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Where did you get your tri bike?
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 2009-08-11 11:38 AM |
Member  44  Ann Arbor |  Subject: Where did you get your tri bike?Curious for those of you who own tri bikes, where did you buy them? I ask because I have been to Bikesport, Cadence, and Two Wheel Tango, and while all of them are eager to take my money and order me a bike at full msrp, none of them have bikes in stock for test rides. While I understand their position and the increased complexity of tri bike fit, I am not eager to fork over $2k for a tri bike having never ridden in the aero position. |
| 2009-08-11 12:10 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Master 1390  Ferndale, MI | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I got mine at Cycle to Fitness. I think you'll find this dilemma with most bike stores. All I can offer is this......certain store/s will promise one delivery date. Multiply that by 10. |
| 2009-08-11 12:26 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Extreme Veteran 730 Milford, MI | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I got mine at Bike Sport. Tom is really good to work with once you actually get the bike. He's got an awesome bike fitting system - all computerized. And they do a good job of providing service afterwords too. I had one of the trays for the pad on my aero bar snap off, so I called them up and they fedex'd me one out right away free of charge. I also had a derailleur cable break and they fixed that right away too. That said, it takes a long long time to get the bike. Take whatever time they give you and pretty much triple it. In fact, I know people who have waited so long that they asked for their money back. I'm not sure if this is the manufacturers fault or Bike Sports for just not following up with them, credit issues, or whatever - no idea. And I'm not sure if other stores have similar issues. Good luck where ever you go! |
| 2009-08-11 12:41 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
| 48 | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I bought my tri bike back in dec fom bikesport and they had it in stock so i just took it home that day. But i ordered i road bike from them back in June and was told it would only take 2 weeks to get. I still have not got the bike. Today i actually canceled the order and im going down there to see if they have any bikes in stock around my price range and if not I'm going to go to Fraser Cycles they have a pretty large selection of bikes in stock over there. |
| 2009-08-11 1:47 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Regular 79 Hickory Corners | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Bikesport, bikesportmichigan.com/ Its worth the drive. I went back in June, and there was, of course, construction, but Tom is down to earth, and treats you as an equal. They are knowledgeable about what they do, and if your a beginner like I am, they can explain things so we can understand, without sounding degrading. I called, setup an appt for a week from the day I called. Got fit, and a week later, went back for final fitting and took the bike home. I highly recommend bikesport, cant say enough good things about them. Edited by TRI2keepUP 2009-08-11 1:48 PM |
| 2009-08-11 1:53 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
| Master 1895 | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Yeah...it's hit or miss with Bikesport. I was totally happy with my purchse. My bike was in maybe a week after I ordered it and they got me right in for the final fitting. Tom is great and the rest of the peeps that work there are nice. I'd go back again next time I'm in the market for a bike. |
| 2009-08-11 1:54 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
| New user 476 | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? |
| 2009-08-11 1:57 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Extreme Veteran 375 Middleville, MI | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I got my tri bike at Alfred E Bike in downtown Kalamazoo. They are not triathlon specialists and they didn't do the kind of fitting that some of the tri shops would do, but the price was incredible and they were very good to work with. It was in stock and I took it home the same day. Only test ride was on the trainer but that was my choice not theirs as I was dressed for work at the time. |
| 2009-08-11 4:00 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Veteran 281 | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Fraser Bike shop (www.fraserbicycle.com). They are on the east side of Detroit (Fraser, MI - imagine that!). They do have lots of styles in stock, nice fitting system and training rides in the basement - if you are so inclined! They specialize and support most of the local Tri's. Tony is a great guy as well. |
| 2009-08-11 5:45 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Champion 6627 Rochester Hills, Michigan Gold member | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Bikesport, and this was a couple years ago. My bike was delivered within 2 weeks, awesome fit...still use the same position today, it works. No commercial issues either... paid, got the bike, said thanks, moving right along. That being said, Bikesport has had their share of issues and dissatisfied folks, the trend seems to be increasing. Either you have the world's best experience (no doubting Tom's ability and expertise) or the world's worst. Doesn't seem to be much middle ground anymore. Don't know why, either. I owe Tom a visit. |
| 2009-08-11 6:55 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Master 2202 Canton, Michigan | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Anywhere but Bikesport. If you do break down and fall for his sales pitch make sure you use a credit card so you have some recourse, but of course some of the rules state 90 days for disputing charges, so if you get close with no bike start the dispute process. I don't care how good he can fit a bike. If you pay with cash or check, good luck your on your own at that point. I really disrespect people that lie to me and my wife on a constant basis and that's what you'll get at Bikesport. He would tell the wife one thing and two days later tell me something totally different, he couldn't even keep his BS straight. There's more then one guy that's been screwed after ordering a Cervelo and never being contacted by Bikesport after they lost there dealership of the brand last month. When the #1 tri bike maker pulls there dealership from a shop you should pay attention and if you don't good luck! I have been coresponding with the national sales manager/general manager of Felt and have been told that any Felt ordered should be at a bike shop in Michigan within 5 days of the order being placed to Felt. It was 9 weeks and no bike and even more lies told by Tom on how Felt kept dropping the ball. After being told I could have a full refund I called after a few days and was told his accountant was injured so I couldn't get my money back, after 10 days I had to resort to filing paperwork at the bank, just what I had time for. There's plenty of other good shops that will fit you to a bike. Edited by rottieguy 2009-08-11 6:57 PM |
| 2009-08-11 8:34 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Extreme Veteran 613 | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Come on over to the west side and check out Cross Country Cycle in Holland. Understand, though, that they only sell Specialized in the types of rides we are interested in, but Laura does a GREAT job with fit and they fully stand behind their stuff. |
| 2009-08-11 9:14 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Member 79 Royal Oak | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Lots of good feedback here... Demmerly at Bikesport is either loved or passionately disliked. To his defense, he had a stroke earlier this year and I think has a tough time recalling a few things, here and there. Either way, I was not comfortable shelling out $3,000 and waiting up to a month to get a bike. Fraser has a great selection and inventory. It is late in the season, so that may have changed a bit. If I were to do this all over again this year, I would go to Cadence. I recently met the owner Angel and he is a solid guy. He will deliver quickly and will give you a great fitting with the price of the bike. Fraser charges another $250, or so for the fitting. You will really enjoy Cadence. |
| 2009-08-11 9:16 PM in reply to: #2342892 |
Champion 5850 Michigan | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? blakekenny1 - 2009-08-11 10:14 PM Lots of good feedback here... Demmerly at Bikesport is either loved or passionately disliked. To his defense, he had a stroke earlier this year and I think has a tough time recalling a few things, here and there. Either way, I was not comfortable shelling out $3,000 and waiting up to a month to get a bike. Fraser has a great selection and inventory. It is late in the season, so that may have changed a bit. If I were to do this all over again this year, I would go to Cadence. I recently met the owner Angel and he is a solid guy. He will deliver quickly and will give you a great fitting with the price of the bike. Fraser charges another $250, or so for the fitting. You will really enjoy Cadence.
bought my bike before his stroke, the man knows his stuff and was very kind to me but it did take almost FOUR MONTHS to get my bike....yes, FOUR MONTHS. |
| 2009-08-11 9:32 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Master 1390 Ferndale, MI | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I know Two Wheel Tango in Ann Arbor has a good rep and I hear their new fit girl (forgot her name) is right on. Look at me speaking hippie! |
| 2009-08-11 9:44 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Member 79 Royal Oak | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? Trixie - That is BRUTAL!! My personal read...there is an involuntary ponzi scheme going on there = financial issues... |
| 2009-08-11 10:40 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Expert 1091 | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I got my bike this spring at Bikesport...I did however make the purchase because: 1. it was a great deal 2. it was instock 3. I could pick it up in 3 days I got a great starter bike with a great pricetag and very detailed fitting from Tom. He took very good care of me, listened to everything I had to say and gave me a second fit when I had an issue dealing with a running injury. BUT...I'd done my research, and I don't think I could have pulled the trigger if my bike choice wasn't in stock. I'd read tooooo many reports of disappointed customers who didn't get their bikes in months, etc. I've been in customer service, and run my own business and know the value of over estimating delivery and being able to produce on time or early for your client. His shop seems to have it backwards in this department. Good luck on your bike hunt! |
| 2009-08-11 10:57 PM in reply to: #2342894 |
Expert 937 Traverse Cityish | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? trixie - 2009-08-11 10:16 PM blakekenny1 - 2009-08-11 10:14 PM Lots of good feedback here... Demmerly at Bikesport is either loved or passionately disliked. To his defense, he had a stroke earlier this year and I think has a tough time recalling a few things, here and there. Either way, I was not comfortable shelling out $3,000 and waiting up to a month to get a bike. Fraser has a great selection and inventory. It is late in the season, so that may have changed a bit. If I were to do this all over again this year, I would go to Cadence. I recently met the owner Angel and he is a solid guy. He will deliver quickly and will give you a great fitting with the price of the bike. Fraser charges another $250, or so for the fitting. You will really enjoy Cadence.
bought my bike before his stroke, the man knows his stuff and was very kind to me but it did take almost FOUR MONTHS to get my bike....yes, FOUR MONTHS. Which means he sold a few bikes off the floor before he had the cash to order yours or your money went to the next two people in line waiting for bike. I've heard of this happening at Bikesport for at least three years now, but it's getting much more frequent. Funny as he seems to be driving nice vehicles and riding nice bikes. Tom is a hell of an athlete and a good bike fitter, but he's been letting his business slip long before his health issues. For his sake I hope he can pull it all back together with his health and his business, but I think that business wise his reputation has been badly tarnished by the way his customers have been treated. |
| 2009-08-12 8:06 AM in reply to: #2341466 |
Master 1920 Ann Arbor, MI | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? My boyfriend got his bike at Two Wheel Tango in Ann Arbor. I also like Cadence, but you are correct, they have almost no bikes on the floor. I, too, would have a hard time not test riding a new bike. Are you planning any trips to a major city anytime soon? You could test ride a bike somewhere else, and then purchase it from a shop that you like locally. |
| 2009-08-12 8:41 AM in reply to: #2341466 |
Member 44 Ann Arbor | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I've pretty much decided there is no way I am going to buy a new bike without seeing it in the flesh and getting a chance to ride it first. At least not right now, when my season is over next week. Since I'm in no hurry I will probably just be waiting until new bikes come back in stock around here or until I can visit an out of town store that has bikes. Or continuing to look for something used. I appreciate all the advice, which confirms my decision that it would be best to wait. |
| 2009-08-12 3:32 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Master 3205 ann arbor, michigan | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I got mine from Cadence in Saline. Angel is awesome. He has taken all of the time required to make my bike fit and work. Yes, I ordered it without riding it. Angel will basically tell you, "I will make this bike work for you or I will buy it back." I haven't heard of him actually having to do this but I have heard him say it to several customers. My bike took only six days from order to fitting. Angel has been incredibly responsive to issues. I really like this shop, it is close to my home, and I want it to continue to do well so I recommend it to everyone. Biased opinion. |
| 2009-08-12 7:10 PM in reply to: #2341466 |
Member 49 frozen north till Spring | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? i am shopping for one right now and the closest good store is Breakaway Bicycles in Muskegon and they stock tri bikes they have 2 other stores one in K-zoo (i think) and the other in Gr. Haven they have a nice web site with a listing of closeout bikes bobby |
| 2009-08-13 5:56 AM in reply to: #2341466 |
Master 1467 Small Town | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I was also in the Bikesport multi-month waiting club. Tom's beyond knowledgeable about all things tri, but I have a hard time imagining that he didn't know my bike was more than the 2 weeks out he told me when I paid for the bike. That being said, when I went in for my final fitting I walked out happy. In fairness to all bike shops, I don't think you can test ride a tri bike once or twice for 20 miles and find your perfect bike (based on price or fit). It takes a few hundred miles in the saddle to really learn how to ride aero comfortably. I suggest getting the basic fitting to find what bike frames would best fit you. You can compare the stack and reach for most frames on SlowTwitch. Do your own research; look at frame options (Alum/carbon, components, etc), search for bike reviews, and make a list of questions for the bike shops. For the most part, if you find a new bike that you want, you'll find that most bike shops have the same price. So then look to see where you'll get the most benefit for the time after you buy the bike... fitting (video/motion capture), tune ups and maybe some extra deals on future equipment and gear orders. |
| 2009-08-13 6:13 AM in reply to: #2341466 |
Member 297 Ann Arbor | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? I got my bike off of craigslist. I LOVE my bike. |
| 2009-08-13 8:43 AM in reply to: #2345567 |
Master 1327 Ann Arbor, Michigan | Subject: RE: Where did you get your tri bike? The problem with the "test drive the bike" theory is bikes are the worst inventory for a bike store to keep on hand, huge cost and it's not everyday someone walks in to drop 2K on a bike, or even 1K. I'm an obsessive compulsive planner so I'm an anomaly, I think. After I decided I liked this whole tri business, I planned my purchase to coincide with the worst tri buying season: WINTER. that's right. when everyone's hunkered down in Michigan and not all enthusiastic about riding their bike. So I sauntered into Bikesport oh in December of '07 and plunked down my credit card for a Felt B2 -- after extensive measuring and decision making came to the conclusion that was the best fit for me. I wasn't all chomping at the bit of "where's my bike, where's my bike?" cuz there was 10 feet of snow on the ground and I was pedaling away on my road bike on my trainer. After the bike arrived, yes, what seemed like a very long time later but in time for spring training, Tom spent HOURS fitting me. Agreed -- you either love or hate BSM. There seems to be no middle ground. But, I've been a loyal BSM customer since they opened their doors, so perhaps I am treated differently since I've been wandering in regularly since the early '90s. Tom's extremely knowledgeable and has done a lot for the sport but a lot of the complaints of late do give me pause and shouldn't be disregarded. Edited by travljini 2009-08-13 8:44 AM |
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