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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1950.0. "L.L.Bean bikes?" by PIPPER::PAINTER (give the world laughter) Wed May 22 1991 18:54

    OK, let's try this again...
        
    Has anyone ever purchased a bike from L.L.Bean?  If so, how do their
    prices compare to other places?
    
    Cindy
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1950.1UH, UH...WMOIS::C_GIROUARDThu May 23 1991 09:458
     Cindy, three words... "Don't do it". There are plenty of reputable
    dealers around that will treat you the same plus provide the advan-
    tage of having some good mechanics right there on the premises, plus
    fit you correctly, plus provide accessories, plus, plus, plus...
    
     My humble opinion...
    
       Chip
1950.2$'s & SenseNEMAIL::DELORIEAI've got better things to do.Thu May 23 1991 12:0219
This reply is addressed to all mail order bike buyers. 

If you are not a bike mechanic don't buy bikes from mail order companies.
All bikes require a break in period. After the first 50 miles a bike can loosen
up quite a lot. This will happen, to some degree, regardless of how well the 
bike was first put together. Most shops will do this first check up for free. 
That is worth about $30 dollars right there. 

A good bicycle sales person should also help fitting you with the correct frame
size bike. Are you sure what size *frame* you need? If the answer is no then you
have another reason why you should not buy from a mail order company. 

The advice and free stuff I have received from the bike shop I do business with
more than makes up the initial dollar amount I could of saved going mail order.

Mail order on the other hand is great for buying tools, components, tires and
tubes and other side line stuff.

Tom
1950.3small,medium,or largeWMOIS::HORNE_CThu May 23 1991 12:112
    How do you wear a bicycle anyhow.....
    
1950.4He said with a grin! *8^))UBRKIT::CLELANDUSC_IM$T Data Center ServicesThu May 23 1991 12:1811
    	Ummmm, uhhhhhh...
    
    	I think you just slap that puppy between your legs...
    
    	"That's what she said!"
    
    	Oops!
    
    	Sorry...
    
    	Had to do it...
1950.5LL's Mail Order or Outlet Store?PIPE::SMITHChromed CannondaleThu May 23 1991 12:2511
    
    	If you live in New Engalnd you can go to the LL Beans store in 
    Freeport, Me. or the factory outlet in Conway, N.H.  If this is how
    you are considering purchasing a Bean's bike then I'd recommend
    it only if you can pick it up on sale.  I've seen there top of
    the line mountain bikes that were Cannondales (last years) with the 
    LL label on them in the Outlets marked down to 50% of what you could
    buy the comparable C Dale for.  Since you have the opportunity to
    try it out and be sure it fits it's definately a bargain and worth
    the trip/effort.
    						_Jerry
1950.6L.L.PIPPER::PAINTERgive the world laughterThu May 23 1991 14:3117
    
    I was actually thinking of making the pilgrimage, having lived in New
    England now for 10 years and have yet to visit them.
    
    I spoke with their bike person and he was most helpful (they have a
    special number set up for bikes and fishing).  He's sending me some
    info on the bike that sounds right for me, according to my very rough
    description of what I'm looking for.  He also suggested checking out a
    few bike shops in this are to get a better idea of the features offered
    and the appropriate frame size for me.  Then if I still wanted the bike
    from them, he recommended driving up to their store to try it out. 
    
    No hard sell job at all, and their bikes are 100% guaranteed returnable
    if they don't work out.
    
    On to the bike shops...
    Cindy
1950.7Bean Bargain BikesKAHALA::PRESTONTue Aug 04 1992 16:5211
    Well, given that L.L. Bean will try to keep the prices of their bikes
    competitive, finding a last-year's model at 50% off at their outlet
    would be a terrific bargain. Keep in mind, however, at that price you
    lose all the L.L. Bean benefits: They won't have anyone in N. Conway to
    help fit you to the bike, they won't fix it, and you can't return it,
    but if you can get a $500 bike for $250, that's still quite a deal!
    
    And you have to be there at the right time, too...
    
    Ed