Do dealers ever change the manufacturer's specifications on a bike model?

[Bikechick B]

I have talked to several dealers about the Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD. According to the Specifications listed on the Trekbike website the 2006 model should come with a 10 speed rear cassette and Ultegra front and back deraillers ---however the Dealer's website states that this model comes with a 9 speed rear cassette and a 105 front derailler. It seems weird to me that the dealer and Treks website do not state the same specs. I am supposed to pick up my new 06 Pilot 2.1 tomorrow but I am concerned about this seemingly minor difference in specs. What do you all think?

[crazybikinchic]

Last year I bought a Specialized Allez Comp. The one that I bought (lucky me) has Ultegra and Dura Ace parts. About a month later, I was in my new Walmart (as my husband says because I can't get out of there in under $100) and the same model had 105's and Ultegra.

Guess we all get lucky sometimes.

[bike4ever]

There is fine print in all of the manufacturers catalogs that states the company has the right to change the specifications without notice. We have had bikes come in with different forks and rear derailleurs - sometimes to the benefit to the customer other times not.

[DeniseGoldberg]

...Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD. According to the Specifications listed on the Trekbike website the 2006 model should come with a 10 speed rear cassette and Ultegra front and back deraillers ---however the Dealer's website states that this model comes with a 9 speed rear cassette and a 105 front derailler.

I definitely wouldn't compromise on this - Ultegra components are much preferable to 105. I would insist on the components listed on the Trek website. If the dealer doesn't comply with the manufacturer's specs, I think it is valid to tell them that you won't accept the bike with the changes. You could always try a different LBS if yours won't swap out the components.

--- Denise

[Geonz]

Give the dealer credit for having the rigth stuff on their website (but then, check - they could be wrong!) ... but tell 'em what *you* want and ask what you'll have to do to get it.

[Wisconsin]

Hi,
You are not alone with this problem. I just got my 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0 two weeks ago and it came with Ultegra on the rear instead of Dura Ace. I asked when I picked it up and he showed me a catalog that said Ultegra, but I wasn't sure if that was an 06'. I haven't changed it out as the dealer just said bring it in but didn't say they would do anything. I got a great deal on it but feel I should contact Trek some how. In your case I would definately look at other dealers to see if you can get Ultegra at same price etc. just in case your dealer doesn't want to give you the Ultegra. I couldn't really do this as the 05's were sold out now. I would definately try to get the Ultegra as it is much better. I do love the Pilot and you will too!!
Good Luck,
Wisconsin

[Starfish]

I definitely wouldn't compromise on this - Ultegra components are much preferable to 105. --- Denise

Hi Denise and all, I just started a new thread specifically about Ultegra vs 105, apart from the dealer, model year, etc. Didn't want to side-track this thread, and wanted broad feedback. Hope everyone with a strong opinion on this will weigh in on the other thread...thanks!

[mellic]

I might be able to shed a little light on this matter. As we all know most bikes are made in Taiwan and China. You would think that because bikes are manufactured and partially assembled in the same factory that they would all have the same componentry. Well this is not the case. As it turns out it all comes down to the amount of components the factory has in stock. What often happens is the factory will build so many bikes with a set amount of components, and when those components run out they substitute it with another so bike production is not hindered. If they have to downgrade something on the bike, such as the groupset, they will often upgrade another part of the bike, such as the wheels.

In order to avoid the questions as to why one model comes with different components, they try to keep the bike componentry consistent within each country. So when you visit different countries websites you often see that the bikes can differ substantially.

Obviously it is difficult for bicycle company importers to know how many bikes to bring into the country as I think it all comes down to what bikes are on the market at that point in time. If there is a shortage in supply they would import more and if you look closely it sometimes will meet the specification outlined for another country.

Bike companies are trying to eliminate these problems by releasing mid-year models (which Giant did this year) and slightly altering the model name of the bike.

I think there is a lot of sneakiness in the bike industry. How often do you buy a bike, and the next year you see that exact frame in the same colour on a lower model bike.

[amelia05]

I have an '05 Pilot 2.1, and it's all 105...the specs on the dealer's website may be a carry-over from last year, or something. I would definitely bring it up with your LBS, make sure that if you're paying the '06 price, you get the better components.

Wisconsin, per the Trek archives, your '05 should have had Dura-ace in the rear. The '06 has all Ultegra, but the MSRP is $100-200 less than last year (WSD price is higher?). That said, if you got a great deal on it, then it may not be worth the trouble of taking it back in.

[Bike Goddess]

Often manufacturers change the components from year to year or season to season to keep the price competitive. I found this out when I got my first bike. We looked at the specs for the new year and they were different. I actually got a better bike component wise, IMHO. The bike shop guy was the one who pointed this out to me.