Buying Advice - New Rider

[lchase]

Hello!

I've been renting a road bike for the last couple weeks from my local bike shop and I think I'm finally ready to make the leap and purchase one. I want to make sure I'm getting it for the best price (I've read stories of newbies being taken advantage of) for a entry-level bike.

The bike shop has offered to sell the bike (a 2015 Jamis Xenith Comp) I've been using for $1500. Is this overpriced?

I compared the cost to bicyclebluebook.com and the suggested value is a couple hundred dollars less (http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/SearchListingDetail.aspx?id=3057938&make=690&model=57724) . But I'm not sure how accurate bicyclebluebook.com is as I've never used it before.

The bike seems to be in excellent condition. But my road bike knowledge is extremely limited so there may be mechanical issues that I'm not aware of.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

- Loni

 

[RMurphy195]

Hi Loni -

If you'd borrowed the bike I would suggest that since they have been good enough to lend you the bike, (which will have incurred a cost to them), then you should buy from them.

However, since you rented it, perhaps you could negotiate a deal where they deducted some of the rental you paid from the cost of a new bike, or included some of the essentials. Not sure how this kind of thing works in the USA.

 

[the bald eagle]

Hi Loni -

If you'd borrowed the bike I would suggest that since they have been good enough to lend you the bike, (which will have incurred a cost to them), then you should buy from them.

However, since you rented it, perhaps you could negotiate a deal where they deducted some of the rental you paid from the cost of a new bike, or included some of the essentials. Not sure how this kind of thing works in the USA.

Yep, or perhaps try and buy the rented bike at a reduced rate.

 

[vickster]

Most bike shops will happily negotiate on price especially for a demo older model

See what they say

 

[MichaelW2]

Negotiating on price is a bad strategy. £10 for you is the same as £10 for the bike shop.
As a newbie, you will need some kit and accessories: shorts, jersey, helmet, gloves, shoes, pedals, lock, lights, fenders, repair kit, pump, saddlebag etc. £10 of accessories for you does not cost a bikeshop £10, but much less.

 

[vickster]

And a $1500 bike does not cost a bike shop $1500

 

[13 rider]

Seems slightly expensive but not rip off price .Worth a haggle for extras . For peace of mind because you admit to little maintence knowledge your better off to buy from Lbs to get after sales service . If you buy a bike elsewhere would your local shop be happy to do work on it ?

 

[MichaelW2]

And a $1500 bike does not cost a bike shop $1500

But the markup on accessories is much greater.

 

[vickster]

But the markup on accessories is much greater.

Percentage perhaps, I don't know, absolute amount on a $10 bottle cage vs $1500 bike...?

I have often had this conversation at work, 20% profit on a 20k project, versus 10% profit on a £200k project, the maths is quite simple

 

[steveindenmark]

If I had hired a bike from a bike shop I would not feel obliged to buy a bike from them.

Now you have tried it and liked it, the World is your oyster.

You need to start thinking what you will need a bike for. If you would like to Tour you will need panniers for luggage.

You have more thinking to do. But you will find the answers on here.

 

[MichaelW2]

Percentage perhaps, I don't know, absolute amount on a $10 bottle cage vs $1500 bike...?

I have often had this conversation at work, 20% profit on a 20k project, versus 10% profit on a £200k project, the maths is quite simple

What kind of a discount would you expect on a £1500 bike?

 

[jefmcg]

@lchase if you are in the US, we aren't going to be able to help you with price, as most of us are in the UK.

You'll be best to try a US based forum, http://www.bikeforums.net for example, though there are plenty of others.

The general stuff above of course still applies.

 

[User16625]

@lchase if you are in the US, we aren't going to be able to help you with price, as most of us are in the UK.

You'll be best to try a US based forum, http://www.bikeforums.net for example, though there are plenty of others.

The general stuff above of course still applies.

Also bikeradar.com

They're a bit snobby but all walks of life on there, USAmericans, Brits, Australians, New Zealanders and even the odd Antarctican.