing to pay MSRP, put down a non-refundable deposit, she even said she'd buy it even if it didn't fit perfectly. She's absolutely in love with the bike, she's even gone as far as painting her nails the same color, lol. But, I know she'd walk away if I told her it was a bad idea. Another question is...would you haggle with them to get it under MSRP? They said they wouldn't go any lower unless we could find someone selling it for cheaper and they would price match. Would you try to get them to throw in a couple things or do a small package for her instead?

Thanks!

What bike are we talking about? Is this the only LBS that carries this particular brand and model of bike? Seeing that your in Torrance i'm sure you have a huge amount of bike shops to shop at within your area and even in the LA area if need be. I don't like the idea of having to put a deposit down for something i don't even know i'll like.

The bike she's in love with is a Bianchi...it's a beautiful bike, to be honest I'm a little envious she's going to have a nicer bike than me.

https://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/coas...-nirone-7-105/

There's plenty of other dealers in the area, and we'd be willing to do some driving around for a better deal. One of the shops is literally a block away from my house. I'm going to try heading over there and see what they can do for her...they've always been very friendly and helpful so hopefully they could give us a good deal.

Nice, love the traditional celeste green from Bianchi. I'd go down to them in person and see what they can do for you. If you don't like what you hear i'd definitely look at another shop.

Damn, that is a very nice bike! i think you could get her to try out different bikes in that size range to have an idea of how it would feel for her. If she is that much in love with the bike, and end up a little uncomfortable, changing stem, seat, etc would help. Plus you never know how it feels until you get it fitted. I'm sure the bike shop that is selling the bianchi will do a fitting for free if you are getting that bike for her. If in the end, it really isn't for her, I'm sure you can sell it to get her a different bike. Lots of people like Bianchi bikes.

Useless thread.
If you don't like their policy go to another shop. Or, call them and ask them the refund/return policy, how are we supposed to know? I left my psychic cap at home.
BTW, how do you think the LBS gets the bikes? They must get them free from the magic bike fairy right?
How much do you think it will cost them in shipping and labor to get the bike in and build it for your girlfriend to look at? Don't forget they have to purchase the bike as well.
Why should they give you or your girlfriend a discount?

With all do respect, useless response.

I never implied that I should get a discount...I simply asked what was the normal practice for purchasing a bike. Now if I hadn't asked, I wouldn't have known. If it's anything like purchasing a new car, you'd generally be an idiot to purchase it at full sticker price.

My intent never was to cheat any LBS out of their money, but I also don't want her to get ripped off.

Btw, the actual bike she wanted was this one:
https://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/dama...ne-7-dama-105/

Virtually the same one just a womens specific.

To the others thank you for help.

The mens version looks nicer