Would it be better to mail order a bike after you've tested some out and know what you want, or find it in a store? Maybe the bike store would jack up their own profit margin. Any thoughts?
Where to buy a new bike?
- Thread starter anthonyclayton
- Start date
Jack up their profit margin? Uhm, bike shops don't have much of a profit margin, and that's especially the case on bikes. Bike shops make the most profit off of accessories and bike service, but it's not as if they're making a handsome profit. If you don't know what size bike you need or what proper sizing means, then you'll no doubt want to test rides some bikes. Why don't you start by test riding some bikes and seeing what sort of prices bike shops will offer? Note that NOS bikes, i.e. new bikes from years past, can typically be found at pretty good discounts. You should also note that bike shops quite often offer some sort of free follow up bike service and/or discounts to people who buy bikes in said shops.anthonyclayton said:
If you are on a relatively tight budget, semi-literate, and can DIY, then a "mail order" bike can be a good thing ...
BTW. 'I' don't think that it is fair to test ride bikes OR to test fit shoes/etc. at brick-and-mortar store & then buy the item online ...
However, if the shop doesn't have what you want OR you strongly disagree with what they are trying to sell you OR you just don't like their attitude, then it is your prerogative to shop someplace else ... and, that alternate place may be another LBS or it may be online.
OF COURSE, you may not like the item(s) at the LBS which you are looking at ... if that is the case then it would be silly to buy the particular item(s).
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