Shop can't get the bike I want (Trek 7.3), need replacement suggestions

zenbuffy

Hi,

So I just had a call from the bike shop that I put in my order with the other day (through the BTW scheme). Apparently, they might not be able to (or can't) get the bike that I was quoted for (The Trek 7.3 FX). I'm guessing that, since the scheme has closed in work and the vouchers have been issued, I'm kinda tied to the shop now, so I can't just look elsewhere. They said that they were getting in some other bikes and that I could come and take a look at them tomorrow, but I'm totally torn. I'm new to biking, so don't really know that much about brands, and I had help from biking friends in choosing the Trek one, so I don't even know what I'm going to be looking at in the shop

Can anyone advise on the implications (if any) for the BTW scheme and, more importantly, on what might be a good equivalent for the Trek? I'm planning on building up to my work cycle (10K) and then going longer, maybe looking at a sportive or one of the other events that I've seen mentioned here. I know there's a few newbie suggestion threads floating around, and I'm going to be taking a look on the forum here to see if I can figure out what to do now, but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Seaneh

I'd say something like a Lapierre Shaper 300 or Felt QX-S95 would be ideal and similar spec I'd imagine.

What is the shop? Someone here might know their stock and be able to give advice.

zenbuffy

It's 2wheels. Thanks for your reply, I think he mentioned Felt as one of the brands they were going to get in.

hesker

I read your other thread about fit. It sounds like you now have the perfect opportunity to make sure you get the right size bike.

Most good bike shops will be able to advise but better spending the time to really get it right before you choose a particular model or size. Not trying to scare you but just advise you not to rush while you have an opportunity.

I'm thinking about buying a new bike maybe in the next few months. I talked to a guy who got a custom fit done for about 80 euro before he bought his latest bike and it looked to fit him perfectly. I intend to do the same even though I already own a couple of bikes and know what fits me best to a fair degree of accuracy. It's money well spent.

If I can dig out the name of the place he recommended I will post it. You could do a search here too...I'm sure there are several places that could do it.

Good luck.

hesker

Ok found it quicker than I thought. This is the place

http://www.worldwidecycles.com/index.html

Ask for Barry apparently

Recommended in this thread also
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=59059588

It's in Clonmel so may be a bit of a trip depending on your means.

zenbuffy

Thanks. I think I'm kinda tied to 2wheels now as the BTW voucher has been issued. I'm not even sure how that's going to work, what with the bike probably not going to be the one quoted for (but I suppose that's something 2wheels can sort out).

So, if I have to stick with 2wheels, I suppose my original choice is really out the window, and I can change completely the actual bike. I have no idea what they're thinking to do in terms of price discrepancies between what I was quoted for, and what I'll now have to buy.

Damn, I really thought I was all sorted and ready to get out there and cycle, but now I'm back to square one with bike choices and I know so little about it all

langdang

Shouldn't be a big deal if the actual bike is different but the value is similar.

Giant Escape 1 OR Rapid 4 is the most commonly available equivalent I'd say
http://vccycles.com/hybrid-bikes/150-giant-escape-1.html
http://vccycles.com/giant-flat-bar/209-giant-rapid-4.html
Although if you have intentions of longer cycles and sportives etc, consider a Trek 1.1 or Giant Defy.

smacl

The Giant rapid is a nice bike, my sisters had one for a year or so and swears by it. The defy is essentially the same as the rapid with drop bars rather than flat bars. If you're comfortable with drop bars, the defy makes more sense. Better for long trips, and better resale value should you upgrade in the future.

irishbuzz

zenbuffy wrote: »

Thanks. I think I'm kinda tied to 2wheels now as the BTW voucher has been issued. I'm not even sure how that's going to work, what with the bike probably not going to be the one quoted for (but I suppose that's something 2wheels can sort out).

Hi zenbuffy, I just posted in the BTW thread and it could be of interest to you.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=79288230#post79288230

zenbuffy

irishbuzz wrote: »

Hi zenbuffy, I just posted in the BTW thread and it could be of interest to you.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=79288230#post79288230

Gave it a read - I think my voucher is made out specifically to the store though (seems to be run through Bike To Work Ltd). Might just email them and ask (without getting too specific) what the story is if I need to change the bike on the order.

zenbuffy

Hmm, so, I've heard back from the Bike To Work Ltd guys - they said "The voucher will be valid for the value, the bike can be changed if necessary without changing the voucher." but when I asked about a discrepancy in value they said: "If the value increases then you will have to pay the balance unless your employer agrees for you to cancel the current voucher and resubmit your application."

Ugh, the hassle. So that means that if I wanted to get a Giant Defy instead, and that's going to run at 799 instead of 659 (for the Trek), then I'm going to have to shell out the difference up front, or else get into a back-and-forth about cancelling the voucher Bit disappointed that all this has happened, I wonder if it's very common?

radia

Don't forget there may be some scope for haggling on the price in the shop. Presumably they'd rather make a sale with a narrower margin than no sale at all (if you aren't able to stretch to cover the full price difference yourself and your workplace has closed off the scheme to new applications), and after all this situation has only arisen because they can't follow through with the bike they quoted far.

Not saying you'll just be able to swap another more expensive bike in for the same price, but there might be some flexibility.

zenbuffy

I wouldn't expect them to swallow a massive price difference, but I'm hoping there will be some wiggle room anyway. As I have to change from my original order, I think I'll get something with drop handlebars, rather than the flat bar...

Hmmzis

The defy 5 is around the 650 mark if I recall right. It's bare bones basic kit as far as group and wheels but the frame takes full mudguards and a rack if needed.

zenbuffy

Worth paying extra to get the Defy 3 (around 799) or 4 (maybe 699), do you think?

smacl

zenbuffy wrote: »

Worth paying extra to get the Defy 3 (around 799) or 4 (maybe 699), do you think?

Yes. Spending the few extra quid now is much cheaper than upgrading later, so if you reckon you'll be doing a good bit of cycling, buy the best you can afford. If you don't use the bike much, or you upgrade, you'll get a fair portion back on the resale.

zenbuffy

So, I went to the shop, tried a few bikes, and settled on a Scott Contessa Speedster 35. Got it home last night, and I'm looking forward to getting out for a proper spin on it some time soon.

smacl

Fair play. Lovely looking bike. Enjoy!