How will you be getting your next bike?

[Slimpee]

I apologize for a sort-of repost but I think this will be a better thread and perhaps less adversarial.

I venture over to mtbr.com and have noticed that there are alot of guys extolling the virtues of the direct-order bike company IBEX. From what i've seen and heard here, however, the online bike thing isn't as popular.

Any thoughts on buying locally (LBS or otherwise), online, or some sort of combo build?

[batjerk]

My next bike will be purchased at the LBS. I hate waiting for stuff to arrive after I've paid for it. I much prefer "instant gratification". I also don't relish paying shipping costs that are usually much more than it actually costs to ship something.

That and I like the service of the "little guy". And, for some reason, you spend large amounts of money at little shops and they really like to see you. Every time you come in. Even if it's just to B.S. for a while. And, if you call ahead, they may even stay open a bit later than the posted closing time, just so you can get that much-needed part for tomorrow's ride.

[jitterjepp]

100% LBS. I'm all about having the same options in the future as I do now. Spending my money here is a major part of that happening. I'm not big on walmarts. Not in the virtual or physical world.

[Cars-R-Coffins]

I have never bought a whole bike, just parts. I do this because I like building, you have a knowledge on how to fix or see what is wrong, and you get to use the parts you want.:banana:

[taylor p.]

LBS all the way, of course I work their:D

[mnwildfan]

where is lbs??

[berrywise]

where is lbs??

It's your local bike shop ;)

[bigwheel]

Any complete bikes that I've bought have been from LBSs. What are these "stickers" that you refer to?

[manual63]

I am a fan of supporting the local bike shops. Whether it's Erik's, Penn, or One on One.......putting your money locally helps in so many ways. First, most shops in the area support mountain biking locally and some even donate to MORC. Also, they are involved in many other local cycling events and advocacy. On top of that, buying locally at any business helps the community.

By going mail-order.....you may be saving yourself money, and really not that much, but at the cost of support for our cycling community.

I couldn't vote, but if I could.....I would vote LBS.

[Slimpee]

What are these "stickers" that you refer to?

Just the manufacturer's decals.

FYI, Nashbar doesn't put decals on it's frames perhaps for this reason...

[dbruning]

My next bike will be purchased at the LBS. I hate waiting for stuff to arrive after I've paid for it. I much prefer "instant gratification". I also don't relish paying shipping costs that are usually much more than it actually costs to ship something.

That and I like the service of the "little guy". And, for some reason, you spend large amounts of money at little shops and they really like to see you. Every time you come in. Even if it's just to B.S. for a while. And, if you call ahead, they may even stay open a bit later than the posted closing time, just so you can get that much-needed part for tomorrow's ride.

Ditto, especially when you bring a case to "share" with the crew letting you in after hours to get that part!

[bakkeb]

LBS....made in the USA....and by that I mean a custom frame....steel....single.....maybe even a 2-niner...:etard:

[dvo1]

Just ordered one, by accident, what do I care, it's only money.

[bakkeb]

Just ordered one, by accident, what do I care, it's only money.

Just what you need...another bike:mad:

[dvo1]

Just what you need...another bike:mad:


:crazybanana:

[transplant]

I'll be getting mine after selling off a kid. Then I'll go to an LBS.

[steef]

I'll probably get my next bike sitting next to a dumpster in an alley.

[kikinik]

A solid chunk of my paycheck usually goes to OneOnOne,
but I must say there are some parts that the LBS just does not have.

Maybe some Marinovative cantilevers,
Or a big juicy MachineTech front hub.

[Paul Swenson]

I don't really think you save that much by buying online. Most of the riders I know that stick to one bike shop get special deals and free work done on their bikes. After you figure in time spent, shipping, and other intangibles online shopping looses some of its appeal.

Having said that, I buy from both.

[ninjanick]

I own two ibex bikes. I've made a few posts covering the good and the bad of my experience to date. I'd recomend you serch my post to get one guys persepctive if your considering buying an ibex. I'm pretty sure my next bike will be another ibex as long as they continue to produce models I'm intrested in and appear to stand behind thier product fairly.

[bikemike]

How about adding a line for garage sales.:crazy: Or donated:laugh:

[Slimpee]

I don't really think you save that much by buying online. Most of the riders I know that stick to one bike shop get special deals and free work done on their bikes. After you figure in time spent, shipping, and other intangibles online shopping looses some of its appeal.

Having said that, I buy from both.

I agree completely with this. I've had free work done at the shop I frequent.

Sometimes you really do save online if you're getting something perhaps a bit low that the online guys are closing out but I priced buying my commuter lights and lock online vs. at Penn and it came out to pretty much be a wash and I didn't have to wait 7-10 days...

But I have ordered online...

[Nita]

Just ordered one, by accident, what do I care, it's only money.


How many bikes versus how many Oakley shades? You should save some of that money to take the ladies out!

[danger!]

I'll be getting mine after selling off a kid. Then I'll go to an LBS.

I'm with you, I'll have to sell off a kid, or perhaps a kid-ney to get a new bike at this point. Unless I sell one of my current bikes... :D

[RiverRat]

Sell the kid or kidney before a bike (unless for some strange reason, you really don't want that particular bike any more).

[rihaha]

I like to test ride a bike alittle before I buy so LBS is the choise for me. Sometime I would like to build my own but at the moment Im just getting started on wrenching so it will be awhile. I also like the fact that you can compare different models and brands if you feel like driving between shops if there are other brands not available at the store you are at. Then there is always getting the bike now instead of waiting to see it in the mail if you are home to recieve it and hoping its in good condition. Being newer to the sport I also like that the bike shops service your bike and can get you replacement parts usually faster and while you wait you can always look at other things to spend money on or bikes you would like in the future. Sure you can do that online, but its soo much nicer to touch things. Feely feely.:jumpy:

[Heuy]

I didn't vote, partly because I don't know how I will get the next bike. Its always been bike shops. One thing I've found especially when you are in the Twin Cities is that just because its retail doesn't mean you have to pay retail. The XL frames are hard to find in inventory. But, when you do you can get some non-current close-outs. My only complaint is that I sometimes get treated like a second class citizen by LBS's for doing this.

I don't know why that is. I've always thought that the close-out buyer who's willing to buy something with an ugly paintjob etc. is supporting the local retailer as well. Even if the books don't show a fat profit from me. I'm preventing a loss.

But, I at first decide what I want, then weigh my options.

[tedsti]

I have bought used from friends, used from CL, built from varying sources including LBSs and internet. I don't know if I will ever buy a new, 'packaged', complete bike again. I am getting a little too picky about parts.

Contrary to others, one of my main beefs with most LBSs is the complete lack of instant gratification. They never seem to have what I want in stock and these aren't oddball parts either. Going to the LBS, ordering the part, then having to go back ,often a week later, just doesn't seem right. I can get a part shipped to me from CA far easier and faster than most shops can get the same part from Bloomington. I have become very fond of Edina Bike since I can order online and pick up my part the next day at the shop.

[jitterjepp]

I'll probably get my next bike sitting next to a dumpster in an alley.Dumpster bike ride!

[dvo1]

How many bikes versus how many Oakley shades? You should save some of that money to take the ladies out!

5 vs. 12


I believe in woman's lib, they can pay themselves.:crazybanana:

[TML]

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=25216

or maybe not. . .

[TML]

I'll probably get my next bike sitting next to a dumpster in an alley.

That's where I got my last bike, the spring rider I'm currently building. I call 'em "rescue bikes". Just like dog rescue programs, except I'm saving this bike from a loveless life in a landfill. ;)

[lostboy]

I bought my mtb from a LBS, I bought my roadie from Ebay. I probably will go to an LBS and pick up my new mtb unless I can find another smokin' deal like I found for my roadie on ebay.

I still spend enough money at the LBS to know the guys and they know me.

[50 Merc]

I'm trying to keep it local. Pioneer in Blaine has given me very good service, and I appreciate everything they've done for me. Brad, especially, has been a wealth of knowledge.
I would have to agree with Ted though, there certainly is a lack of instant gratification. They buy parts from QBP(?) and it seems nothing I order is ever in stock. I often end up waiting multiple weeks for my stuff.

[taylor p.]

I didn't vote, partly because I don't know how I will get the next bike. Its always been bike shops. One thing I've found especially when you are in the Twin Cities is that just because its retail doesn't mean you have to pay retail. The XL frames are hard to find in inventory. But, when you do you can get some non-current close-outs. My only complaint is that I sometimes get treated like a second class citizen by LBS's for doing this.

I don't know why that is. I've always thought that the close-out buyer who's willing to buy something with an ugly paintjob etc. is supporting the local retailer as well. Even if the books don't show a fat profit from me. I'm preventing a loss.

But, I at first decide what I want, then weigh my options.

Because bike shops don't make money off selling bikes

[Heuy]

Because bike shops don't make money off selling bikes
:confused:

[Slimpee]

:confused:

The markup on complete bikes isn't that great from what i've heard. Shops make their money on accessories, parts and labor.

I worked at a golf course for several years and people would complain about the price of clubs when our markup was maybe 50% as opposed to clothes and things like sunglasses which can be 100%...

[Heuy]

Interesting, I've always thought it'd be a more efficient business model if the large manufacturers would sell online and then shops could specialize in assembly, repairs, and modifications.

This way you could get instant gratification from parts and shops could quit trying to inventory every model every size and every color of a couple of manufaturers.

I could then pick my favorite shop based on service instead of who happened to carry the hot bike that year.

Shops would be freed of their destiny being tied to the engineering and marketing of a given brand.

[steef]

Interesting, I've always thought it'd be a more efficient business model if the large manufacturers would sell online and then shops could specialize in assembly, repairs, and modifications.
The problem with that is that bikes should be test driven first.

[Slimpee]

The problem with that is that bikes should be test driven first.

Or pulled out of the dumpster. BTW, I never showed you the results of my cheap (sort of) commuter build. I'll wander over your way someday and we can discuss my desire to build a cheap steel hardtail.

[Heuy]

Hmm,

I would probably behoove the manufacturers to have lots of demo days with a large stable of bikes throughout the seaon.:D

Of course they would want to make good friends with local clubs and trail stewards to keep these partnerships going.

AKA factory sponsors for MORC:cool:

[steef]

Or pulled out of the dumpster. BTW, I never showed you the results of my cheap (sort of) commuter build. I'll wander over your way someday and we can discuss my desire to build a cheap steel hardtail.
SS or geared?

[Slimpee]

SS or geared?

It'd be fun to have both but probably SS. If geared probably a 1x7 or 1x8.

I envision lining up at the starting line of races next to more expensive bikes on an old steely. Sounds like fun to me...

[dvo1]

How many bikes versus how many Oakley shades? You should save some of that money to take the ladies out!

I gave this some thought and remember that I do set aside a day, (and a lot of money) to take a lady out and it is arriving soon. For those women that are wondering when, it's March 14th.

[BikerKitty v2.0]

I gave this some thought and remember that I do set aside a day, (and a lot of money) to take a lady out and it is arriving soon. For those women that are wondering when, it's March 14th.

Is that to celebrate the first quarter moon? Suhweeet!

[dbruning]

That's where I got my last bike, the spring rider I'm currently building. I call 'em "rescue bikes". Just like dog rescue programs, except I'm saving this bike from a loveless life in a landfill. ;)

That's what I explained as to why I to own 5 bikes instead of 4 to my wife last spring:cool:

[syntaxjunkie]

Nice to see so many folks voting for the local bike shop option.
Hopefully, everybody votes the same way with his or her wallet.

[dbruning]

I just traded a rear wheel for a fs frame (see winter project thread).

[jitterjepp]

How come this poll doesn't have a sugar mama option?

[syntaxjunkie]

How come this poll doesn't have a sugar mama option?
It made sense to stick with options that were not purely theoretical, outright fictional and/or hunted to extinction.

[soupboy]

Viva la Sugar Mama.

It made sense to stick with options that were not purely theoretical, outright fictional and/or hunted to extinction.

[El Chupacabra]

I've started piecing together my winter project. Some of the big ticket items were bought online, but I'll be making many purchases through the LBS to finish it off.

[stefan]

I've worked at an LBS, and most of my friends have too. I totally support the principle behind putting your money towards local business, especially when it's an industry/community that you'd like to see grow for your own benefit.

The problems I constantly run into at the two LBS's near me (although I had a much better time at ones farther from home, they just aren't convenient enough for me to get to regularly) are poor customer service 9/10 visits and the fact that the only thing I generally go into an LBS for is tools, accessories, or to try and special order parts. I understand how they make their money, but I also don't want to pay ridiculous markup for a helmet or some grease in return for half assed customer service because I'm not buying a $4,000 bike from them. I've gotten great customer service with some online retailers, and so I return to them with my business.

I'll pay markups happily if a store employs knowledgeable, friendly employees that don't just tell me about the latest awesome bike that I'd need a bank loan to afford. Make the customer happy and you won't have to even try to make a sale!

[soupboy]

Says the Q employee who gets gear below dealer cost...:cool: Self-serving and disingenuous at the same time. Bravo.

I am a fan of supporting the local bike shops. Whether it's Erik's, Penn, or One on One.......putting your money locally helps in so many ways. First, most shops in the area support mountain biking locally and some even donate to MORC. Also, they are involved in many other local cycling events and advocacy. On top of that, buying locally at any business helps the community. By going mail-order.....you may be saving yourself money, and really not that much, but at the cost of support for our cycling community. I couldn't vote, but if I could.....I would vote LBS.

A big part of the decision tree here lies around one's ability to wrench on their own bike. I appreciate the LBS for their service when needed - e.g. wheel building/repair (it scares me). In terms of inventory, they just don't carry boutique gear or the zesty bling/pr0n many of us crave. That's not a bad thing, it just is what it is. As Ted pointed out for folks with discerning tastes it is often easier (and cheaper) to go to the web or direct to the mfr than to deal with the LBS for certain parts. It also not reasonable to expect the LBS to have $50k of boutique inventory.

If the LBS can't get it faster and/or at the same price and you don't need their service to install a component in question, there is no point in just giving them money/margin for crossing a trade with no associated risk/carrying cost on a high-priced component.

Capitalism works.

[Heuy]

Says the Q employee who gets gear below dealer cost...:cool: Self-serving and disingenuous at the same time. Bravo.



I am a fan of supporting the local bike shops. Whether it's Erik's, Penn, or One on One.......putting your money locally helps in so many ways. First, most shops in the area support mountain biking locally and some even donate to MORC. Also, they are involved in many other local cycling events and advocacy. On top of that, buying locally at any business helps the community.

By going mail-order.....you may be saving yourself money, and really not that much, but at the cost of support for our cycling community.

I couldn't vote, but if I could.....I would vote LBS.

If Shad is voting with his green paper, rather than taking his Q discount he could go down the street and buy retail. Then his words would not be hollow.

Also, to further support the industry since higher ticket items tend to have more mark-up this line of logic leads to the conclusion that the riders of dual suspension geared bikes do more for the sport as they are more expensive. We should be buying full XTR and Carbon frames as well.