Do many cycle shops try and Palm-Off staff bikes ?
VTech
Posts: 4,736
The reason I ask is that when looking for a bike I visited a few places and most seemed very very good, knowledgable and helpful but a couple, one in particular told me that the best bike for me was a bike they had in store, it was the owners personal bike which he was upgrading/replacing and would be everything I could ever need.
The only problem that I felt was there was down to the size. I am 5'9" and have been told that i need a 54 frame so when the shop told me that the bike they thought I should have was a 47 it didnt seem to stack up.
However, they assured me that bikes are different in build and that this would suit me so I felt assured and I also purchased another bike for the wife whilst there.
They were very helpful, friendly and all seemed good but having read all of the different magazines at WHSmith (I fly a lot with work so get time to read a lot) something just didnt sit right so I called the bike manufacturer who were again, VERY helpful and asked me my measurements and was told that in fact the best bike for me was the medium 54 !
I was upset at the thought that the guy simply wanted to sell me his old bike rather than the right bike. needless to say, I didnt buy it but wondered if this happens a lot ?
The only problem that I felt was there was down to the size. I am 5'9" and have been told that i need a 54 frame so when the shop told me that the bike they thought I should have was a 47 it didnt seem to stack up.
However, they assured me that bikes are different in build and that this would suit me so I felt assured and I also purchased another bike for the wife whilst there.
They were very helpful, friendly and all seemed good but having read all of the different magazines at WHSmith (I fly a lot with work so get time to read a lot) something just didnt sit right so I called the bike manufacturer who were again, VERY helpful and asked me my measurements and was told that in fact the best bike for me was the medium 54 !
I was upset at the thought that the guy simply wanted to sell me his old bike rather than the right bike. needless to say, I didnt buy it but wondered if this happens a lot ?
Living MY dream.
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Go elsewhere to a reputable dealer, get a bike fit and do it the right way. You will be happier in the long run, on a bike that suits your geometry and one which is comfortable for YOU, as SmoggySteve aptly puts.
You must have a very important job
The rule is that you have to judge the right size for yourself (or get a bike fit) and not listen to any of the sales patter.
Its not just bike shops - this goes for anything in life...
He's an air hostess
No, I just fly a lot.
If I was a road sweeper and your road was dirty, I would have an important job.
If I was a brain surgeon and examined your head I would have an important job (although im not certain if humour can be transplanted yet)
When I was looking for my current steed, I wanted to try it against a Cannondale CAAD10 Carbon with 105. Found a LBS that had it in stock (in my size) and went along to have a look and all appeared in order. When I enquired why such a hefty discount, I was told it was "the owner's son's" who had gone away to university so didn't have a use for it any more and it only had 50 miles on it. Now, this story may be true, it may not, but I wasn't convinced and walked away. I'd recommend anyone to do the same, rather than part with their hard-earned.
Of course, there was also the factor that the only test-ride I could have was around a fenced off section of their car park. I even offered to put down the whole amount of the bike on my card, to be refunded on the safe return of the bike (i.e. no risk to the bike shop if I "did one"), only to be told " We don't do refunds, we can give you a credit note though".
These shops should be named and shamed. I am happy to say "Partridge Cycles in Exeter, in my opinion, you SUCK!". And your policy cost you a sale, as I took my business elsewhere.
Anyway, no moral to the story, just thought it was interesting that you should bring this up when I almost had an "owner's bike" sold to me - even though it was actually what I went for in the first place.
Commuting hack: Cube Nature
I can understand the need to sell old stock, thats just business but to try and sell something that simply isnt right for a customer is plain wrong. I wouldnt want to name the shop as they were the losers in the end and I wont shop there again.
If anyone wants to start one, the Buying advice forum would probably be the place to go.
Commuting hack: Cube Nature
now if im honest she rode it for about 100 miles max in all these years.. total waste of money
since i have got into road bikes and servicing them i learnt about chain wear and bought an indicator
the tool fell straight through the chain meaning major wear also the jockey wheels were shot
in 100 miles thats impossible.!! isnt it ??
im sure they sold me a mint shop bike without saying as the wear just doesnt match the miles she has done
http://app.strava.com/athletes/881211
The old fashioned way was to size bikes by their seat tube, this has changed over recent years to effective top tube, however the shop in question may well still use seat tube measurements, therefore a 47 may well have fitted perfectly, did you ask to see the bike or even sit on it, it would be quickly apparent if if was the incorrect size.
The seat seamed fine, but the bike was like sitting on a 12 year olds bike, it didnt look or feel right (but I am new to this so if what your saying is right, it could have been perfect?)
However once "used" as a display or owner's personal bike they can legitimately sell on with a big discount.
I'm sure there are other reasons the "owner's personal bike" story comes out but it should never give rise to an outlet trying to dupe a buyer into a wrong sized bike.