Finally a decision has been made BUT

[vickster]

If I was spending £1500 on a bike at an LBS, I would have an expectation of a free pair of pedals or at least heavily discounted to Internet levels and I'd expect them to fit the things (negating the immediate need for a pedal spanner and grease). And to install and correctly position the cleats for me on any shoes

When I did spend around that on a bike, the LBS did indeed fit pedals (and different pretty red tyres) for me and cleats to the shoes I bought from them

 

[black'n'yellow]

And to install and correctly position the cleats for me on any shoes (bought there or online)

the only person who should 'correctly' fit cleats to shoes is the owner of the shoes - you'll be asking the shop to wipe your ar5e for you next....

 

[SpokeyDokey]

the only person who should 'correctly' fit cleats to shoes is the owner of the shoes - you'll be asking the shop to wipe your ar5e for you next....

Not agreeing there black'n'yellow.

Can't see why a LBS should not be fitting cleats. I trusted mine to fit the bike to me and trusted him to fit and set up the cleats for me.

Saw it as part of the deal esp' for a beginner tbh.

 

[black'n'yellow]

As part of a bike fit maybe, but I personally think asking for all that just for buying a mid-range bike is unreasonable. There are some things that people really should take their own responsibility for - and cleat set-up and fitting is one of them.

 

[RWright]

+1 - I make sure I'm always carrying an allen key that fits my (Look Keo) cleat bolts, so that I can remove them in the event of a serious problem which might result in my needing to walk a long way ........

Excellent advice. Why didn't I think of that? I will check and make sure I have one. My handlebars came loose the other night on a ride and my all in one tool didn't have the correct size allen key to tighten them. I need to check on more tools I might need for both bikes.

 

[Kins]

Well if the bike shop haven't got a load of customers waiting to be served etc, can't see that a bit of customer service would hurt them. Means you would probably talk how good they were to your m8s etc and probably see them get more custom.

Word of mouth is still one of the best advertisments for local businesses.

 

[Crankarm]

Well if the bike shop haven't got a load of customers waiting to be served etc, can't see that a bit of customer service would hurt them. Means you would probably talk how good they were to your m8s etc and probably see them get more custom.

Word of mouth is still one of the best advertisments for local businesses.

Indeed, but some customers are totally unreasonable. Buying accessories off the internet from an on-line retailer who has far lower over heads than a physical shop based business, then presenting the shop with goods bought off the internet, saying that because you are spending £1,500 with the shop you think that they should also fit your cheap accessories from a competitor for free is a right cheek. Well out of GOODWILL they might just, but it is people like you that are killing independent retailers who cannot compete on price with outfits on-line who do not have shops to run. People like you are a nightmare you want everything for nothing and are not prepared to cut people some slack. If you are trying to run a business and I come to you and say "I am buying this from you which costs squillions but I also got this from your competitor ABC for such a good price way less than you do them for, can you still fit them for me for FREE as well it is "good customer service" . You would either say take a hike and your money elsewhere and stand your ground or grit your teeth and mutter ******* ****** under your breath and fit them. We all like a good price, a bargain, but some people really take the p155. They wonder why there are so few good LBS and Halfords. Go figure.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Indeed, but some customers are totally unreasonable. Buying accessories off the internet from an on-line retailer who has far lower over heads than a physical shop based business, then presenting the shop with goods bought off the internet, saying that because you are spending £1,500 with the shop you think that they should also fit your cheap accessories from a competitor for free is a right cheek. Well out of GOODWILL they might just, but it is people like you that are killing independent retailers who cannot compete on price with outfits on-line who do not have shops to run. People like you are a nightmare you want everything for nothing and are not prepared to cut people some slack. If you are trying to run a business and I come to you and say "I am buying this from you which costs squillions but I also got this from your competitor ABC for such a good price way less than you do them for, can you still fit them for me for FREE as well it is "good customer service" . You would either say take a hike and your money elsewhere and stand your ground or grit your teeth and mutter ******* ****** under your breath and fit them. We all like a good price, a bargain, but some people really take the p155. They wonder why there are so few good LBS and Halfords. Go figure.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that they would buy stuff online eg shoes/cleats and have them fitted by the LBS just because they bought their bike there. Or have I missed something?

I thought the discussion had simply veered to should the LBS or the buyer fit cleats.

 

[vickster]

I think a bike costing £1500 should come with pedals, not like you can ride without them.At least something entry level...a £150 bike has pedals. My bike was built for me, they put some of my spare pedals on for me

I wouldn't say £1500 is mid range for most people?

 

[black'n'yellow]

I think a bike costing £1500 should come with pedals, not like you can ride without them.

New bikes do come with pedals. Pedals are a legal requirement, as are reflectors and a bell. £1500 is less than mid range in terms of bike prices - regardless of what you might think.

 

[vickster]

My new bike did not come with pedals included in the price, from a highly regarded and established LBS...I did not know it was a legal requirement so thanks for that, just as well I had some spare for them to fit

£1500 may not be a mid point if you consider bikes can cost £10k+, however, if you look at all of the bikes sold in the UK (as a temperature check this forum) , I expect that £1500 is not a mid price...while if you look at the reviews in Cycling Plus, maybe

 

[youngoldbloke]

My last new bike came pedal-less, bell-less, and reflector-less.For most of us by the time you are thinking of buying a £1500 bike you have a pretty good idea what pedals you use/want to use on it. Plastic cr-p pedals fitted to conform to the rules are a complete waste of money, as is a cheap bell, spoke reflectors, dork disk etc. I would also prefer bikes at that sort of price level to come without a saddle, as, again, the purchaser is likely to know what suits them. Of course if it is your first bike, (lucky you!) ask the LBS for advice, and if you are buying a sub £500 bike, different considerations come in to play.

 

[vickster]

I was new to SPDs when I bought that bike (and I still use flat pedals on the others), I had no idea what pedals I wanted / needed. I did ask for a bell, I don't think it had reflectors, nor were they offered

It happily included a saddle, befitting to my gender or I would have struggled to get it home

Even if you know what pedals you want, the LBS should be accommodating in providing them IMO at a competitive price if not free

 

[youngoldbloke]

I think you should have the OPTION of choosing your own pedals, saddle etc - especially at that price level. I would think very carefully before shelling out £1500 - it isn't 'entry level' for me. But then .... I remember when Mars bars were 3d, and you could have a riotous night out for 17/6 ........... Maybe I see the value of money differently.

 

[vickster]

I didn't plan to spend that much, I am easily persuaded and could afford it (even though I did struggle to justify it, often the way with me, also like a bargain / good deal) That bike should last me a very long time, especially given how few miles I have done on it