trek from local bike shop vs motobecane online
my friend is purchasing his first road bike. he's been riding an old huffy for a couple of months. he recently took a beach trip with his brother and rode a road bike for several days in a row and now has been bitten by the bug.
i've emphasized to him a number of things ad nauseum such as test ride a number of bikes and that fit is the most important thing, etc.....
he road a trek 2.3 (full 105 alum. with usual carbon parts) tonight and really liked it plus as a 2010 model it was on sale.
however, he is more inclined to buy a bike online and wants to get as much bike as he can for his money. i don't think he is really interested in test riding a bunch of bikes. he is looking at a motobecane full carbon with ultegra and 105 mix. the trek and the motobecane are almost identical in price.
i've compared the geometry on the two bikes and i think the motobecane will fit, but i for one just could not bring myself to buy a bike that i have not test ridden, nor one that i have never heard very much about. i think that he would be better served to buy from the local bike shop and get a good fit plus would get a bike with name recognition that he could more easily sell if decides to upgrade.
i guess what i am looking for here, is to see if any of you have an opinion or any experience with Motobecane that might lessen my concern about his buying online.
Trek from local bike shop
It seems that we have had this discussion many times here on TE. I have to say that I try and buy as much local as I can... and perhaps on occasion the price might be a tad higher. But here's why I do... that money filters back to local jobs, taxes and many benefits for the local community..clinics etc.. The other harsh reality is that a shop can offer service, advice, and loads of information on local rides, training rides, trail info etc.. All of that is something that you do NOT receive online.
If I am going to buy a book, I'm going to go to a shop to buy it. I appreciate that they know who I am, know what I like and might even suggest a book that I might not have considered. These same people are sitting on boards in their community trying to make a difference. They are reaching out and not simply for my pocketbook!
Many shops do charge more for products purchased elsewhere and may be disappointed that you didn't buy through them. If you feel as though you are being treated badly, then perhaps you should have a conversation about this. Explain what you wanted to spend, what you are looking for and how you'll use it, and there could be an instance where they are able to find something for you. If they have no luck, they'll at least know that you thought of them and that could also change everyones behavior.
Regardless of what you are buying, I would suggest that you check locally first, talk with shop owner/employees and explain what you want, tell them about prices that you have seen elsewhere, and at least let them do some research. Not only will you foster better communication, but you might be surprised at what you find out. The harsh reality is that when we are able to buy everything that we need online or through another source, then the conversation here will be more about locating jobs and the lack of them. Just something to think about folks.:rolleyes: