Bike Shop Loyalty

[bikerHen]

Ok. So I think I need a mtb. No, I know I need a mtb after going out a few more times to play in the dirt! I had an extra hour today so I pedeled over to the bike store, not my favorite by a long shot, but the closest one. And wouldn't you know I found a bike that just cried take me home. So now my problem is do I go with the bike I was considering from my favorite shop or the one I have fallen in love with? They are both about the same price, and the componets are about equal as near as I can tell. One has a slightly shorter standover height which I found to be very important for my stumpy legs. One is in stock, the other would have to be ordered. One I have actually ridden, the other I tested a bike like it but not the actual bike. Both shops are close by. The one I love is at the shop I don't really like. I feel like a tratior if I buy a bike there! :( What is a confused Hen to do???????
Do I go with the 4500 Trek or the Giant Iguana?

:rolleyes: Or do I just forget the whole thing, scrub the dirt out of my veins and go ride my road bike around the block? BikerHen

[Trek420]

I'm very loyal to my LBS, but I'd buy the bike you love and that fits.

Your new love will need upkeep, overhauls, pink tires, new parts and blinkey things....get that at your fave LBS. They will forgive you. :)

I often overhear this from Chris, my fave wrench: a customer will come in and he does not have the make/model of bike they like, or a bike in their price range, or one in their size or.... or ....and he'll say "go find the bike you want (he'll even refer, this shop is good and they have _____) and bring it here for upkeep"

I'm sure your guys/gals are the same.

[DirtDiva]

Yeah. Get the bike you really want and then get your favourite bike shop to look after her/him.

[Dirt Girl]

Or do I just forget the whole thing, scrub the dirt out of my veins and go ride my road bike around the block? BikerHen
Once it's in the veins there is no turning back. Woo-hoo! I successfully passed on the bug!

My suggestion: try another shop in town (downtown) that sells Trek. Buy it there. Then take the other gals' advice and go to BB for maintenance, etc.

PM me if you don't know where I'm talking about downtown.

Dirt Girl

[bouncybouncy]

:rolleyes: Or do I just forget the whole thing, scrub the dirt out of my veins and go ride my road bike around the block? BikerHen

May lightning stike if you have that thought again!!! :p hehe

Sounds like DirtGirl has a lead for you...whatever your decision....I hope you enjoy your soon-2-b new ride!!!

[Irulan]

I try and spread the love around, I do not shop at just one shop. Each shop in our town has it's own selection and reputation, too,(the good and the bad) whether that's something to consider or not,that's up to you.

I'd be careful about ordering a bike you haven't ridden. Are you obligated to purchase it if you decide it's not "the one"?.

The rule of thumb that I always suggest when looking at bikes is "which one makes you smile the most".

[caligurl]

i also think you need to get the bike you REALLY love! the other shop.. if they are a good shop.. will understand! plus you'll still go there for tune-ups, add-ons, etc!

[bikerHen]

Thanks everyone for your input. I gotta say that Trek really made me smile!! :D

Dirt Girl, Good idea about going downtown. It just so happens I have to be down that way tonight to teach a class, so . . . I just may sneak away from work a little early and go check them out. If I put the backseats down in the car I can just fit a bike in the trunk! :rolleyes: BikerHen

[Pedal Wench]

See if the shop you love can order the bike you love. That way, you've given them a chance to get your business. If not, they'll know the deal when you do bring it in for upkeep.

[KSH]

Yeah. Get the bike you really want and then get your favourite bike shop to look after her/him.

Took the words out of my mouth!

[RoadRaven]

As Pedal Wench says... see if your LBS can order the bike in and match the price.

We have a preferred LBS, but they know if they cannot match what we are looking for/wanting that we will get it from somewhere else. But we always give them the opportunity to match what we have been quoted, and i think they appreciate that. (I guess it also gives them inside knowledge on how much other shops/companies are willing to cut their margins...)

[caligurl]

you didn't get the trek... so which bike shop did you use????????????

[bikerHen]

I went downtown to check another Trek dealer, a shop I had not been to before. They didn't have the model I liked in my size. I started looking around, found the Fisher bike which is a better bike all around than the Trek, and with the close out price was a MUCH better deal.

I really hate shopping! So when I find what fits and works I'm done. I'm never going to buy a bike midweek again. I've have no time to play with my new toy. I even have to work tomorrow! But only until 4! :D BikerHen