Salsa Fargo - sad news

[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.