When Fitting Includes Swapping Out Parts --

[pooks]

(sorry to bombard everybody with so many questions)

When you're test riding and the LBS starts swapping out stems and such to get a better fit for you, does that mean the price is going up for the new parts?

If you get a great fit but it's because they had to do a lot of swapping out of parts, does that mean you should probably keep testing before you buy, in case you find a bike that fits better without all the extra modifications (but come back to the great fit if necessary)?

I'm trying to figure out how things are done, before I get into the marketplace.

[SadieKate]

A great fit can require swapping out of parts. It is not unusual, but sometimes a bike is just not the right geometry for the person. So don't go overboard in trying to force a bike to work just because you like it aesthically or for some other reason (convenience, price, whatever).

Typically, the shop will give you credit for the part they remove. It could be a direct swap or increase or decrease the cost of the bike.

[pooks]

Oh -- credit for the part removed. That makes sense. I could picture a cash register dinging every time they switched a part, adding to the price.

Which I can see might happen, but if you're getting credit for parts you don't need and not taking them all home with you, that's better.

[mimitabby]

but sometimes yes, the price WILL go up.

[pooks]

I can see that it might, but swapping out is much better than replacing and sending me home with the stuff I'm not using (and having to pay for it, too).

[anakiwa]

I may be wrong- but I think with a new bike the stem is usually something they'd swap-out for free (assuming you're getting the same quality/level stem). Either way the stem is usually not particularly expensive and if you wind up paying an extra $30 for the perfect fit it will be more than worth it.

[SadieKate]

It's all in the level of the component they replace it with. Generally, shops will try to use the same level component but depending on length, rise and diameter needed to get the right fit, the price may be higher or lower.

Or simple desire can lead you astray. Anyone need a $270 stem?

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...ID=38&TFC=TRUE

[Veronica]

Or simple desire can lead you astray. Anyone need a $270 stem?

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...ID=38&TFC=TRUE

Geez... and it's not lugged or anything.

V.

[SadieKate]

Is this better?

http://www.ahearnecycles.com/stems.htm

[Veronica]

Much better! I hear they also make a great flask.

V.

[mimitabby]

wow LOVE that lugged stem!

some bikes come with handlebars that don't fit right either. They usually don't cost the same as the ones you end up with.

[pooks]

That lugged stem is stunning.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Or simple desire can lead you astray. Anyone need a $270 stem?

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...ID=38&TFC=TRUE

I guess it's that expensive because, as they describe it,: "the bold Deda logos look incredibly pro."



Or incredibly dorky if you ask me.


That lugged stem is too frou-frou for me. (but def better than the Dodo logos)

[spazzdog]

DoDo logos... did somebody say dodo?

sounds right up my spazzalley...

spazz

[spazzdog]

On a more serious note (hey! it happens)...

I'm about to get "re-fitted" for my zebra bike. Either my body is WAAY out of whack or the bike mysteriously changed it's setup... it just feels "odd".

My megastar mechanic thinks it just needs tweaking to account for "different kind of riding here in California". Sounds like an possible theory...

I don't think I need any new parts, but after I'm done doing a fit with Mr. Robinson I know I'll know every measurement on my bike down to the last cm.

spazz