Negotiating at the LBS

[potsy]

Up to now I have bought 3 bikes, first two gave me 10% of the cost of the bike to spend on accessories, the third one they let me have 10% off the price of the bike

Worth asking the question at least.

 

[redcard]

You will have no bother getting 10% discount (assuming it is not cycle to work and the bikes are not already discounted) if they are not willing to give that then just go elsewhere because there will be plenty of shops who will offer it.

Yep. An alternative is to get a Di2 Canyon and a second hand Allez, saving myself well over a grand.

I'll wait until I have the money in my pocket and see how I'm feeling

 

[ianrauk]

Yep. An alternative is to get a Di2 Canyon and a second hand Allez, saving myself well over a grand.

I'll wait until I have the money in my pocket and see how I'm feeling

Oh my word those Canyons are bloody nice aren't they? And fantastic value for money.
Have you thought about Rose as an alternative?

 

[redcard]

The tarmac is an amazing bike, its so well put together, light and really responsive, the bike is stiff and climbs really well and its comfortable for long distances, while remaining a very fast road bike... its such a good bike and so so easy to ride that the eventual result is a little bland.
The Venge by comparison always feels like it wants you to go faster, the riding position makes for uncomfortable rides over long distances, the bike is harsh, every pot hole you find feels like your teeth are coming out but damn its fast, very fast.. Every ride on the Venge is an experience, it's an amazing bike imho but not for everyone... The Tarmac is for everyone

So you're going out for a testing 80 miles on a Sunday morning - do you take the Venge or the Tarmac?

Common sense is telling me to go for the Tarmac, or even another Roubaix, as I think I'll probably use the bike as as a commuter as well. I mean, am I really going to take an Allez when I've got a Venge / Tarmac sitting there as well? Doubtful.

 

[redcard]

Oh my word those Canyons are bloody nice aren't they? And fantastic value for money.
Have you thought about Rose as an alternative?

I've had a look at them. Wasn't too keen on the aesthetics, but I'll definitely consider them before pulling the trigger.

I do like the Canyons, but I'm not overtly keen on the stealth colour schemes or the decals. But to get Di2, decent wheels and a light frame for £2K...might be worth the compromise!

I also had a play on Ribble, and was really struggling to spend my full budget. And if the insurance company don't want my damaged Roubaix, then I've got a whole bunch of decent components, including wheelset, I can use for spares, or even to upgrade some cheaper parts.

 

[yello]

They don't make 10% ? Don't be silly.

It's not being silly, it's seeing it from the LBS's perspective. I've no idea of the mark-up or profit they make but I can well imagine an unwillingness to give too much of it away.

By all means ask, they may do a deal, but be prepared for a firm 'no' was my point.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

So you're going out for a testing 80 miles on a Sunday morning - do you take the Venge or the Tarmac?

Common sense is telling me to go for the Tarmac, or even another Roubaix, as I think I'll probably use the bike as as a commuter as well. I mean, am I really going to take an Allez when I've got a Venge / Tarmac sitting there as well? Doubtful.

I would take the Venge, im actually thinking of breaking my new Tarmac and getting another Venge. That not a reason thought, just shows im strange.. lol

 

[redcard]

It's not being silly, it's seeing it from the LBS's perspective. I've no idea of the mark-up or profit they make but I can well imagine an unwillingness to give too much of it away.

By all means ask, they may do a deal, but be prepared for a firm 'no' was my point.

Fair enough. I just don't think a 10% discount is unreasonable as you seemed to be insinuating

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

And if the insurance company don't want my damaged Roubaix

POLICY

Specialized Bicycle Components recognizes the need to proactively assist consumers that fall under special circumstances,
referred to below. The crash replacement policy is designed to help those riders that have purchased a bicycle, but experience
a catastrophic crash of the bicycle. To qualify for a crash replacement the following must apply:
A) A customer damages their frame or bicycle beyond rideable condition
B) The customer can prove that they are the original owner
C) The customer purchased the bike from an authorized Specialized dealer
If all three apply, the customer is eligible for a crash replacement.
PROCEDURE
FRAME ONLY: Non-warranty frames* will be offered and will be sold at 15% below Alliance Standard pricing. Specialized
recommends the bike be sold to the customer at 20% above the price Specialized charges the dealer. The damaged frame
must be returned to Specialized. All shipping, parts, and labor are to be covered by the customer.
FULL BIKE: If the damage is deemed significant enough, a full bike may be offered as a replacement option.* The replacement
bike will be offered to the dealer at 15% below Alliance Standard pricing. Specialized recommends the bike be sold to the
customer at 20% above the price Specialized charges the dealer. The frame and/or damaged bike will need to be returned to
Specialized. All shipping costs are to be covered by the customer.

I would take your damaged bike to a Specialized dealer and see if you can get a crash replacement, that would save you money

 

[outlash]

More likely they make around 30% markup, with profit being quite a bit lower.

If any retail markup is 30%, then they're doing very well indeed. Saying that, if you're throwing well into 4 figures at a small bike shop (as opposed to say, Evans) you're in a pretty strong position to do a bit of negotiation.


Tony.

 

[zizou]

Fair enough. I just don't think a 10% discount is unreasonable as you seemed to be insinuating

Its not unreasonable in the slightest. Look at it this way for purchases via cycle to work, most bikes shops (apart from the big ones like Evans who run their own schemes) give up 10% of the value to the company that does the administration for them.

 

[redcard]

I would take your damaged bike to a Specialized dealer and see if you can get a crash replacement, that would save you money

Any idea what Alliance Standard pricing is all about?

I'm expecting the driver's insurance company to pay out, so I'll be on dodgy ground if use the Roubaix to further gain, right? Anyway, I'm not the original owner, though we are in contact, and I do have a scan of the original receipt.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Any idea what Alliance Standard pricing is all about?

I'm expecting the driver's insurance company to pay out, so I'll be on dodgy ground if use the Roubaix to further gain, right? Anyway, I'm not the original owner, though we are in contact, and I do have a scan of the original receipt.

If the insurance company does not request the frame, I would send them a letter informing them that if they do not collect within seven days you will dispose of the frame as you see fit.... the disposal method I would choose would be the local dealer Im not claiming any knowledge of the legality of this action though.. lol

Standard Alliance is how specialized refer to the approved exclusive dealerships (concept stores in the UK) as these suppliers follow specialized pricing structure

 

[Andrew_P]

The new SL4 Roubaix is supposed to be the least sit up position and the stiffest yet. I quite fancy one the only trick Specilaized have missed on the Roubaix is mudguard mounts or a Roubaix only mudguard system. They promote is as a mile muncher, on miles I don't want wheel spray all over my back and feet!

Maybe push for a Garmin 800, they will trying to shift those, seems the main differnce is linking your phone to the 810

 

[yello]

Maybe push for a Garmin 800, they will trying to shift those

Exactly the sort of thinking that's likely to make the negotiations simpler!