So bummed....
#1
LBKA (formerly punkncat)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Jawja
Posts: 4,299
Bikes: Spec Roubaix SL4, GT Traffic 1.0
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2208 Post(s)
Liked 960 Times
in
686 Posts
So bummed....
Been posting a bit about looking at/for a new "touring" style bicycle. I gave up on the custom aspect given lead time, cost, and other factors and decided just to get myself a run of the mill stock, sub $1K out the door bike. In that hunt I narrowed myself down to a Giant bicycle that was not in stock at the local store.
Just over three weeks ago I asked the salesman to ask the manager/owner if we could have them order in a representative model in one of these bikes for me to see, in my size, or at least near it. They have, as I mentioned in another post, not one single bike in store that I could actually fit and ride out in the class I was looking in. They were both dubious at first, but a couple of follow up visits over the next week to let them know I was serious, and they agreed they would order one. I even asked them to order the cheaper derailleur equipped model so that IF I didn't actually purchase once seeing, they would have better luck selling. We checked stock levels confirming they were in and last I heard they were going to get it and call me. I have not heard from them since.....
So, I go in today as we were riding in the area and drop by to ask about if/when the model I wanted to see had come. Not only did they not have it, but in the time since I was there every version of it in the size I wanted has gone out of stock and unavailable. I now have to wait about three more months to see IF that model will be continued over into the next model year and to find out availability, likely late Oct. They never even ordered it.
This would normally be the kind of thing I would decide not to visit a shop again over. Pretty blatant disregard for customer desire and even worse, simply not keeping their word. I could understand having wanted a deposit or the like just to be sure I follow through with SOME manner of purchase.....the kicker is that this is one of two bike shops left within a two hour drive, and the closest dealer of this brand of bike within a four hour drive. Being pissed will net me zero but more cost to myself...especially considering the next model I am even familiar with having a desire for is double the cost.
I so miss the shop I used to work for.
Just over three weeks ago I asked the salesman to ask the manager/owner if we could have them order in a representative model in one of these bikes for me to see, in my size, or at least near it. They have, as I mentioned in another post, not one single bike in store that I could actually fit and ride out in the class I was looking in. They were both dubious at first, but a couple of follow up visits over the next week to let them know I was serious, and they agreed they would order one. I even asked them to order the cheaper derailleur equipped model so that IF I didn't actually purchase once seeing, they would have better luck selling. We checked stock levels confirming they were in and last I heard they were going to get it and call me. I have not heard from them since.....
So, I go in today as we were riding in the area and drop by to ask about if/when the model I wanted to see had come. Not only did they not have it, but in the time since I was there every version of it in the size I wanted has gone out of stock and unavailable. I now have to wait about three more months to see IF that model will be continued over into the next model year and to find out availability, likely late Oct. They never even ordered it.
This would normally be the kind of thing I would decide not to visit a shop again over. Pretty blatant disregard for customer desire and even worse, simply not keeping their word. I could understand having wanted a deposit or the like just to be sure I follow through with SOME manner of purchase.....the kicker is that this is one of two bike shops left within a two hour drive, and the closest dealer of this brand of bike within a four hour drive. Being pissed will net me zero but more cost to myself...especially considering the next model I am even familiar with having a desire for is double the cost.
I so miss the shop I used to work for.
#2
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,399
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,699 Times
in
2,519 Posts
As you say, I think an unknown customer might be expected to put down a deposit on a deal like that. They took the wait and see approach. It's quite possible that it would have sold out before they ordered it anyway though. I really like my LBS, and they know me very well, but I still have to bug them about things like this if I'm serious. They are very busy and I'm not a huge profit center.
I used to have bike shop worker discount withdrawals after I got a real job. Making so much more money and seasonal security got me over it.
I used to have bike shop worker discount withdrawals after I got a real job. Making so much more money and seasonal security got me over it.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,254
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18424 Post(s)
Liked 15,580 Times
in
7,337 Posts
I didn't know Giant made touring style bikes. Check out Fuji. They offer a stock touring model that I believe is around $800 or so. IMO, if you are going to tour a good deal, it's worth spending some coin to get a good bike. Nothing ruins a tour like repeated mechanical problems, especially with wheels.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Richmond VA area
Posts: 2,618
Bikes: '00 Koga Miyata Full Pro Oval Road bike.
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 475 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
If they actually told you they would order the bike I'd be a bit peeved. If they needed a deposit but didnt ask you for one than it's on them, imo. In fact unless I had some exceptional relationship with this place I doubt I'd ever return, even if shops are scarce where you are.
#5
LBKA (formerly punkncat)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Jawja
Posts: 4,299
Bikes: Spec Roubaix SL4, GT Traffic 1.0
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2208 Post(s)
Liked 960 Times
in
686 Posts
I didn't know Giant made touring style bikes. Check out Fuji. They offer a stock touring model that I believe is around $800 or so. IMO, if you are going to tour a good deal, it's worth spending some coin to get a good bike. Nothing ruins a tour like repeated mechanical problems, especially with wheels.
I have actually shifted my gaze over to a GT Traffic that Performance has on sale. It's cheap enough to fit the bill as well. I KNOW I have to order it up front with them, but on the plus side I can return it on the spot for 100% return for up to a year. Hard to beat that.
#6
LBKA (formerly punkncat)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Jawja
Posts: 4,299
Bikes: Spec Roubaix SL4, GT Traffic 1.0
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2208 Post(s)
Liked 960 Times
in
686 Posts
There are a few other shops around, but not ones that I would consider shopping at. Two of them are partner Trek shops. Great folks and superb mechanics, but they only sell carry and push Trek/Bontrager. Another one of the local shops has moved a half dozen times in the last year and is a real crapshoot as to what he will have or be open and where.
The remaining two are both "big brand" stores as well, but one of them is Specialized (which I like and own) and the other carries a few brands, Giant being the main one.
The remaining two are both "big brand" stores as well, but one of them is Specialized (which I like and own) and the other carries a few brands, Giant being the main one.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,885
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3242 Post(s)
Liked 2,089 Times
in
1,182 Posts
Any REI stores near you ?. They typically stock touring type bikes as standard. more then an LBS would have unless the LBS does a ton of business.
Look on-line and see what they stock in the nearest store.
Look on-line and see what they stock in the nearest store.
#8
LBKA (formerly punkncat)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Jawja
Posts: 4,299
Bikes: Spec Roubaix SL4, GT Traffic 1.0
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2208 Post(s)
Liked 960 Times
in
686 Posts
There is an REI nearby. They also have not one single bike in store my size. It would be a bonanza if I were looking for a medium or small.
The Performance store I am looking to "test" a bike requires me to buy the bike, have it shipped and assembled at the store for pickup (free of additional charge) and then if I test it out and don't like it I can return it immediately or anytime within the next twelve months for a full refund. The only single bike outlet this side of a big box store (and they almost are) that I know of making an offer like that.
The Performance store I am looking to "test" a bike requires me to buy the bike, have it shipped and assembled at the store for pickup (free of additional charge) and then if I test it out and don't like it I can return it immediately or anytime within the next twelve months for a full refund. The only single bike outlet this side of a big box store (and they almost are) that I know of making an offer like that.
#11
Senior Member
The best touring bike can be had for a good price if you shop around. The bike I recommend is the old Schwinn Voyageur. The version with the cantilever brakes is best. The Voyageur is an extremely well made bike with a wonderful lugged steel frame, and a supple ride. It has just the right geometry, and can be modified to work with just about any type of driveline.
The chrome framed versions are the ones to look for, as they resist scratches and chips, as well as rust and corrosion. I had one of these some years ago before it was stolen, and I still miss it very much. Voyageurs are easy enough to find in America, but here in Japan they are worth their weight in gold.
The chrome framed versions are the ones to look for, as they resist scratches and chips, as well as rust and corrosion. I had one of these some years ago before it was stolen, and I still miss it very much. Voyageurs are easy enough to find in America, but here in Japan they are worth their weight in gold.
#12
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
There is an REI nearby. They also have not one single bike in store my size. It would be a bonanza if I were looking for a medium or small.
The Performance store I am looking to "test" a bike requires me to buy the bike, have it shipped and assembled at the store for pickup (free of additional charge) and then if I test it out and don't like it I can return it immediately or anytime within the next twelve months for a full refund. The only single bike outlet this side of a big box store (and they almost are) that I know of making an offer like that.
The Performance store I am looking to "test" a bike requires me to buy the bike, have it shipped and assembled at the store for pickup (free of additional charge) and then if I test it out and don't like it I can return it immediately or anytime within the next twelve months for a full refund. The only single bike outlet this side of a big box store (and they almost are) that I know of making an offer like that.
#13
Don't make me sing!
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Western PA
Posts: 1,022
Bikes: 2013 Specialized Crosstrail Elite, 1986 Centurion Elite RS, Diamondback hardtail MTB, '70s Fuji Special Road Racer, 2012 Raleigh Revenio 2.0, 1992 Trek 1000
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 308 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts