Salsa Fargo - sad news

[Catrin]

I stopped by my LBS today to check out the 42-inch Surly Pacer frame they have on display. Of course that is for a different bike, but it allowed me to see one of the Surly steel frame designs.

The fitter apologized to me, all he could say in his defense was that he just plain looked at something wrong. He did say that the LHT was the best fit for me, by far, out of the others he originally suggested. Then we had a good discussion that proceeded from there. My LBS does not stock Surly, but they can easily get one for me.

There is a local Surly dealer (same store that has Salsa), but I am not comfortable doing business with them. They will not guarantee a fit at all, if it is ordered, then I am obligated whether it fits or not. That is for the brands for which they are an official dealer...nor do they have fitting services. That seems odd to me, not for a very large store that has been around for more than 30 years.

The LHT has everything I want Of course it doesn't take 29ers, but it does take the tires that I want - I won't be confined to only dry pavement and I am a woman who likes options The price rocks as well - unless I start upgrading components

[MartianDestiny]

It's actually very standard for stores to lock you into a special order bike purchase.

It's a lot of money out of their pocket for something they aren't going to make much on, will likely be hard for them to get rid of, and that they can't really discount much to get rid of either (margin on bikes is small plus many manufacturers have a minimum selling price).

If you can find one that won't lock you into it then count your blessings, but that's not something I'd expect.

[Catrin]

It's actually very standard for stores to lock you into a special order bike purchase.

It's a lot of money out of their pocket for something they aren't going to make much on, will likely be hard for them to get rid of, and that they can't really discount much to get rid of either (margin on bikes is small plus many manufacturers have a minimum selling price).

If you can find one that won't lock you into it then count your blessings, but that's not something I'd expect.

I understand that, and would have understood it more if it was not a bike that particular LBS did not keep in stock. They do carry the Fargo on the floor, they just didn't happen to have the small size in stock the other day when I dropped by. I do understand the Fargo is considered a speciality bike though, and that didn't bother me as much as the lack of fitting services. In these days that did seem a little odd - but perhaps I am just spoiled. Obviously they must be doing a lot of things right to have been in business this long

My usual LBS, on the other hand, if it is a bike/brand they normally carry, will order something in a different size at no obligation to allow you to try it on for fit. My Trek 7.6 is an example, they normally do not carry it because it is a little high up the price food chain - but even though they special ordered it for me - there was no obligation until I had the chance to try it on for size.

The Surly LHT, however, is a different situation. They do not normally stock Surly bikes, but have no problem getting them - and of course - I will be obligated when I make that order in late spring. I expect and understand that.