LBS Loyalty | Buy New vs. Used

I go to a LBS for all my tune-ups and clothing, nutrition, etc.  They've done fittings for me and helped me out with lots of things for my bike.  But, when I bought a tri bike, I did end up getting it used.  They have been really understanding about the situation and got my fit set up on the new bike and everything.

Sizing is a pretty big issue.  The guy at my store told me I could check with him to see if the bike was the right size. 

It is nice to have a good relationship with a bike shop or two..I have good relationship with 4 different shops. I shop at all of them and on line too.

I considered buying my tri bike on line new but the local shop made it more attractice. Comparing new local to used ebay is like apples and pears..similar but different.

Ask the bike shop what they have in your price range. Go to other bike shops. Some discount last years bikes by $100-200 others much much more.

Big dollar purchase means shop around more and educate yourself.

Buying a great bike at a super deal on Ebay that doesn't fit is useless. Fit rules in buying a bike..hard to do that on line.

As long as you are taking the bike into them for maintenance, tune-ups, etc. and you are getting your accessories from them, your LBS is still going to make plenty of money from you over the long run. 

We have purchased our last four Treks from a local bike shop in the past five years or so.  Prior to that, we purchased two Giant mountain bikes from another bike shop in town.  In both cases, we have been provided unbelievably excellent after sale support. Maybe everyone does not need this kind of support, but I most certainly do.

Put me down for buying at the LBS.

I am fixin to buy a bike myself.  There is only 2 bike shops in my area.  I go to one in particular about once a month to take a look around.  They only sell Specialized and Cervelo.  They have redunkless deals going on right now.  The head guy was like I have looked and there is only one other place online that has a lower price by 100 dollars.  The guy has done tri's since the early 80s.  He was schooling me on everything there is to know about Cervelo.  Then he went on about how he does his fitting and who he has studied under about fitting.  Then he goes on and tells me all but 3 of his clients are clydesdale.  That was our last conversation and he pretty much sold me on a P2 (which was the bike I was gonna get anyway).    Anywho all the guys up there are good guys and know there stuff!     So I say buy local support your local economy.

I got my first bike online, and had no issue.  I did used an online fitting program, and reviewed LOTS of specs on the bikes I was looking at, and found some that would work.  It ended up fine (but it was a bike that was <$1000).

When I got my better bike, I felt more comfortable spending the $2500 at the LBS because they would exchange it if the fit didn't work, and included a fitting, a couple tune ups, etc....  Plus they specialize in Cervelo, so I knew where to take it for more than basic maintenance.  I can do it all, but figure I would leave it to the professionals if it was a serious fix.

Dave,

 I love buying used bikes!  Here's my history.

In college I watched the 1999 TDF...after hearing about this Lance guy I just had to ride.  Within a few weeks I found myself at LBS buying a  Lemond Chambery on consignment...with the 600.  I paid $900 and I still have the 600 to this day!  The only thing I have upgraded on it is the seat and the wheels.

Later that year my boss was selling his (prob 6 months old) Merlin mountain bike...he paid well into the $4,s for it and I picked it up for $1800 

 Fast forward to this year when I waited and waited and waited for the right deal to pop up on CL.  My thought process this time was that I wanted a higher end bike but didn't want to spend more than $3K.  Saw some Cervelo P2s...liked em...but secretly wanted the P3.  Then one day, I found this barely used BLINGmobile...for $2500

So keep looking...CL might just work out great for you.