[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

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

1956.0. "Buying several bikes: what bargaining power do I have?" by ULTRA::FERGUSON (Too much Magic Bus) Mon Jun 03 1991 12:41

Hi,

This past weekend, I went to Pedal Power (route 2A, Acton MA) looking for 
a "city" bike for my father's birthday.  Well, I ended up getting some 
information for myself as well as taking numerous test drives on various 
mountain bikes.  Later that day, I brought a friend there and she also 
wants to get a mountain bike.

I found a decent bike for my father made by "Giant", model "Rincon".  I 
test drove it and it rode/shifted well.  Price $289.

Myself, I really liked the Mongoose IBOC Sport.  As a kid, I used to race and
severly beat on (jumping) BMX bikes and Mongoose was about the only model I
could not break.   This is the 1990 model; on sale from $459 to $399, 18"
frame.

My friend really liked the Raleigh Traverse, 16" frame.  She test drove a
mountain bike made by Giant (don't remember which one) and she liked the
Raleigh better (steered and braked better).  Price is $449.

Also, since my friend and I are just starting out, we'll need water bottles,
helmets, and perhaps a saddle bag (anything else?).  (another $150?)

The bikes alone are going to total nearly $1140, plus tax (massachusetts).
Now my questions:

	- Is there anything detremental I should know about the brand
	  of bikes listed above?

	- How much to I stand to bargain with Pedal Power? $1150 is a lot
          of bread!  Could I bargain free accessories?  A free bike?
	  They also include a free 4-month service contract for free
	  adjustments.

	- Are their (Pedal Power) prices competetive or easily beaten?  I 
          don't want to drive 50 miles to save $100.  I'd drive 20-30, which 
          puts me over the boarder into tax-free NH, to save > $100.

	- What are some other stores (Maynard/Leominster area, and Southern
          NH) that may carry at least 2 of these models ?

Any help is much appreciated,

JC Ferguson
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1956.1components on each bikeULTRA::FERGUSONToo much Magic BusMon Jun 03 1991 13:4128
Here is the list of components for each bike:

Giant Rincon: (City Bike): -- $289

	crank set: SR XCT 48/38/28 Round rings black, w/ powering
	derailleurs: Suntour XCT index
	shifters: Suntour XCT "Express" index shifters
	freewheel: suntour AL-10 7sp, 13-30T w/ Accushift Plus
	brakeset: dia compe XCT, narrow cantilever front & rear w/394P
	          levers w/ alloy clamp

Raleigh Traverse: (mountain bike)  -- $449

	crank set: shimano 400 lx, superglide biospace 28/38/48
	derailleurs: shimano 400 lx hyperglide SIS
	shifters: shimano 500 LX rapid fire SUS
	freewheel: shimano hyperglide 13/390 cassette
	brakeset: shimano 400 lx

Mongoose IBOC sport (mountain bike) -- $399

	crank set: shimano exage 300 lx superglide
	derailleurs: shimano exage 300 lx
	shifters: shimano exaghe 300 sti w/ gauge
	freewheel: shimano hg
	brakeset: shimano exage 300 lx w/ sti shifter

JC
1956.2RaysVERGA::MACDONALDHome of Digital Realtime PubsWed Jun 05 1991 15:365
    You might want to talk to Ray at Ray's Cycle in Maynard. He carries
    Raleigh, Univega, and some others. I bought a Univega via Montega
    "Cross" bike there. 21 gears .. 700mm tires ... good pulling power for
    my Burley Delite trailer (about 80 pounds worth of trailer, kids, and
    cooler).
1956.3Spokes and SlopesSOLVIT::MJACKSONWed Jun 05 1991 15:397
    
    You may want to call Spokes and Slopes in Peterborough NH.  I bought
    a couple of TREK mountain bikes there a couple of years ago and they
    gave us a very good price for the two of them and threw in the water
    bottle cages, bottles, and pedal clips.  We didn't really push too hard
    on any of it.  I believe that they just moved into a larger store in
    Peterborough.  You may want to give them a ring.
1956.4You REALLY should take a look..WMOIS::P_MALLETTEThu Jun 06 1991 13:489
    
    If your not too far from Hubbardston Ma. you owe it to yourself to stop
    in at Free Motion Cyclery and see what he has to offer...for the money
    your talking you should be able to get better componentry and some
    "STUFF" to boot... I bought my bike from Dave for less than the cost of
    replacing the Shimano group..
    
    My $.02 worth
    PM
1956.5Good deals, where?SALEM::SHAWVertical Obsession...Thu Jun 06 1991 14:0315
    
    RE:-1 
    
    > I bought  my bike from Dave for less than the cost of replacing the 
    > the Shimano group....
    
    Wow!! could you please give us a little for detail, on what bike 
    and componets at what price? 
    I have no idea where and how far Hubbardston MA is, but since I am 
    hunting for another bike, (racing/sport), I would be willing to travel
    any reasonable distance for a good price! ( I live in Southern NH)
    
    Shaw
    
    
1956.6It's a ZEBRA...WMOIS::P_MALLETTEThu Jun 06 1991 16:1520
    Shaw
    
     I bought my Zebra Ultima, Chrom-moly frame, Shimano 105 equiped 
    with Bio-pace chain rings for a mere $300 +tax. This bike was a
    leftover model. Nice Chrome & Blue paint with neat detailing on the 
    lugs. 
    
    Granted it's not a Merlin but for my first real bike I have yet to 
    see a better deal. Keeping in mind that there is only 2 or 3 major 
    frame mfg's and the Shimano group is well respected I couldn't pass it up.
     If your not prejudiced toward a particular brand name bike, I sure
    that you would be more than pleased with what you can get from Dave.
    
     Dave has also had some good deals on clipless pedals and tires that I
    have purchased.
    
     Judge for your self, drop in and see what he has to offer.
    
    Paul
    
1956.7Hubbardston MA, SALEM::SHAWVertical Obsession...Thu Jun 06 1991 16:326
    Thanks Paul, 
    
    I might go check him out this weekend, where is Hubbardston MA. 
    I will be in Boston/Cambridge area!
    
    Shaw
1956.8Hubbardston is south of GardnerWMOIS::P_MALLETTEFri Jun 07 1991 13:2213
    For those interested,
    
     Hubbardston is about 10 miles south of Gardner Ma. and Free Motion
    Cyclery north of hubbardston center.
    
     From Rt. 2 you take Rt. 68 South...past the (in)famous Reiettas Ranch
    flea market... about 7 miles and Free Motion is in a small mall on your
    left... it's a new building just past the apple orchard.
    
     Oh by the way...I have no financial interest at all in F. M. C... just
    that I wish to let others in on a good deal.
    
    PM
1956.9Waht Brand bikes does the shop carry?AVIAN::KIRSCHBAUMHave You Hugged a Parrot TodayFri Jun 07 1991 13:410
1956.10TOP THREE AREA SHOPSUSWAV1::FARRELLTue Jun 11 1991 18:2711
    Back to the original question.  My teenage son is in the process of
    upgrading his ATB.  He has reviewed all the info on many of the leading
    ATB's and has talked with and visited many of the shops in the area.
    His top three rated shops based on selection, service, and price are
    Gamaches Bike Shop in Fitchburg, Cycle Loft in Burlington, and the
    Lincoln Guide Service in Lincoln.  His 4th rated shop is the Chelmsford
    Cyclery in Chelmsford.  Before sinking the kind of money you are
    talking about into three bikes plus equipment, you might want to
    atleast give these shops a call.  Happy shopping!
    
                                                    Kenn