What's the deal with Niagara these days?
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What's the deal with Niagara these days?
Seems like nowadays half the parts and other things you click on on their website are out of stock. It used to not be that way that I can remember. They give you the option of letting them contact you when they get it again: part of me thinks they are just using that to figure out if they need to start stocking the part again since I imagine they have to buy a bunch of everything they stock from the manufacturer or distributor. Some of the things that are "out of stock" - like the Wigwam bike socks I like - are fairly piddly, so for a large operation like theirs it seems like it wouldn't be a big deal to stock them unless they are having a hard time getting them any more (which is a possibility). I wish that if they don't stock something they would take it off of their website so you don't sit at the computer wasting time clicking on things you can't order anyway. Another idea would be for them to give you the option of having it shipped directly from the manufacturer or distributor if they don't have it in stock.
Are there any other online retailers that are better about keeping things in stock and their website more up to date (and user friendly)?
Are there any other online retailers that are better about keeping things in stock and their website more up to date (and user friendly)?
#2
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Maybe it's that tariff thing going on right now...people may have bought what they could get their hands on before it got expensive.
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They are probably just changing how they do business. Niagara has always had a rep for saying they had stuff in stock they didn't have. You'd order and then excuse and excuse until your item finally ships. Good prices most times but not who you used if you needed it fast.
Appears most time you place and pay for your order and then they would actually source the item, get it in, and then ship it. Lots of threads on them.
Appears most time you place and pay for your order and then they would actually source the item, get it in, and then ship it. Lots of threads on them.
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I think that Niagara stocks only the big selling items. All else they have their system tied into their supply chain. So, if you order a crankset, for instance, they look at stock at a distributor. If the distributor shows it in stock, they say they have it. This is why it takes so long for them to assemble the order even though they have the part "in stock". They have to wait for the items to arrive at their facility first. It is actually a smart way to do business because they don't have to layout as much money. The downside is the delivery time and the fact that sometimes you will order a part that is in stock only to find out, it is no longer available.
I have ordered parts from them that were supposedly, in stock, only to find out weeks later that they don't have them and cannot get them.
I only order parts from them that I can afford to wait for. I also wish their filters were better so that I could find the part I am looking for faster.
I have ordered parts from them that were supposedly, in stock, only to find out weeks later that they don't have them and cannot get them.
I only order parts from them that I can afford to wait for. I also wish their filters were better so that I could find the part I am looking for faster.
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Any good online alternatives to using them? My local bike shop doesn't stock diddlysquat of the things I need, and when I've had them get something for me it takes forever and it ends up being about four times what I can buy it online (i.e. over $8 for ONE cloth rim strip). I buy what I can there to support them, but they are definitely NOT in business of selling new parts that fit older road bikes.
I've mainly been buying bike parts on eBay lately, but usually you have to get parts from different sellers rather than finding one seller that has all you need, so the individual shipping costs can add up (unless you get lucky enough to find ones that offer free shipping for what you need).
I really miss the days of ordering things out of the Bike Warehouse or Palo Alto Bicycles catalogs. Getting these "wishbooks" - that were always free - periodically during the year was so much fun. Something about being able to page thru catalogs to find what I wanted was a lot more fun than clicking on icon after icon to get to what I want on a website or searching relentlessly on eBay. This technology we have today gives us a lot more options than we used to have but I don't think it has necessarily improved the quality of our lives.
I've mainly been buying bike parts on eBay lately, but usually you have to get parts from different sellers rather than finding one seller that has all you need, so the individual shipping costs can add up (unless you get lucky enough to find ones that offer free shipping for what you need).
I really miss the days of ordering things out of the Bike Warehouse or Palo Alto Bicycles catalogs. Getting these "wishbooks" - that were always free - periodically during the year was so much fun. Something about being able to page thru catalogs to find what I wanted was a lot more fun than clicking on icon after icon to get to what I want on a website or searching relentlessly on eBay. This technology we have today gives us a lot more options than we used to have but I don't think it has necessarily improved the quality of our lives.
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i like bikeparts.com - that's the online component to Peak Cycles in Colorado. they do have a habit of listing product that is out of stock, but it is stated clearly on the website, so no shenanigans with them taking your money then stringing you along.
i don't usually order anything that i need immediately, so cannot speak to how fast their shipping is but can say that i have never been left thinking "gee, it sure is taking a long time to get my stuff". in fact i have been surprised a couple of times when orders have arrived quicker than i anticipated.
i don't usually order anything that i need immediately, so cannot speak to how fast their shipping is but can say that i have never been left thinking "gee, it sure is taking a long time to get my stuff". in fact i have been surprised a couple of times when orders have arrived quicker than i anticipated.
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My last order took 8 days "awaiting fulfillment", then 2 days to ship. I've made 2 other ebay purchases that took 3 days total. With Niagara's (and everyone else's) shipping costs having gone up recently, shipping cost and order time is becoming my new criteria. But, sadly, I think I've ordered my last from Niagara. No good reason for a big retailer to take 8 days to ship something.
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While it is admittedly feeding the monster, you can order pretty much any bike part through Amazon, get it really fast if you’re a Prime member, and have that order fulfilled by a variety of retailers, including Niagara.
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My last order took 8 days "awaiting fulfillment", then 2 days to ship. I've made 2 other ebay purchases that took 3 days total. With Niagara's (and everyone else's) shipping costs having gone up recently, shipping cost and order time is becoming my new criteria. But, sadly, I think I've ordered my last from Niagara. No good reason for a big retailer to take 8 days to ship something.
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I haven't ordered from them for some time due to those problems. Instead I've added Amazon (And not any sub.) to my line up. They really come on strong in the last few months for bike gear.
Last edited by Colorado Kid; 07-13-18 at 05:01 PM. Reason: grammer
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Another reason I love living in Minnesota, besides the great bike infrastructure. I used to work @ REI so if I need something & they don't have it they order it from QBP, which is in the same suburb & I get it in short order. I have ordered some things online if I can't find them locally.
#12
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I won't order squat from Amazon (or even use them for searching) because I don't like their business practices, from start to finish. I've had really good experience with Ben's Cycle, and TreeFortBikes in Ypsilanti. The latter seems to have a "we'll match at the lowest price available on the internet, and we'll even tell you who's selling for that price"policy. They always tell you if it's in stock, and ship expeditiously. RivBike is great too, when you want what they sell; which reminds me: I need to redeem my "winter gift certificate".
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I'll order a few things from Niagara, and seem to do ok... albeit a bit slow. I might pick up some obscure things like Wheelmaster hubs, or I think my last order was for Surly ExtraTerrestrial tires which I think are mainly available in the USA.
Most of the general stuff, I just get from one of the big UK distributors, or sometimes a European distributor.
Wiggle, Ribble, Merlin, Chain Reaction, bike-discount.de (German branded stuff), etc.
Most of them give free shipping with a minimum order. Ribble now charges for shipping, I think, so watch order that the shipping comes with their cheaper rates. bike-discount.de charges a flat rate for shipping, so it works if you have to stock up on things like expensive chains.
Most of the general stuff, I just get from one of the big UK distributors, or sometimes a European distributor.
Wiggle, Ribble, Merlin, Chain Reaction, bike-discount.de (German branded stuff), etc.
Most of them give free shipping with a minimum order. Ribble now charges for shipping, I think, so watch order that the shipping comes with their cheaper rates. bike-discount.de charges a flat rate for shipping, so it works if you have to stock up on things like expensive chains.
#14
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So, if Niagra is slow, who is fast? Who has stuff in stock and possibly has free shipping? Of course, the merchandise has to be top quality and name brand. Junk is no bargain, no matter how fast.
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If there are a dozen sellers selling the same thing, I've on occasion gone by the estimated delivery times to choose a seller.
Most of the UK distributors will ship within a day or two. But, you have to deal with international shipping which incurs delays, but the overall transit times compete favorable with companies like Niagara.
Sorry, no actual specific recommendations in the USA.
Of course, if your LBS stocks the item, that is usually the quickest.
Hmmm...
Amazon books are usually the slowest.
But, if you get Amazon Prime fulfilled by Amazon, it can be quick.
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I ilke Universal Cycles. Plus their website is VERY informative, AND, to top it all off, their inventory is "live"
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I just had the same experience at Nashbar - that is clicking on items that were then immediately out of stock. Pretty annoying.
#18
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I recently placed an order with Niagara. After 10 days of Awaiting Fulfillment and credit card charge same day I placed the order, I asked them what was going on. They said their distributor had sent them the wrong item out of my order and were waiting for the right item. Would have been nice to know my order was delayed without having to ask.
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and many more.
Free shipping is a misnomer. It isnt free to you as its built into the prices overall.
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Any top rated seller on ebay has one business day to ship. So if they take longer, they lose the TRS status. So buy from TRS with confidence.
My experience with Niagara is slow, always slow. I just adjust my expectations accordingly. Jensen USA will price match, and they are faster. I have gone that route.
+10 Free shipping is NOT free. No seller gets free postage from the USPS or UPS or Fed Ex. They just adjust their pricing to cover the cost. I offer free shipping on some items on ebay, I adjust the price up. On one recently, ebay's postage calculator was really high. So I adjusted my selling price to build in more realistic (cheaper) shipping. Savvy buyers should be comparing delivered prices, not selling prices.
I get tired of buyers asking for free shipping. I typically ask them to recommend a carrier that is free and I will use them.
My experience with Niagara is slow, always slow. I just adjust my expectations accordingly. Jensen USA will price match, and they are faster. I have gone that route.
+10 Free shipping is NOT free. No seller gets free postage from the USPS or UPS or Fed Ex. They just adjust their pricing to cover the cost. I offer free shipping on some items on ebay, I adjust the price up. On one recently, ebay's postage calculator was really high. So I adjusted my selling price to build in more realistic (cheaper) shipping. Savvy buyers should be comparing delivered prices, not selling prices.
I get tired of buyers asking for free shipping. I typically ask them to recommend a carrier that is free and I will use them.
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+10 Free shipping is NOT free. No seller gets free postage from the USPS or UPS or Fed Ex. They just adjust their pricing to cover the cost. I offer free shipping on some items on ebay, I adjust the price up. On one recently, ebay's postage calculator was really high. So I adjusted my selling price to build in more realistic (cheaper) shipping. Savvy buyers should be comparing delivered prices, not selling prices.
I get tired of buyers asking for free shipping. I typically ask them to recommend a carrier that is free and I will use them.
I get tired of buyers asking for free shipping. I typically ask them to recommend a carrier that is free and I will use them.
On E-Bay, I frequently either buy multiples of a single item, or will buy several items from a seller.
So, in the case of marking up, then offering "free shipping", the sellers actually pocket the extra profit from multiple item orders.
On the other hand, big retailers use "free shipping" as a way to both encourage larger orders, as well as reducing delivered prices on those larger orders. Theoretically less "handling".
I think some sellers also use free shipping as a response to Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) requirements. No sense in charging for shipping AND complying with MAP. So, they comply with MAP, but give the perk of free shipping, so the delivered cost is the same as retailers have in their store.
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+1 for Universal. I use them for most my hard parts with no issues. Nashbar continues to be my go-to for supplies but I find their parts catalog to be lacking these days. I’ve always used Niagara for my Wheelsmith spokes and nipples. Never an issue with those items but I’ve steered clear of other parts because of the experiences shared by BF members over the years.
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I don't ebay, so the shop web sites are much appreciated.
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So, a local mechanic whose work I respect a lot for reached out to ask the same question, he mentioned he's noticed these problems with Niagara and wanted recommendations. He shared this article which may be related: https://www.bicycleretailer.com/nort...s#.W1XdQ9JKjIU
Note that all of this trade war nonsense our fearless leader started will directly impact our collective passions and, as stated.
I've got little ones and Amazon Prime is essential in my opinion - for the free videos, free music, e-books, school supplies, etc. As a result, I find I'm using it almost exclusively these days on consumables, especially brake cables, housings, pads, tape, bearings, lubricants, etc. and occasionally for parts (bars, levers, etc.) or tools. Markup is usually 10% higher than some of the big outlets on some items, but IMO you make up for it receiving the item in less than 72 hours w/o directly paying for shipping, and you can usually expedite to same-day or next-day shipping on many items for less than $4 - $8.
If you flip bikes like I do, good example of how Amazon can help you increase profits is here: For $10 shipped you can get everything you need to redo brake and shift cables in one pack from Schwinn which leaves me spending less than half what I would at other outlets like Porkchop BMX (which is my preference for non-black housing and cables). I keep several of the Schwinn packs on-hand, the shift cable ends are perfect for difficult-to-fit levers like Simplex and brake cables have road and BMX ends..
I've also been using BikeTiresDirect for supplies. They don't just sell tires, have regular specials advertised by email, do price-matching with legit storefronts, and offer additional discounts after you purchase enough to become a 'platinum' member. For me, that was a couple hundred bucks which tool 3-4 orders to reach, tops. I've gotten some wicked scores, some of which I've posted here, which include picking up a bunch of Kenda K161 cyclocross 27" tires for $7/ea, and I've also posted deals here from time to time on the (slightly heavy but rugged) Michelin Dynamic Classic tires for dirt cheap.
I've seen where you can find some great deals at other stores - Wiggle is a good example - but it's almost always new for parts we C&V folks still use because they're common (tires are a good example).
Note that all of this trade war nonsense our fearless leader started will directly impact our collective passions and, as stated.
I've got little ones and Amazon Prime is essential in my opinion - for the free videos, free music, e-books, school supplies, etc. As a result, I find I'm using it almost exclusively these days on consumables, especially brake cables, housings, pads, tape, bearings, lubricants, etc. and occasionally for parts (bars, levers, etc.) or tools. Markup is usually 10% higher than some of the big outlets on some items, but IMO you make up for it receiving the item in less than 72 hours w/o directly paying for shipping, and you can usually expedite to same-day or next-day shipping on many items for less than $4 - $8.
If you flip bikes like I do, good example of how Amazon can help you increase profits is here: For $10 shipped you can get everything you need to redo brake and shift cables in one pack from Schwinn which leaves me spending less than half what I would at other outlets like Porkchop BMX (which is my preference for non-black housing and cables). I keep several of the Schwinn packs on-hand, the shift cable ends are perfect for difficult-to-fit levers like Simplex and brake cables have road and BMX ends..
I've also been using BikeTiresDirect for supplies. They don't just sell tires, have regular specials advertised by email, do price-matching with legit storefronts, and offer additional discounts after you purchase enough to become a 'platinum' member. For me, that was a couple hundred bucks which tool 3-4 orders to reach, tops. I've gotten some wicked scores, some of which I've posted here, which include picking up a bunch of Kenda K161 cyclocross 27" tires for $7/ea, and I've also posted deals here from time to time on the (slightly heavy but rugged) Michelin Dynamic Classic tires for dirt cheap.
I've seen where you can find some great deals at other stores - Wiggle is a good example - but it's almost always new for parts we C&V folks still use because they're common (tires are a good example).
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For vintage bike stuff, Yellow Jersey, Ben’s cycles, Boulder cycles, and eBay. Everything else Universal Cycles. Tried Niagra once, which was one time too many, tried going cheap, and learned my lesson. Tim