Do I **really** need a dealer?
#1
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Do I **really** need a dealer?
I was able, recently, while in Minnesota, to check out a shop that specialized in 'bents. They carried Rans and Bachetta brands. They wouldn't, however, sell me a bike! They said their agreement with the manufacturer(s) prevented them from selling any bike that they couldn't "fit" to the buyer in the store. Obviously, this prevents mail order selling, but I asked: "Once I decide on a make and model, can I have a friend in the local area pick up the bike still crated and have it shipped to me?" They said NO!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
#2
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There are lots of companies that won't make you jump through hoops like this. ActionBent comes to mind, but there are others.
#3
Senior Member
Did you find the one you like the most? If so, then e-mail these people and tell them your story. Make sure you list your X-seam. You might even call them on the phone during business hours and talk to them. They'll tell you what to measure and how to do it.
https://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/recumbents.htm
What area are you in? There shoiuld be at least one dealer in your state. If not, can you plan a vacation to this shop?
https://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/recumbents.htm
What area are you in? There shoiuld be at least one dealer in your state. If not, can you plan a vacation to this shop?
#4
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Originally Posted by Dchiefransom
Did you find the one you like the most?...
#7
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https://www.ridesouth.com/store/
That should be about a 3 hour drive from you. Make sure you call ahead to ensure they'll be in. Ask them about measuring your X-seam, and they can make sure they have the right size in stock. You should be able to get another test ride in.
I did SAG for a long club ride recently, and "scarry" was there on his Aero. VERY nice bike !!!
Resistance is futile.............................................
That should be about a 3 hour drive from you. Make sure you call ahead to ensure they'll be in. Ask them about measuring your X-seam, and they can make sure they have the right size in stock. You should be able to get another test ride in.
I did SAG for a long club ride recently, and "scarry" was there on his Aero. VERY nice bike !!!
Resistance is futile.............................................
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Originally Posted by FarHorizon
I was able, recently, while in Minnesota, to check out a shop that specialized in 'bents. They carried Rans and Bachetta brands. They wouldn't, however, sell me a bike! They said their agreement with the manufacturer(s) prevented them from selling any bike that they couldn't "fit" to the buyer in the store. Obviously, this prevents mail order selling, but I asked: "Once I decide on a make and model, can I have a friend in the local area pick up the bike still crated and have it shipped to me?" They said NO!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
We have no competent bike dealers in our area. I have no use for them personally. You can see from my own bikes that I pay no attention to brands let alone dealers. Admittedly, I have a pretty well equipped tool chest for bike maintenance but I had to learn to do my own wrenching on my own. It isn't so difficult and is fun if you don't have to do it for a living. At least it is fun working on your own bikes. I even do some amateur fitting for local riders since the dealers don't do it around here. I'll measure them up, send them to a dealer to get the right size bike and then do the adjustments after they have it. Perhaps I need to open a bent dealership and bike fitting studio. Like I don't have enough to do already!
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Originally Posted by FarHorizon
I was able, recently, while in Minnesota, to check out a shop that specialized in 'bents. They carried Rans and Bachetta brands. They wouldn't, however, sell me a bike! They said their agreement with the manufacturer(s) prevented them from selling any bike that they couldn't "fit" to the buyer in the store. Obviously, this prevents mail order selling, but I asked: "Once I decide on a make and model, can I have a friend in the local area pick up the bike still crated and have it shipped to me?" They said NO!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
#11
tony patane
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You might want to try another dealer. I purchased a Greenspeed GTR trike over the phone from Hostel Shoppe this summer. They are in Wisconsin. I live in central New York. They were great to deal with. They were also great to deal with when I had to send the boom w/Schlumpf Mt. Drive back for what turned out to be some difficult to diagnose repair work under warrantee (Schlumpf had gotten some underspec-ed cones from their supplier). I'm sure their are other equally reputable dealers.
While it's always best to test ride before purchasing.This is especially important if you have not owned recumbents before. The rider ergonomics of the two brands you mention look to be quite different. I had not ridden a trike prior to purchasing the GTR, but am very happy with my choice. Hostel Shoppe has detailed measuring instructions to determine what size is best for you.
Hope this helps.......................................................................................Tony Patane
While it's always best to test ride before purchasing.This is especially important if you have not owned recumbents before. The rider ergonomics of the two brands you mention look to be quite different. I had not ridden a trike prior to purchasing the GTR, but am very happy with my choice. Hostel Shoppe has detailed measuring instructions to determine what size is best for you.
Hope this helps.......................................................................................Tony Patane
#12
Senior Member
Originally Posted by tony patane
You might want to try another dealer. I purchased a Greenspeed GTR trike over the phone from Hostel Shoppe this summer. They are in Wisconsin. I live in central New York. They were great to deal with. They were also great to deal with when I had to send the boom w/Schlumpf Mt. Drive back for what turned out to be some difficult to diagnose repair work under warrantee (Schlumpf had gotten some underspec-ed cones from their supplier). I'm sure their are other equally reputable dealers.
While it's always best to test ride before purchasing.This is especially important if you have not owned recumbents before. The rider ergonomics of the two brands you mention look to be quite different. I had not ridden a trike prior to purchasing the GTR, but am very happy with my choice. Hostel Shoppe has detailed measuring instructions to determine what size is best for you.
Hope this helps.......................................................................................Tony Patane
While it's always best to test ride before purchasing.This is especially important if you have not owned recumbents before. The rider ergonomics of the two brands you mention look to be quite different. I had not ridden a trike prior to purchasing the GTR, but am very happy with my choice. Hostel Shoppe has detailed measuring instructions to determine what size is best for you.
Hope this helps.......................................................................................Tony Patane
#13
tony patane
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Dchiefransom,
I purchased the GTR from Hostel Shoppe because I preferred their 54 speed build (Schlumpf Mt Drive, triple chainrings shifted by derailleur) to the same trike with an SRAM Dual Drive, which I'm sure I could have purchased from Bicycleman. I did not like the fact that the Dual Drive clickbox complicates removing the rear tire for fixing flats and is exposed to possible damage while doing so. I'm very happy with the
54 speed setup. As mentioned in the original email, the problem I had with the Schlumpf was the result of underspec-ed (slightly undersized) cones that came from Schlumpf's subcontractor, a problem that every manufacturer has had to deal with at one time or another.
Hostel Shoppe is the only dealer who advertised the 54 speed gearing, which is their standard build for the GTR. I believe they are the largest Greenspeed dealer in terms of sales in the country. They also had one in stock. After doing some prep work, mounting a computer and fenders and constructing a packing box, the trike arrived in Syracuse in just about a week. It was shipped fully assembled.
Bicycleman is, I'm sure, a great dealer as well. He is only about 2 1/2 hours away from my home. The only issue regarding dealer choice for me was getting the build I wanted quickly.
Regards............................................................................................. .............Tony Patane
I purchased the GTR from Hostel Shoppe because I preferred their 54 speed build (Schlumpf Mt Drive, triple chainrings shifted by derailleur) to the same trike with an SRAM Dual Drive, which I'm sure I could have purchased from Bicycleman. I did not like the fact that the Dual Drive clickbox complicates removing the rear tire for fixing flats and is exposed to possible damage while doing so. I'm very happy with the
54 speed setup. As mentioned in the original email, the problem I had with the Schlumpf was the result of underspec-ed (slightly undersized) cones that came from Schlumpf's subcontractor, a problem that every manufacturer has had to deal with at one time or another.
Hostel Shoppe is the only dealer who advertised the 54 speed gearing, which is their standard build for the GTR. I believe they are the largest Greenspeed dealer in terms of sales in the country. They also had one in stock. After doing some prep work, mounting a computer and fenders and constructing a packing box, the trike arrived in Syracuse in just about a week. It was shipped fully assembled.
Bicycleman is, I'm sure, a great dealer as well. He is only about 2 1/2 hours away from my home. The only issue regarding dealer choice for me was getting the build I wanted quickly.
Regards............................................................................................. .............Tony Patane
#14
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I just bought a Bacchetta via email and phone with no problem. (the dealer is about a day and a half's drive from me) It pisses me off when businesses refuse to accept perfectly good money, but it's their loss. I'd be looking for another dealer, or if that isn't possible, making that dealer's life hell until he sells you something.
#15
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Most Rans Bikes are rated to carry 275 pounds and many go to a 49 inch X seam.
Did you not have time to get fitted, or was there a specific dimension that they could not work out?
Did you not have time to get fitted, or was there a specific dimension that they could not work out?
#16
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I just bought a Bacchetta via email and phone with no problem. (the dealer is about a day and a half's drive from me) It pisses me off when businesses refuse to accept perfectly good money, but it's their loss. I'd be looking for another dealer, or if that isn't possible, making that dealer's life hell until he sells you something.
#17
Full Member
I was going to highly suggest these guys www.triketrails.com, I bought my Burley Sandpoint from them and they were awesome to deal with, however they don't carry the brand you want. The owner did say that they could order any recumbent for me, because I had inquired about a Rans model which they also don't carry, so who knows. You would also benefit from the cheaper Canadian dollar and not having to pay taxes on your purchase. Give them a call though, their website is really outdated.
#18
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Originally Posted by FarHorizon
I was able, recently, while in Minnesota, to check out a shop that specialized in 'bents. They carried Rans and Bachetta brands. They wouldn't, however, sell me a bike! They said their agreement with the manufacturer(s) prevented them from selling any bike that they couldn't "fit" to the buyer in the store. Obviously, this prevents mail order selling, but I asked: "Once I decide on a make and model, can I have a friend in the local area pick up the bike still crated and have it shipped to me?" They said NO!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
Since there are NO dealers for any of the brands I'm looking at in my State, and I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to a dealer, how do I go about buying a bike?
I can e-Bay, but I'm reluctant to buy such an expensive item from an individual I don't know. I'd prefer a new bike, but the dealer(s) are sure making it hard!
Jude