Jamis Aurora vs. Aurora Elite vs. Something Else

[VeloVT]

Xeney, how frustrating. If I were in your place, I would grab somebody with authority -- the owner or manager, and let them know that I was not pleased with the service I was getting. I do think it's possible to do this without being a jerk and without "burning your bridges." You dropped a chunk of change at their establishment with the understanding that you would have a bike in a reasonable amount of time, and they need to follow through.

[xeney]

Well, it's the shop owner I've been dealing with. I'm not sure what to do but I think I'm just going to bring the frame and fork home. My husband can do almost everything to build it up ... he'd rather not cut the steerer and he doesn't have the tools to install a headset, but he can do everything else. I'm bummed about the experience because I was hoping to get somebody to work with me on the fit, but I'm now 0 for 2 on local bike shops and I am starting to think that the LBS as font of all bike knowledge is a big myth.

I have already paid about a 25 percent premium over what I would have paid to just buy it directly from Soma. I think I'm done paying the bike shop premium when I'm getting nothing back in return.

[xeney]

An update: we went in to pick up the frame, and it's dented pretty badly. There are no paint chips and it really looks like the frame was dented before it was painted, which is really a bummer because otherwise it's gorgeous. The shop is going to try to get me a new one, and they are also trying to locate the components I want. Not sure if they will build it up or my husband will, but at least we've made some progress. At this point, though, I may just be getting my deposit back because they aren't sure their Soma source has another frame in my size.

[Blueberry]

xeney-

that sucks I hope everything works out - sounds like you weren't 100% sure on the bike, so maybe it's the the best. Maybe the mixte will fit you after all

CA

[xeney]

They are only making 60 of those mixtes so I am not counting on being able to get one.

Still waiting to hear about the frame. The shop called the supplier and as of Wednesday had not gotten a response. I put down a $200 deposit but I am ready to just walk away, I am so sick of this.

[mimitabby]

geez, what an absolute drag!!!

If you're only into this 200 dollars, why don't you just deal with Soma yourself? You might actually end up with a bike that way, you know?

[xeney]

I will definitely do that if I decide to try to get one of the mixtes. I was trying to give the LBS some business but it has been nothing but a pain in the butt ... I always feel guilty when we circumvent the LBS to buy direct, buy from eBay, etc., but I think I am officially over that guilt.