Last time you bought a bike at a bike shop for yourself?
10-07-19, 11:34 AM
#101
Junior Member
That was almost 43 years ago. I'm still riding it, so no second visit.
10-07-19, 11:35 AM
#102
aka Tom Reingold
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Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
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Last time I bought a new bike at an LBS was 1979. It was a 1979 Peugeot PXN-10LE. I was working at the shop and got an employee discount. It got stolen within a couple of months. I went back to that shop and told the owners my story. They happened to have a used bike roughly equivalent, so I bought that. It was a ~1975 Motobécane Le Champion.
I've had tons of bikes go through my hands, so I could be wrong, but those are the last purchases of bikes (for myself) at bike shops that I can remember.
Oh, there's one other: I bought a new frameset in 1981 at the shop where I was working, but that's not a bike. It was another PX-10. I toured Europe on it for a few months. A few months after returning home, that was stolen, too.
When you're resourceful, as those of us here are, new bikes aren't a very good value most of the time, unless you really want something that wasn't available until now.
I've had tons of bikes go through my hands, so I could be wrong, but those are the last purchases of bikes (for myself) at bike shops that I can remember.
Oh, there's one other: I bought a new frameset in 1981 at the shop where I was working, but that's not a bike. It was another PX-10. I toured Europe on it for a few months. A few months after returning home, that was stolen, too.
When you're resourceful, as those of us here are, new bikes aren't a very good value most of the time, unless you really want something that wasn't available until now.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
10-07-19, 11:58 AM
#103
DC Bike Blogger
While I think it's important to support LBS's, I bought only two of my bikes new. All of the rest have been used bikes that have presented me with opportunities to buy something different, or new to me. My stable includes road bikes, mountain bikes, touring bikes, vintage bikes, novelty bikes, a fixie, a fat bike, hybrids, tandems, a triplet and a sociable, as well as short and long wheel-base recumbents and trikes. And as an ardent proponent of "N+1", I would never have been able to afford the variety of bikes that I have if I had bought them new.
Last edited by DC Bike Blogger; 10-07-19 at 12:29 PM.
10-07-19, 12:08 PM
#104
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Northern Virginia
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Bikes: Current: 2016 Bianchi Volpe; 1973 Peugeot UO-8. Past: 1974 Fuji S-10-S with custom black Imron paint by Stinsman Racing of PA.
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For me, it was in 2016 when I replaced my circa 1973 vintage Fuji (still have my first 'real 10-speed' Peugeot UO-8) with a 2016 Bianchi Volpe. I was looking to replace the Fuji due to 27" non-hook bead rims which severely limited tire choices, plus, more importantly it had become a bit too large (57cm) as I had aged. I had also dropped a lot of weight and set up a rewards heirarchy with a Waterford/Gunnar built semi-retro at the peak. My requirements were steel butted frame, and silver components if possible, a triple crank and indexed shifting, and rim brakes. I tested a few bikes, but when I tried a used, but too small Bianchi Volpe, I went to look at a correctly sized version (55cm with French fit) and was hooked by its agile ride and total lack of flex going up hills. A bonus was cantilever brakes, which have always interested me (massive tire flexibility) and black paint (like my repainted Fuji). I have ditched the OEM saddle for a Brooks Cambium C-17 and the OEM Vittoria 'clodhopper' (dead and heavy) Randanneur tires for Conti GP4000SII. I later added a second wheelset with Velocity Dyad rims and Rene Herse (Compass) 32mm tires (pictured) and tire savers. I use the Contis if there is any chance of rain or wet roads.
Last edited by Bill in VA; 10-07-19 at 12:12 PM.
10-07-19, 12:11 PM
#105
Senior Member
15 years ago as a present to myself for turning 50. A 2004 Specialized Sequoia Elite. It's the newest bike I currently own and although one of the lightest and fastest it is down in the lower third of my bikes as far how frequently it gets ridden. Mainly because I've been trending toward more cushy rides with wider tires.
Still a very good bike and I would use it on sagged tours which is the main reason I bought it as well as faster group rides.
Still a very good bike and I would use it on sagged tours which is the main reason I bought it as well as faster group rides.
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Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
10-07-19, 12:21 PM
#106
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Location: Cape Cod, MA
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Bikes: '99 Pinarello Stelvio; ‘85 Cannondale ST500; '75 Austro-Daimler AD-SL; '84 Peugeot PH11; '83 Peugeot PH18; '91 Bridgestone MB3; ‘95 Bridgestone NB26
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First and Last
I bought a matched pair of Austro-Daimler A-D SL’s in 1975 at the A-D flagship store in Greenwich, CT (his n hers). Still have mine, which I overhauled this past July. My wife’s bike wasn’t ridden much until it was put into service at university and later as a daily commuter in Washington DC & Seattle by two of our kids. Not sure where it is now and didn’t want to ask...
My bike is ridden regularly these days on the Cape Cod Bike Trail network and it still rides like new.
My bike is ridden regularly these days on the Cape Cod Bike Trail network and it still rides like new.
10-07-19, 01:23 PM
#107
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Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Touring, 2013 Fuji Absolute 2.1 hybrid, 2000 Mongoose S2000 MTB, 2009 Schwinn Jaguar beach cruiser
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I bought a 2013 Fuji Absolute hybrid in early 2014. Still a great ride.
10-07-19, 01:36 PM
#108
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I didn't know very much about quality bikes but bought a Schwinn Traveler in the early 80's on sale for $99. It had cro moly tubes and was sized for me. Since then never.
10-07-19, 01:39 PM
#109
Junior Member
Three months ago. Bought a brand new Surly Disc Trucker. Retirement gift from me to me.
10-07-19, 01:51 PM
#110
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10-07-19, 03:05 PM
#112
Senior Member
So I was having dinner with Sis In Law tonight. She told me about having just bought a new bike at an area retailer. Shes’s happy about what she bought.
But it got me to thinking. The last time I bought a bike for myself off the floor of a bike shop was over 40 years ago. I’ve bought bikes for my kids, a bike for my wife, but for me? Hasn’t happened in decades. Not that I haven’t bought bikes for myself. But they haven’t come from a retail store.
Anybody else have a similar experience?
But it got me to thinking. The last time I bought a bike for myself off the floor of a bike shop was over 40 years ago. I’ve bought bikes for my kids, a bike for my wife, but for me? Hasn’t happened in decades. Not that I haven’t bought bikes for myself. But they haven’t come from a retail store.
Anybody else have a similar experience?
10-07-19, 04:40 PM
#113
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New Bike
I had been riding a Giant Yukon for the last 10 years or so, and for the most part I have enjoyed it. Decided last year to get a bike that would take me farther and faster (hopefully). Saved my pennies and bought a Specialized AWOL bike. I have enjoyed riding it and hope at some point to try some long distance rides.
10-07-19, 07:14 PM
#115
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Bikes: 2003 Iron Horse comfort bike (daily rider); 1981(?) Raleigh Super Grand Prix 25.5", 1983 Raleigh Super Course, 25.5", Austro-Daimler Inter 10, 1988 Trek 560 25.5"; 1986 Peugeot Mont Cenis 64cm.; more to come
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So I was having dinner with Sis In Law tonight. She told me about having just bought a new bike at an area retailer. Shes’s happy about what she bought.
But it got me to thinking. The last time I bought a bike for myself off the floor of a bike shop was over 40 years ago. I’ve bought bikes for my kids, a bike for my wife, but for me? Hasn’t happened in decades. Not that I haven’t bought bikes for myself. But they haven’t come from a retail store.
Anybody else have a similar experience?
But it got me to thinking. The last time I bought a bike for myself off the floor of a bike shop was over 40 years ago. I’ve bought bikes for my kids, a bike for my wife, but for me? Hasn’t happened in decades. Not that I haven’t bought bikes for myself. But they haven’t come from a retail store.
Anybody else have a similar experience?
Bought Lady Lovely a Schwinn Gateway last spring from Target. Took it down off the wall, rolled it to the register. She's on pedals first time since 1970s! Yay..!
10-07-19, 07:26 PM
#116
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Last time from a bike shop: 1990
First time from ebay: last week
First time from ebay: last week
10-07-19, 08:11 PM
#117
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Location: Portland, OR
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Bikes: 1974 Falcon Olympic ,1982 Trek 710(both all Reynolds 531), 1974 Raleigh Sports, the'Keep Portland Weird'Montgomery Ward Open Road 10sp with basement sourced modern parts, 1989 TREK 400, 1980s Nishiki mixte, 1981 VINER Special Professional,Rockhopper
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Last time
I did give in and buy an aluminum framed 29er from my LBS three years ago. Prior to that was in 1982 when I bought a built up TREK 710 frame from another LBS. Still have that receipt. 
1982 TREK 710 frame during the worst of the NW wildland fires in 2017
Many steel lugged bikes since then, but none retail.
1982 TREK 710 frame during the worst of the NW wildland fires in 2017
Many steel lugged bikes since then, but none retail.
Last edited by Mikier; 10-07-19 at 08:19 PM.
10-07-19, 09:34 PM
#118
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Never have I ever. I've never bought any kind of bike, new or used, from a bike shop.
My last new bike for me was a 1972 or 1973 Winchester that I think my dad picked out from a catalog as a free premium available to Mobil Oil jobbers. I still have - and use - the saddle from that bike (!!) Before that, my grandmother bought me several new birthday Schwinns and eventually a birthday Raleigh from the one and only local bike shop.
The only new bike I've ever purchased anywhere was a diminutive 12-speed MTB off eBay for my youngest daughter's 10th birthday.
My last new bike for me was a 1972 or 1973 Winchester that I think my dad picked out from a catalog as a free premium available to Mobil Oil jobbers. I still have - and use - the saddle from that bike (!!) Before that, my grandmother bought me several new birthday Schwinns and eventually a birthday Raleigh from the one and only local bike shop.
The only new bike I've ever purchased anywhere was a diminutive 12-speed MTB off eBay for my youngest daughter's 10th birthday.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
10-08-19, 02:14 AM
#119
Bicyclerider4life
Bought a new Miami Sun (traditional) trike and a "few" accessories (including a different seat before it left the bike shoppe. That "tractor seat" they come with is uncomfortable/painful/unrideable after 0.2 miles) in September, 1017.
10-08-19, 09:01 AM
#120
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The last time I went into several local bike shops (five in total), looking to buy a new bike, I was treated with such disdain that my feathers actually got all ruffled up! I got my first (ABLA, then USCF, then USAC) license in 1969, when I was 15! I am retired now, and have run the gamut in the industry[ bike shop employee, manager, owner, importer, manufacturing, industry executive, etc., and I just could not believe how snotty and rude these 20 somethings were to a potential customer. Times have changed! I just got the frame and parts via the internet, and did the work myself. Cyclists come in all shapes, colors, ages, and incomes....From what I have been reading, most shops have forgotten that.
10-08-19, 09:18 AM
#121
Just call me Carrie
In 2001 I purchased a Trek 400 Hybrid, decided I hated it and eventually gave it to my best friend. Then I went back to vintage road bikes.
My husband and kids have never had new off the floor bikes.
My husband and kids have never had new off the floor bikes.
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I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
10-11-19, 07:51 AM
#122
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Haven't bought a road bike "off the floor" probably since '89 or '90. After that time they have all been built from the frame up or custom frames and builds. I did buy touring bikes off the floor in '98, '08, and two in '11. (One to replace my stolen one and one for the GF.) All bought at or through LBSs.
My current road bike is a custom ti job that was built and built up by the owner of a LBS. I'd show you a photo, but you're not worthy.
My current road bike is a custom ti job that was built and built up by the owner of a LBS. I'd show you a photo, but you're not worthy.
Last edited by indyfabz; 10-11-19 at 07:54 AM.
10-11-19, 08:51 AM
#123
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I don't think I have bought a new complete bike in a retail shop since my first "10 speeds" in 1973 to 1975. Those were a Peugeot UO-8, a Windsor Pro (Cinelli clone) and a Lejeune F-70 (equivalent to PX-10).
Since then, it has been mostly used bikes and new or used framesets, many from eBay. The most recent have been framesets, a Soma San Marcos bought online on closeout a couple of years ago, a new custom frame from Houston framebuilder Matt Schott, and a Doug Fattic custom frame.
Of course, if one likes classic bikes, it is now nearly impossible to buy a new one off the floor at a retail shop. The few classic steel bikes now made are mostly sold as frameset or built up to order by the framebuilder or by online sellers like Rivendell. Even if someone built a classic type complete production bike, it is unlikely any retail would stock. Just not enough demand.
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
Since then, it has been mostly used bikes and new or used framesets, many from eBay. The most recent have been framesets, a Soma San Marcos bought online on closeout a couple of years ago, a new custom frame from Houston framebuilder Matt Schott, and a Doug Fattic custom frame.
Of course, if one likes classic bikes, it is now nearly impossible to buy a new one off the floor at a retail shop. The few classic steel bikes now made are mostly sold as frameset or built up to order by the framebuilder or by online sellers like Rivendell. Even if someone built a classic type complete production bike, it is unlikely any retail would stock. Just not enough demand.
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
10-13-19, 04:15 PM
#124
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Last bike purchased at a Bike shop was a Fuji Barneby step though. I bought it to rehab on after a knee replacement. Hated it, and sold it!
Also, a bought Expedition in 2003, and a Specialized Ariel,,,not a Disney bike, in 2006. The Specialized Ariel is my favorite, and does well on road and trails.
Also, a bought Expedition in 2003, and a Specialized Ariel,,,not a Disney bike, in 2006. The Specialized Ariel is my favorite, and does well on road and trails.
05-11-20, 02:17 PM
#125
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Bikes: Peugeot PX10, Miyata 712, Surly LHT, Schwinn Peloton, Guerciotti Aelle, Schwinn SuperSport, Peugeot Orient Express, GT Avalanche, Motobecane Nemesis, Trek 330, no-name Chinese carbon bike, and a Soma Fog Cutter V2..
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Off the floor? Never. Unless you count the '83 Nishiki Century my folks bought me for Christmas when I was 10.
After that, I bought my '85 Peugeot Orient Express barely used from a newspaper ad in late '85.
Then my mom gave me her '75 PX10 in '87
My next bike was an '03 GT Avalanche bought new over the 'net in '04 on closeout from a brick & mortar shop in another state.
Since then, my last 7 bikes, everything's been built up from bare frames.
After that, I bought my '85 Peugeot Orient Express barely used from a newspaper ad in late '85.
Then my mom gave me her '75 PX10 in '87
My next bike was an '03 GT Avalanche bought new over the 'net in '04 on closeout from a brick & mortar shop in another state.
Since then, my last 7 bikes, everything's been built up from bare frames.