Q for those with trade experience - how is a bike supplied from the wholesaler and what happens before it's sold?

[Dogtrousers]

The solution to your problem was suggested on page 1. Buy the components and assemble it yourself.

 

[Milkfloat]

I can see the way this thread is starting to go; the finger of accusation slowly being turned towards me and the suggestion that I'm being unreasonablem just because I happen to have a particular problem with people wrecking stuff that I value...

I think even you know that you are being a unreasonable because you are convinced that you will have a problem, even though it is highly likely you won't. I have purchased far too many new bikes over the years (according to my wife), I rarely have a problem and when I have getting it sorted has been easy, the shops live of their reputation and thus will bend over backwards to sort problems. Most bikes I buy online as it is cheaper, I have returned two of them as they arrived damaged without any fuss or expense to myself.

 

[Randomnerd]

Had a client once stood over me while I rebuilt his wall, telling me my job. I understand he’s still trying to finish the job 🥜

 

[Pale Rider]

I can see the way this thread is starting to go; the finger of accusation slowly being turned towards me and the suggestion that I'm being unreasonable

You may be right about that, but you do seem to have ruled out every possible method of buying a bicycle.

I would suggest a Rose might suit.

The one I bought was perfect when it arrived.

I went round it - with my folding allen key set - and found every fixing tight as a drum.

Even the tyres were hard, a bit harder than I wanted so I let some German air complete its escape to England.

There's a few reassuring pics on their website of capable looking mechanics in Rose polo shirts working at Park stands in a clean, tidy, and well organised assembly area.

They offer free returns, spoke excellent English to me when I called before ordering, and have even started to offer colours other than black.

https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I suspect from my posts I'm coming across as "one of those" customers - All I want is an undamaged product that's fit for purpose and put together with care by someone sincere and trustworthy.. however from past experience it appears this is too much to ask. I'm very envious of your decent LBS and relationship with them - it sounds like you've struck gold tbh!

I feel the same about Spa tbh; they sound pretty good but less appealing given the distances involved. How are you getting on with the TdF anyway? Have you posted a thread on it? Would be interested to hear more

The TdF is super thank you, I love it. I'm not one for reviews though, I bunged up a pic and that was it.

I wouldn't say I'm lucky to have a good LBS, local bike shops that have been around for as long as his are generally there because they're good and people keep going back for work. Your seat post damager aside, I'm really surprised that your experiences have all been poor. I've bought new bikes and had work done at two LBS's in the last 10 years (one in Middlesex and one in Herts) because they had stellar reputations and good reviews for the quality of their work and service. My Genesis arrived spotless and flawless, but to be fair I'd expect it to.

Admittedly I've got one LBS near me where the owner is just awful. He literally stands there and insults customers. Seeing Fenwick's lube on his shelf, I innocently asked him if he ever got Fenwick's bike cleaner in (I've used it for ten years on about 6 bikes), and he basically went on a diatribe nigh on accusing me of being the worst kind of imbecile for not using Muc-Off, because everyone knows that anything else literally melts bikes apparently. Oh and Orro bikes are the best thing since sliced bread since they own all their component brands, so you're a dick if you buy a Trek, because Keith Bontrager was a sell out. (Standing behind him on a display stand is a brand new Orro with a dreadful, peeling / damaged finish that looks like a 6 year old did it). But his shop is always empty, and his online reviews are terrible. So, there you go, arses like him are easy to avoid, and I will. You can too, Google makes it easy.

One thing I will say is try not to ask a local bike shop to price match the very cheapest deals online, I think that's a little unfair on them. There's nothing an LBS with high overheads, high service levels and low margins likes less than being asked to match someone who shifts high volumes of cardboard boxes out of a warehouse with you doing all the setup. (Well, maybe being asked what else they'll throw in, and yes they get that).

I see Rutland Cycling have a branch relatively close in Bucks; so might drop them a line to see if they'll price-match some of the online retailers as they appear to have very good reviews and the localiy means I could inspect the bike before taking it away and it'd not be so far to take it back in the event of any issues.

If you're dead against an LBS, then that sounds like a plan.

 

[wafter]

You may be right about that, but you do seem to have ruled out every possible method of buying a bicycle.

I would suggest a Rose might suit.

The one I bought was perfect when it arrived.

I went round it - with my folding allen key set - and found every fixing tight as a drum.

Even the tyres were hard, a bit harder than I wanted so I let some German air complete its escape to England.

There's a few reassuring pics on their website of capable looking mechanics in Rose polo shirts working at Park stands in a clean, tidy, and well organised assembly area.

They offer free returns, spoke excellent English to me when I called before ordering, and have even started to offer colours other than black.

https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/

It's looking a bit that way, isn't it...? As much as it might not look the case, I'm really not trying to be difficult..

Thanks for the suggestion - unfortunately they're out on cost and material grounds, but I appreciate the though

The TdF is super thank you, I love it. I'm not one for reviews though, I bunged up a pic and that was it.

I wouldn't say I'm lucky to have a good LBS, local bike shops that have been around for as long as his are generally there because they're good and people keep going back for work. Your seat post damager aside, I'm really surprised that your experiences have all been poor. I've bought new bikes and had work done at two LBS's in the last 10 years (one in Middlesex and one in Herts) because they had stellar reputations and good reviews for the quality of their work and service. My Genesis arrived spotless and flawless, but to be fair I'd expect it to.

Admittedly I've got one LBS near me where the owner is just awful. He literally stands there and insults customers. Seeing Fenwick's lube on his shelf, I innocently asked him if he ever got Fenwick's bike cleaner in (I've used it for ten years on about 6 bikes), and he basically went on a diatribe nigh on accusing me of being the worst kind of imbecile for not using Muc-Off, because everyone knows that anything else literally melts bikes apparently. Oh and Orro bikes are the best thing since sliced bread since they own all their component brands, so you're a dick if you buy a Trek, because Keith Bontrager was a sell out. (Standing behind him on a display stand is a brand new Orro with a dreadful, peeling / damaged finish that looks like a 6 year old did it). But his shop is always empty, and his online reviews are terrible. So, there you go, arses like him are easy to avoid, and I will. You can too, Google makes it easy.

One thing I will say is try not to ask a local bike shop to price match the very cheapest deals online, I think that's a little unfair on them. There's nothing an LBS with high overheads, high service levels and low margins likes less than being asked to match someone who shifts high volumes of cardboard boxes out of a warehouse with you doing all the setup. (Well, maybe being asked what else they'll throw in, and yes they get that).



If you're dead against an LBS, then that sounds like a plan.

Excellent - glad to hear you're happy with the TdF; I'll search out your solitary picture

I'd say you've certainly been lucky compared to me / I've been unlucky relative to you. Thankfully I don't think I've encountered any nasty staff as in your example; just ineptitude / apathy / lack of care when it comes to work.

I completely appreciate your point about LBS' and pricing, and having worked in a similar sort of independent retail sector until fairly recently I'm well familiar with all the very legit reasons why such businesses are becoming increasingly non-viable, and why people need to be prepared to pay a bit more if they want them to survive. Were money not a problem I'd go with the 2nd one I approached, but can't really run to the additional cost unfortunately.

Sadly all the LBS' are out on the grounds of either cost or lack of trust. I'll maybe drop Rutland an email; still not really feeling overly enthusiastic about the whole thing..

 

[DRM]

But surely, when you come to pick your new bike up, if some ham fisted oaf has damaged it, reject it, get your deposit back and go elsewhere I’m sure most retailers want to complete the sale by sending you off happy with your new bike.

 

[wafter]

But surely, when you come to pick your new bike up, if some ham fisted oaf has damaged it, reject it, get your deposit back and go elsewhere I’m sure most retailers want to complete the sale by sending you off happy with your new bike.

Indeed - that's the plan; although collection wasn't necessarily always on the cards and I'd hoped to sidestep the chance for any potential issues by keeping the oafs away from the off

 

[vickster]

Indeed - that's the plan; although collection wasn't necessarily always on the cards and I'd hoped to sidestep the chance for any potential issues by keeping the oafs away from the off

Why can’t you buy direct from Genesis website in a box? (Maybe you said)
I was offered a Genesis at trade price, I don’t think it was going to come from a shop but boxed direct from Madison

 

[PaulSB]

@wafter I've been following this thread with interest and did post my view. I can understand you have concerns but don't understand the actual concerns - if that makes sense.

I'm sure the majority of posters in here have had poor or bad retail experiences, bike related or other products. It's an unfortunate part of life.

My view is that it is perfectly reasonable to expect to take delivery of a new bike in perfect condition. I do feel you are hugely over thinking this and seeing problems where they don't exist. Ultimately this will prevent you from purchasing the bike you want. The only person who loses out is you.

May I suggest the following:

1. Pay with a credit card
2. You have found an LBS you trust. Bite the bullet and accept the cost a quality shop needs to give the service. Over the lifetime of a bike this will be a small amount. If the bike is damaged at collection reject it.
3. Buy online and inspect immediately you receive the delivery. If there are issues photograph these and reject the bike.

I don't know much about warranty but I would guess if you buy online self- build doesn't invalidate warranty. If it did online sales would suffer badly.

I can't help but feel you are hurting yourself unnecessarily.

 

[PaulSB]

I would like to add another suggestion. Use this as the opportunity to begin a long-term relationship with the LBS you trust.

The benefits of this are enormous. I've been using the same LBS for 20 years. I trust them implicitly and I never question price. I know they are fair and would never sell me a pup. This takes time but pays dividends.

This week I needed new shifters. Cost new £189, I paid £50. Why? These had been kept after another customer asked to have these shifters changed for something better.

Recently I bought new wheels there. The LBS gave me £100 for the old ones. Why? They can be sold to someone who wants better wheels but can't afford new. I'm happy because I received £100. The other customer is happy. The LBS makes a few £££ and hugely enhances it's reputation. Everyone wins.

 

[wafter]

Why can’t you buy direct from Genesis website in a box? (Maybe you said)

I was offered a Genesis at trade price, I don’t think it was going to come from a shop but boxed direct from Madison

They don't appear to sell direct as such; anything coming straight from them (rather than via their listed bricks-and-mortar dealers) being through "freewheel.co.uk" (IIRC) who don't appear to offer price-matching and even if I thought it was acceptable value I couldn't afford full RRP.

Trade price sounds tasty - I take it you don't get them every day

@wafter I've been following this thread with interest and did post my view. I can understand you have concerns but don't understand the actual concerns - if that makes sense.

I'm sure the majority of posters in here have had poor or bad retail experiences, bike related or other products. It's an unfortunate part of life.

My view is that it is perfectly reasonable to expect to take delivery of a new bike in perfect condition. I do feel you are hugely over thinking this and seeing problems where they don't exist. Ultimately this will prevent you from purchasing the bike you want. The only person who loses out is you.

May I suggest the following:

1. Pay with a credit card

2. You have found an LBS you trust. Bite the bullet and accept the cost a quality shop needs to give the service. Over the lifetime of a bike this will be a small amount. If the bike is damaged at collection reject it.

3. Buy online and inspect immediately you receive the delivery. If there are issues photograph these and reject the bike.

I don't know much about warranty but I would guess if you buy online self- build doesn't invalidate warranty. If it did online sales would suffer badly.

I can't help but feel you are hurting yourself unnecessarily.

I would like to add another suggestion. Use this as the opportunity to begin a long-term relationship with the LBS you trust.

The benefits of this are enormous. I've been using the same LBS for 20 years. I trust them implicitly and I never question price. I know they are fair and would never sell me a pup. This takes time but pays dividends.

This week I needed new shifters. Cost new £189, I paid £50. Why? These had been kept after another customer asked to have these shifters changed for something better.

Recently I bought new wheels there. The LBS gave me £100 for the old ones. Why? They can be sold to someone who wants better wheels but can't afford new. I'm happy because I received £100. The other customer is happy. The LBS makes a few £££ and hugely enhances it's reputation. Everyone wins.

Thanks

Of course it should be reasonable to expect to receive a "new" product in perfect, unmarked condition. My experiences however have made me strongly pessimistic about this expectation, hence my desire to avoid as many opportunities for disaster as possible. Unfortunately, as much as I'd have liked it to have been otherwise, a problem has existed most of the times I've had cause to use an LBS.

Your relationship with your LBS sounds enviable and I agree with all your suggestions regarding the benefits of using one you trust. I'd much prefer to use the the apparently trustworthy LBS (both on principal and for my own convenience) but can't justify the cost as i've already talked myself well over-budget. Also (current situation notwithstanding) from a purely selfish perspective tbh I'm unlikely to use a shop much in future since I like to do my own work and generally don't buy a lot.

Unfortunately the credit card's out as I don't have one


Thanks everyone for your thoughts; they've helped me narrow down my options a bit

 

[vickster]

They don't appear to sell direct as such; anything coming straight from them (rather than via their listed bricks-and-mortar dealers) being through "freewheel.co.uk" (IIRC) who don't appear to offer price-matching and even if I thought it was acceptable value I couldn't afford full RRP.

Trade price sounds tasty - I take it you don't get them every day

A friend of mine works for a company within the Madison group. I didnt take her up on the offer of ummm about 60% off as I just don't need another bike however good a price! I could still take it up I'm sure but I wasn't that keen on the colour this year!

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I could still take it up I'm sure but I wasn't that keen on the colour this year!

Hey colour can matter right, to quite a crazy, nonsensical extent sometimes! I could have had last year's model of my most recent bike for 400 pounds discount. Now I'm normally all over that deal, but the 2019 was red, and this year's model is orange. I've always wanted an orange bike... it's incredible what you'll do sometimes when your dream bike all of a sudden becomes available in your dream colour! 😊

 

[vickster]

For me, size, overall look of frame including the colour are the most important elements of any bike. The rest of it can be changed if needed
Unfortunately, my friend couldn't get me last year's model in my size, the colour being far more 'me' (ie far less black )