lbs markup on bikes-Cdn dollars

[teawoman]

I have been looking around for a new road bike and it seems that with the MSRP at 1400.00 USD (assuming the exchange at current rates 1500-ish), the markup is over $300 at one shop I looked at.

Is that normal?

[Grog]

The prices of bikes (and of lots of stuff) have not been adjusted to the strong Canadian dollar so the prices Canadians pay for things right now is a lot higher than what they would pay in the USA. Another situation seems to be related to the stronghold of a certain distributor on parts, but I'm not privy to the details. Usually the margin of profit for bikes in mom&pops bike stores in Canada is about 10%. The markup on accessories is a lot more. So when you buy a bike it's hard to bargain the price down on the bike itself, but you can try asking for a discount on accessories, if you're so inclined.

Despite the price differences, I strongly recommend buying locally (and not, say, through the internet). It's an important purchase and you want to be fitted by someone who actually sees you, and having a place you trust to go back to for adjustments etc. is priceless in my opinion. Also, I have found that if I patronize one shop consistently I will get away with lots of minor repairs and adjustments for free, and even the big ones will be cheaper.