Last time you bought a bike at a bike shop for yourself?
#76
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If I recall correctly, the last bike I purchased in an LBS was a Bianchi Volpe, and that was 2001. I used to beat that thing back and forth to work every day, 17 miles each way. A couple months after 9/11 happened, they closed our whole division and laid everyone off - including my boss, whom I loathed. My next job was double the commute, so the Bianchi had a rest.
#77
Senior Member
1994 — Trek 960: rode it around town so much I replaced almost everything from 2 to 4 times. 'True Temper' frame. I've not bought a new bicycle from a shop since, but I have lot more bikes.
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Vitus 979, Simplon 4 Star, Gazelle Champion Mondial, Woodrup Giro, Dawes Atlantis
Vitus 979, Simplon 4 Star, Gazelle Champion Mondial, Woodrup Giro, Dawes Atlantis
#78
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2009.
Bought a road bike and a commuter. Thinking I may get another road bike in the next 5 years.
Bought a road bike and a commuter. Thinking I may get another road bike in the next 5 years.
#79
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Last new bike I bought was a Viscount in Austin in 1976. I think it was called the High Wheeler. Bought a used Specialized Crossroads from 5Points Cycle Center Columbia SC in 2007 when I got back into cycling. Since then I’ve bought bikes and frames from yard sales, thrift stores, FB Marketplace, bike swaps, online sites etc. I’ve considered buying a new bike at an LBS but it just doesn’t seem to make sense in light of what I’ve paid for nice vintage bikes. For example, for what I have spent on building a Waterford built Reynolds 753 Paramount with full Dura Ace and 1600 gram wheels, I would not be able to buy a new aluminum bike with Claris components at a bike shop.
#81
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In the early 90's my folks bought me a Trek (820?) Mountain bike for christmas from the Sussex bike shop on Route 23 North in Sussex NJ. I rode the ever living crap out of that for a couple of years until the threads on the headset stripped due to it becoming loose and me not knowing better and the shop was reluctant to replace the fork? Idk, I think they were hoping for a new sale. No dice.
Being the mid 90s I then lived off a steady diet of curbsite 10 speeds, never anything decent, but far better suited to riding around town than the mountain bike. I then started driving and didn't get on a bike for 20 years.
My return to cycling a couple years ago was on a free junk 70's 10 speed, then a less junk 70's 10 speed, and my triumphant 1000 miles so far this year has been on my $69 Goodwill 1970 Motobecane GT .
Being the mid 90s I then lived off a steady diet of curbsite 10 speeds, never anything decent, but far better suited to riding around town than the mountain bike. I then started driving and didn't get on a bike for 20 years.
My return to cycling a couple years ago was on a free junk 70's 10 speed, then a less junk 70's 10 speed, and my triumphant 1000 miles so far this year has been on my $69 Goodwill 1970 Motobecane GT .
#82
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Thread Starter
last place I lived in NYS before moving west was Glens Falls. Lots of rides in Washington County and places that are probably parts of the Battenkill Route now. Riding was great, job situation, not so much.
#83
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#84
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#85
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I bought (and built) my 1985 Cannondale SM600 in... 1985 at the shop I worked at. I still ride it. I did buy a reproduction Schwinn Apple Krate at my shop in around 1999, but that wound up going to my nephews.
#86
Senior Member
That old Fuji is on its fourth wheelset, third rear derailleur but original front, second crankset, replacement suspension seatpost, shifters replaced with SunTour barcons at less than a month old, third set of pedals. Bars, stem, brakes (obviously not pads ) and surprisingly the saddle are originals. Other 'original' aftermarket items are the Zefal Hp pump mount (third pump due to getting bent while bashing doggie noggins ), same Pletscher rack and rack stay stabilizer, and 'tire savers' but the 'scraper wire' was replaced several times with repurposed broken spokes bent to the correct shape.
#87
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That old Fuji is on its fourth wheelset, third rear derailleur but original front, second crankset, replacement suspension seatpost, shifters replaced with SunTour barcons at less than a month old, third set of pedals. Bars, stem, brakes (obviously not pads ) and surprisingly the saddle are originals. Other 'original' aftermarket items are the Zefal Hp pump mount (third pump due to getting bent while bashing doggie noggins ), same Pletscher rack and rack stay stabilizer, and 'tire savers' but the 'scraper wire' was replaced several times with repurposed broken spokes bent to the correct shape.
#88
Senior Member
1980 Motobecane Grand Jubilee ...Full bike
1983 Guerciotti SL ...frameset
Both died in front end collisions.
1983 Guerciotti SL ...frameset
Both died in front end collisions.
#89
feros ferio
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1962: My father bought low-end Bianchi Corsas for me and my brother, $55 each, at Wheel World in Culver City, Los Angeles County.
March 1971: My girlfriend (now wife) wanted a bicycle, so I repurposed the Bianchi for her and bought myself an American Eagle Semi Pro (Nishiki Competition), $149.95.
1974: while working at Bikecology in Santa Monica, I bought a Peugeot UO-8 as a bare frame, $47, to replace the Bianchi and give my wife an upgrade. It still sees a fair amount of use as my beater.
March 1971: My girlfriend (now wife) wanted a bicycle, so I repurposed the Bianchi for her and bought myself an American Eagle Semi Pro (Nishiki Competition), $149.95.
1974: while working at Bikecology in Santa Monica, I bought a Peugeot UO-8 as a bare frame, $47, to replace the Bianchi and give my wife an upgrade. It still sees a fair amount of use as my beater.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#91
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Last purchase in a bike shop was a 1992 GT Performer. It was when I was in 6th grade.
That thing was indestructible with mag wheels that were tanks and a killer electric yellow with black splatter paint job. Double pegs too, so I could continually fail at tricks and then ride 2 friends around when needed.
For myself, I've bought some new frames and a bike online, but nothing in a store since that Performer.
- Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross frameset in 2015.
- 2018 Diamondback Syncr 27.5 mtb so I could try out modern mtb geometry and components. Little secret- modern geometry is fun, but all too slack.
- Fairlight Secan frameset in 2019.
Cant imagine buying a new bike from a shop in the future. I would just want to change too much to make it worth buying a full bike.
That thing was indestructible with mag wheels that were tanks and a killer electric yellow with black splatter paint job. Double pegs too, so I could continually fail at tricks and then ride 2 friends around when needed.
For myself, I've bought some new frames and a bike online, but nothing in a store since that Performer.
- Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross frameset in 2015.
- 2018 Diamondback Syncr 27.5 mtb so I could try out modern mtb geometry and components. Little secret- modern geometry is fun, but all too slack.
- Fairlight Secan frameset in 2019.
Cant imagine buying a new bike from a shop in the future. I would just want to change too much to make it worth buying a full bike.
#92
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This was the most recent bike I purchased brand new for myself: 2011 Jamis Quest. I still call it my new bike, but before I know it, it will be C&V. It's already been eight years!
27 years before that, it was this Miyata, purchased from Stone's in Alameda, California:
1984 Miyata 310. I didn't think of it as classic or vintage, it was just my bike. I found the "endurance" geometry more comfortable on the Jamis, so I tried to mimic the fit with the Miyata. I still ride it regularly.
#93
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Yup. And back to the thread, last new bike purchased was for my wife in 2011, at Battenkill Bike in Manchester from Robin.
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1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
#94
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The last bike I bought for mineself was an '84 Pug that I bought new from the LBS in '85. I still have it and ride it weekly. It's my N bike.
Jon
Jon
#95
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Based on all these posts and ancient receipts, it's no wonder manufacturers aren't making the bikes we like anymore; we aren't the buying public
#96
Overdoing projects
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Back in 2009, the Gazelle Orange Excellent. The rear hub is on its last legs by now but I've done well over 40,000km (~25,000miles) on it and it is rated for 30,000km (~18,000 miles) so it had a good run.
My girlfriend bought a Pelago Stavanger Commuter last year.
I certainly have a few bikes I would love to ride and own but my money has been going elsewhere the past few years.
The Schindelhauer Ludwig XIV (Rohloff) or the Wilhelm P-line (Pinion) or an Van Nicholas Amazon Rohloff.
They might be slightly out of my budget at the moment.
My girlfriend bought a Pelago Stavanger Commuter last year.
I certainly have a few bikes I would love to ride and own but my money has been going elsewhere the past few years.
The Schindelhauer Ludwig XIV (Rohloff) or the Wilhelm P-line (Pinion) or an Van Nicholas Amazon Rohloff.
They might be slightly out of my budget at the moment.
#97
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2017 Trek Domane SLR6. I work in a trek dealer PT. The bike rides great. The price was right and poof it was home. The trouble is it sits with my 70 Raleigh Professional and I can't decide which one to take most of the time!
I also bought a 2017 Trek Farley fatty. When it is time to ride the dirt I don't have a problem deciding what to ride! Fatter is Funner!
I also bought a 2017 Trek Farley fatty. When it is time to ride the dirt I don't have a problem deciding what to ride! Fatter is Funner!
#98
Rouleur
Direct question but needs a nuanced answer. I've purchased several bikes or frames from my LBS, but never at retail. Luck and results have kept me in the "sponsored" realm for a long time, so I've always been able to get at least a shop "cost + 10%" deal, or better yet - distribution cost from a bike sponsor (Felt, Trek). And I was provided with two others (Pinarello, Specialized) from better organized racing teams. The last bike I bought was a Felt B2R - at about 40% off.
As much as I like local shops as gathering places, ride start locations, race sponsors & organizers, etc... there is a frugal element that says if I can buy - inner tubes, let's say, for $4.65 (with free shipping) on an internet sale vs. $8.00-$9.00 at the shop - it's not even a question. Unfortunately most things are that way. Too many things can be picked up online - every aspect of a bike, at significant savings. Like many long time riders, I also have gotten very good at wrenching. Unless it takes a very specific (and expensive) tool that isn't worth buying I do all my own work. 98% of what I buy I install myself.
This all being said - I will go out of my way to promote a shop to anyone who asks me where they should go for bikes, accessories, or maintenance.
As much as I like local shops as gathering places, ride start locations, race sponsors & organizers, etc... there is a frugal element that says if I can buy - inner tubes, let's say, for $4.65 (with free shipping) on an internet sale vs. $8.00-$9.00 at the shop - it's not even a question. Unfortunately most things are that way. Too many things can be picked up online - every aspect of a bike, at significant savings. Like many long time riders, I also have gotten very good at wrenching. Unless it takes a very specific (and expensive) tool that isn't worth buying I do all my own work. 98% of what I buy I install myself.
This all being said - I will go out of my way to promote a shop to anyone who asks me where they should go for bikes, accessories, or maintenance.
#99
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I think it was about '02 or '03 that I bought my first road bike, one of these at a local shop:
2001 Fuji Ace
I rode it off and on for years.
For some stupid reason I traded it to a guy for a 24" BMX bike. I wasn't riding much on the road at the time.
I would very much like to have it back.
2001 Fuji Ace
I rode it off and on for years.
For some stupid reason I traded it to a guy for a 24" BMX bike. I wasn't riding much on the road at the time.
I would very much like to have it back.
#100
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?