Are you kidding me?

[FlyingScot]

Warning, slight rant ahead: I decided to switch out my old poop-brown but cheap mountain bike shoes for road shoes and pedals with more float to lay off my knee a little. I got the Speedplay X5's (didn't really care about the weight) due to reviews both here and elsewhere. I went to pick up my bike yesterday and they put me on the trainer because they thought they might have to adjust things a bit since the cleats are definitely not recessed. The first thing they said after I got on the trainer was "Where did you buy this bike?" I bought it in that shop and when they heard it they immediately went to the computer to see who sold it to me. Apparently the bike is at least one frame size too big and the guy who sold it to me was fired for being an idiot (maybe I'm the idiot). Of course it's 3 years later so there really isn't anything they can do about it. They want me to get an actual fitting at one of their other stores because they don't want to guess at what and what size parts need to be switched out (which I totally appreciate) to make it fit better and solve some of the issues I've been having. However, it's another $175 plus the parts and labor to throw at the bike which I can afford but I'm a little irritated. All this time I thought I was doing something wrong and it likely was just bad fit! Arrrgh!

[Irulan]

$175 for the pedals and shoes, or $175 for the fitting? If it's for parts to make the bike fit better, I'd ask them to eat those charges since (kudos to them) they acknowledged the idiot ( not you) factor in the original purchase. I'm actually pretty impressed about that.

[FlyingScot]

It's $175 for the fitting. I kind of thought the same thing as you Irulan but I'm not sure how I can broach that subject without alienating a shop that, for the most part, has been really good to me. I like the techs. They don't treat me like I'm a stupid female newb. And the fact that I have an entry level road bike not an expensive one doesn't seem to make a difference to them. Plus it's not like paying for the stuff means I won't be able to eat for a month, not that I'm made of money. I think both the guys who were helping me last night really felt bad but they don't have the power to do anything. Part of me is somewhat relieved that my issues may not be related to things I'm doing wrong which is of course where my mind initially went. I feel kind of stupid that I bought too big of a bike but what did I know? It was my first foray into road biking and although I did a lot of research and test rides before I bought it, it never occurred to me that someone would actually sell the wrong size bike to a person. I guess I'm a little naive. Lesson learned.

[Irulan]

Maybe you can them to pay for the parts if you pay for the fitting. Fitting IS a lot of time if they do it right with lasers and so on....but parts ??? I'd at least ask.

[FlyingScot]

I might go ahead and drop a hint and see how they react. Since this bike will probably be the one I ride for a very long time the fitting is likely going to benefit me greatly. I'm much stronger than when I first started so my posture is better and I think my positioning is improved as well. It will be interesting to hear what the fitter has to say and what he needs to do. I'm assuming a shorter stem to start.

[withm]

Is your bike in good condition? Mayabe they would take it on trade for a similar, new, bike in YOUR size.

[Penny4]

How extensive is the fitting foe $175? Most basic fits are usually around $50, so just wondering what this one would include.

That situation really stinks! It might be worth it to speak to the manager and tell him exactly what you mentioned above.....all this time you thought the problem was you, you appreciated the guys telling you the truth, and that you really like the service in the store, but that this situation has left you very upset as you are now putting more money into the bike because of the fired employee's mistake. Simply ask if there is anything he can do to help you with the cost of the fitting, since it was not done properly the first time.

Seems reasonable to pay for parts and labor (though aggrevating!) if they will do the fitting for free, or much less than $175.

It's not really about whether you have the money or not. It's about them trying to right a wrong and keeping you as a customer.

Good luck, I hope you are able to get the right fit!

[OakLeaf]

I agree with Penny. They admitted the mistake, they ought to make it right as best they can.

[Seajay]

Dear Bike shop owner,
Thank you for admitting the mistake. This is unfortunate but things happen. You are obviously a shop with values so I want to remain a customer here. I realize some of the "blame" for coming in here uninformed and for waiting so long. Instead of spending good money after bad, I propose we come to an agreement where you buy the bike back for some fair price, sell it used to someone else and I'll take that money as credit and buy the correct bike from you. I'll be out a little and you'll be out a little, you will look really good and I'll be a happy customer."