trek from local bike shop vs motobecane online

[warneral]

I personally wouldn't want to buy a bike at that price having never actually ridden one. As I have read, not all carbon feels or rides the same. Bike design, wheel sets, and carbon quality all play a part.

[moderncyclista]

Any bike from any shop wins for me over the Motobecane.

Agreed.

Motobecane used to be a good name in the 1970's, can't say much for the manufacturer that bought out that name. You are safer going with the Trek and more likely to get quality components, which really frickin' count. Seriously.

[indysteel]

Agreed.

Motobecane used to be a good name in the 1970's, can't say much for the manufacturer that bought out that name. You are safer going with the Trek and more likely to get quality components, which really frickin' count. Seriously.

The components on the Montebecane are not low end or appreciably different than what you would find on a Trek. That doesn't mean I think there are no pros to buying a bike at an LBS, but I don't subscribe to the belief that local shops are the end all be all. It SO depends on the shop and the customer. We do most of our maintenance at home, so getting a free tune up isn't a selling point. Fittings are valuable, but they don't come for free in my neck of the woods.

[moderncyclista]

The components on the Montebecane are not low end or appreciably different than what you would find on a Trek. That doesn't mean I think there are no pros to buying a bike at an LBS, but I don't subscribe to the belief that local shops are the end all be all. It SO depends on the shop and the customer. We do most of our maintenance at home, so getting a free tune up isn't a selling point. Fittings are valuable, but they don't come for free in my neck of the woods.

Well you know what they say, "Opinions are like bellybuttons, everybody has one."

[Seajay]

Think about what your deraileur does for you when you realize that corner at the bottom of a long fast descent is sharper than you thought. You come to understand buying a bike simply by components is not the best choice.
There's no free lunch. Two bikes at the same price...one with higher end parts....something has to give. Quality, Service, Engineering etc. If it made no difference...every bike would be cheap.
I highly doubt in today's market that a company like Trek is stupid enough to expect they can charge extra for JUST the name.
Buy the highest quality, best fitting frame/fork and wheels that you can afford. If it comes with 105 instead of Ultegra so be it. If it has to be Ultegra or DA...time to raise your budget not lower your standards.

oh...and GREAT avatar Moderncyclista

[Cataboo]

Erm.

What does my derailleur do for me when I realize that the corner at the bottom of a steep descent is sharper than I thought?

I usually put on my brakes and don't shift for it.

And I don't buy that trek doesn't charge more for their bikes because of the trek name - because trek does. Seven charges more for their titanium bicycles than litespeed does for similarly speccd bikes. Trek charges more than jamis for similarly speccd bikes. Pinarello charges more than whatever. Sometimes it depends on the number of bikes being produced and the market, but differences in prices are not purely higher prices = better bike quality. Just as a chanel purse is not 1,000 times higher quality than a regular leather purse.

[colorisnt]

I would always, always go with the LBS. I never buy ANYTHING expensive or anything I am very dependent on online. I commute, so reliability is KEY. I bought a set of lights from my favorite LBS about 3 weeks ago. On my commute to work, the tailight broke. I took it in after I taught class and within 15 minutes had a "replacement" taillight just given to me while they get more of my model in stock.

Likewise, we bought two bikes from one shop in my hometown (my dad an I) and my mom wanted to get back on the bike. We brought her bike in to get it tuned up and they did so without even charging!

Definitely go with the LBS. Many dealers offer a pro-fit free of charge, too. This is worth its weight in gold IMO.

And so glad to hear someone else is getting into bikes!

[malkin]

Think globally; shop locally.

Anything you spend in a local business comes back to you in the community. Besides, if your LBS guy knows you and likes you, you'll benefit for a long time!

[Trek420]

Think globally; shop locally.

Anything you spend in a local business comes back to you in the community. Besides, if your LBS guy knows you and likes you, you'll benefit for a long time!

The harsh reality is that when we are able to buy everything that we need online or through another source, then the conversation here will be more about locating jobs and the lack of them. Just something to think about folks.

+1. My favorite LBS built me a full custom bike, restored Knott's lugged steel bike I found at a thrift store, transformed the mixte found abandoned on the sidewalk, and my cheap old commuter-mobile purchased from another shop.

Yes, I look for online deals on everything from Cytomax to clothes (look above and "click to shop" on TE ).

If you think your job can't be offshored or moved, you're wrong, it can. It's always a great idea to shop and get to know the people, businesses in your local community.

It's fun and I find it saves me time and money.

We are an international forum after all. Everybody needs jobs. I'm going to buy products made from everywhere and anywhere. But when I can I search for and prefer to be a "local'varian" and I think it's never been more important.

http://madeinusareviews.blogspot.com/

[ridebikeme]

It seems that we have had this discussion many times here on TE. I have to say that I try and buy as much local as I can... and perhaps on occasion the price might be a tad higher. But here's why I do... that money filters back to local jobs, taxes and many benefits for the local community..clinics etc.. The other harsh reality is that a shop can offer service, advice, and loads of information on local rides, training rides, trail info etc.. All of that is something that you do NOT receive online.

If I am going to buy a book, I'm going to go to a shop to buy it. I appreciate that they know who I am, know what I like and might even suggest a book that I might not have considered. These same people are sitting on boards in their community trying to make a difference. They are reaching out and not simply for my pocketbook!

Many shops do charge more for products purchased elsewhere and may be disappointed that you didn't buy through them. If you feel as though you are being treated badly, then perhaps you should have a conversation about this. Explain what you wanted to spend, what you are looking for and how you'll use it, and there could be an instance where they are able to find something for you. If they have no luck, they'll at least know that you thought of them and that could also change everyones behavior.

Regardless of what you are buying, I would suggest that you check locally first, talk with shop owner/employees and explain what you want, tell them about prices that you have seen elsewhere, and at least let them do some research. Not only will you foster better communication, but you might be surprised at what you find out. The harsh reality is that when we are able to buy everything that we need online or through another source, then the conversation here will be more about locating jobs and the lack of them. Just something to think about folks.