Specialized - stock problems?

SpinningJenny

Hi all

I'm feeling a bit fed up today

Went to a new (to me) LBS yesterday who specialise in Specialized. The guy was very, very helpful but we hit a bit of a hiccup when it came to him saying..."and we can get the one that suits you best in from Specialized in a few days, let me just check how long..." Goes to computer, tap, tappity, tap on keyboard... "Oh". Specalized have NO stock right now.

Can I assume that this is the 'lets run stock down in time for the 2010 bikes release' effect?

I could go to Evans, but I would feel a bit crap and I know that for all that they are quite good, I just won't get the same level of attention and consideration. I do have a couple of options open to me at the helpful LBS (including a 2008 bike if it works for me) but I'm not sure I can get back there this coming weekend....

Aaaag

grumsta

What bike was it?

ThanksBye

Would this LBS be South Downs Bikes?

SpinningJenny

grumsta - it was the Myka HT Expert in a 17" or if that didn't suit, the Rockhopper Sport Disc in a 15", with tweaked seatage, etc. Basically, he was prepared to do whatever it took to get a good fit.

tomato - no, Rayment, in Brighton. Hmm, South Downs Bikes - they seem to be having the same sort of problem.....

Like I said, the guy in Rayment was great, but hampered by stock problems!

GHill

IME Specialized usually start to run out of some of the more popular bikes at this time of year.

I wonder if they just get a big batch made and when it's gone it's gone.

fenboy369

Whilst trying to track down a Pitch I emailed Specialized about the correct rrp as I could find 4 different ones. The guy who emailed back said that there were no large ones left with them, they had all been sold to shops for stock and medium were fast running out. Hr said this was down to a couple of good reviews in mags (bloody media ) and that they wouldnt be importing from Europe due to a v.pants exchange rate, so if I could find one, buy it quick!
I also think its down to a great peice of pricing by Specialized. Getting the Pitch and FSR XC's under a grand slotted them in nicely for the £1000 limit on the cycle to work scheme and I think thats half of why they sold so quick.
And they are damned good bikes....

SpinningJenny

Thanks to you both. I have emailed Specialized, but they haven't got back to me yet....

Hmm... what to do, what to do? :?

Well, I think I'll speak to my OH tonight and get some perspective (NOT consent, I'll have you know ). I'm so stuck in the warp of 'I must have one' that I need to get some rationality.

And then of course I'll still rearrange my plans for Saturday and go down to the shop anyway.....

Beer, anyone?

Appreciate that I was looking for a road bike and not a mountain bike, but Spesh were completely out of stock of Tarmac or Roubaix Elites apart from in maybe one or two sizes (of course, not mine). All the bike shops I tried had nothing. this happens every year, so don't know why spesh haven't picked up on it and thought about manufacturing some more in the smaller sizes....

(Luckily I found a 2008 model hidden away so therefore got an even better price than I was intending on spending and it is fantastic.)

Apparently they were going to be getting more of the 2009 models in sometime around July though.

Not sure if any of this is applicable to their mtb stock though!

alfablue

My LBS told me for the last 2 years the manufacturers (generally) were trying to avoid the usual oversupply and consequent end of model year sales. Reducing supply will help them maintain prices / reduce losses, probably important at these times.

Mrs Toast

When I got my Stumpy a few weeks ago, it was only one of two in small left in their warehouse. I know the Pitch is fairly hard to get hold of, and apparently quite a few of the road bikes sold out even earlier in the year.

supermonkey

Seems silly to me that people want to buy their bikes but can't because they haven't got any to sell.

Anonymous

they will have made plenty and there are none left because they are ace bikes.

look at the spec lists and you will see that they tend to be pretty good vlue, and they make ace looking bikes.

no doubt magazine reviews will have been responsible for their popularity but as good as they are, they often get slated for being a bit boring. seems boring is something the british cycling public likes.

in my opinion spesh make something for pretty much everyone and they make it well. couple that with amazing customer service, good pricing, good looks and most importantly, brill bikes to ride, its a winning formula.

GHill

sheepsteeth wrote:

they will have made plenty and there are none left because they are ace bikes.

Err, doesn't that mean they didn't make plenty

Anonymous

oh yeah, good point, lets go to the sandbox for a fight cause you have a different opinion on something.

keirtristan

Why not Evans? I have been to Freewheel in Nottingham, Leisure Lakes in Breaston (Nottingham branch) and Evans in Nottingham.

I received the same level of attention and consideration from all 3 but the one thing that took me back to Evans was I wanted a Genesis which the other two didn't stock.

At every point Evans have been incredibly attentive, from the moment I went in to have the first llok at the Core 20 to the point I went back decided to buy. They sold the one they had in store when I rang to arrange a demo after my first visit just to have a look, they were very helpful in arranging a 2nd one to come into store for me to demo.

Then they have been great when I went for my demo and help in choosing the extras I needed.

I would say forget LBS loyalty and go get the bike you really want. If it's the one you want just get it from where ever you can, you will only end up regretting it if you chose another bike that's not right for you.

You can always use your LBS for future upgrading and servicing.

GHill

sheepsteeth wrote:

oh yeah, good point, lets go to the sandbox for a fight cause you have a different opinion on something.

That really did make me chuckle.

SpinningJenny

keirtristan wrote:

Why not Evans? I have been to Freewheel in Nottingham, Leisure Lakes in Breaston (Nottingham branch) and Evans in Nottingham.

I received the same level of attention and consideration from all 3 but the one thing that took me back to Evans was I wanted a Genesis which the other two didn't stock.

At every point Evans have been incredibly attentive, from the moment I went in to have the first llok at the Core 20 to the point I went back decided to buy. They sold the one they had in store when I rang to arrange a demo after my first visit just to have a look, they were very helpful in arranging a 2nd one to come into store for me to demo.

Then they have been great when I went for my demo and help in choosing the extras I needed.

I would say forget LBS loyalty and go get the bike you really want. If it's the one you want just get it from where ever you can, you will only end up regretting it if you chose another bike that's not right for you.

You can always use your LBS for future upgrading and servicing.

I absolutely take your point. I didn't meant that I wouldn't go because they were a chain, more that havnig used them versus the LBS, I know which I prefer for level of service. Also, I now know that Evans are short on all the bikes and sizes that are applicable to me anyway. I do know that the LBS have a couple of last year's models in the 'back room' which I can try and they will do me a good deal on too!

My current bike is in for a service at Evans as we speak, so I haven't boycotted them!

55NF

I tried in vain to get a Specilaized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon in a 17' . Couldn't find one within 100 miles at various stores. Apparently Specialized had sold out and only had a few 18's left.

I called Specialized Concept Store in Ruislip who got one directlly from Specialized. Last 17' in the factory apparently.

Could've gone with 18' but wouldn't have been happy.

Give Ruislip a try. Great Staff and attention to detail

SpinningJenny

There's only one thing to do.....

PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shock:

I'm getting on the phone to the LBS right now....

SpinningJenny

I phoned my LBS - making a 'test every appropriate bike in the shop' visit on Saturday morning 8)

I will be waiting outside for the staff to turn up