Are bike prices negotiable (Page 2)

Well, Paul doesn't carry Felt, so I actually made the local shop that did match Tri Sports price for my frame/fork.  It was only a $100 difference and they were fine with that.  So I negotiated.

But yes, you're right ........ I don't pay retail for most things.  Advantage of having the owner of your old shop as your best man at your wedding. 

The owner of the LBS where I got the P2 doesn't qualify as a traditional "best man." Though I'm sure she'd be honored if I asked.



Edited by the bear 2009-06-24 9:10 AM

i look at this way. 

if you are a repeating customer and the guys know you by name i think its kind of expected they work with me a little. 

i bought 3 bikes from my local LBS in a span of 1.5 years.  2 mtbs 1 tt.  plus the other gear for the bikes.  they made alot of money on me.  they gave me a nice deal on the p2 and 15% on the gear and couple free tune ups.  i think they did it right.

i go there to buy even the smallest of small things.  even to bs with them for 15-30 min. 

Have you looked at the cost advantage of the free service over the lifetime of the bike (or as long as you have it anyway?) say you keep the bike for 3 years before upgrading. If you estimate that you are saving even $50 a year for service each year that is $150 dollors in savings. If you can get them to come within say...150-200 of the online price you really wanted to pay I would absolutely go with the LBS and consider it a great deal because you will have an awesome relationship with them (if you don't already) as well as hopefully be dealing with someone who knows you and what you are wanting to get out of the bike. Add to that they will probably throw in a free or at least very discounted fitting (assuming your LBS does fittings) and you could be looking at a large amount of savings (not even considering the shipping costs you wont pay) in the long and possibly short term.

I have been talking with my LBS about end of the year bikes for this coming fall/winter and what they have basically told me is $1500 bike - end of year deal = $1250 or so. If I am willing to pay anywhere between $1500 and 1600 they will work with me to put a package together then to include pedals, cleats, shoes and fitting, maybe even some other free accessories. I think it all comes down to talking to them and letting them know what you are looking for.

They are a business, and business is negotiation.

The worse they can say is, "no."

You then choose to do business with them or whomever can give you the best deal.

I believe in supporting the local LBS, but charity starts at home.

With the economy the way it is, you could also score a good deal on a used bike on ebay or craigslist.  Depending on seller's motivation, you could negotiate an even lower price than what they asked for in the listing.

Well I went in today to get a fit on the B16, they asked me if I would want to try the B12.I told them that it was out of my budget, they asked what they would have to do to interest me in it. So they ended up taking 20% off the price. So needless to say I am going to be getting the B12. They were a lot more negotiable with the prices then I accepted. 

'08 or '09?  The '09 is a better bike ..........

Still, great choice!  You got them at the "right time" it sounds like.

2009

Sweet, you said no and they said "Pleaseeeeeeee with a cherry on top" who could refuse!