I just went into one of NYC's most well known (for a couple different reasons I guess) bike shops. The following is a word-for-word conversation I had with one of the salesmen:
Me: I'd like to test ride a 51cm _______ (insert make and model of a $3,000, carbon fiber road bike)
Salesman: We don't send those out for test rides.
Me: You don't send them out for test rides? Then how do I know if I want to buy it?
SM: Well, the fit will determine how the bike will fit, and if you know carbon fiber then you know what it's like.
I guess they weren't too hard up for a sale.
A Word-For-Word Conversation With a Salesman
Sat, 03/26/2005 - 10:24am
Sun, 03/27/2005 - 9:03am
#1
I recall someone saying that in NYC, bikes shops act like they can shoot all their customers and still make a profit. I find this to be the attitude in my local grocery, too. Perhaps it's the pure unfiltered water...
At yeterday's SIG, someone lamented that their local bikeshop closes at 6 sharp daily, talk about catering to a busy, affluent customer. They they wonder why we shop online...
Sun, 03/27/2005 - 9:19am
#2
230th and Broadway
There was a Sid's bike shop on 230th and Broadway. I barely ever saw them open. I never saw them open on the weekends, and the only time I saw them open during the week was if I skipped work. They recently sold the shop to Tread bikes. Hopefully they will figure out they should be open on the weekends.
Sun, 03/27/2005 - 9:38am
#3
...perhaps they weren't really a bike shop.
...perhaps they weren't really a bike shop.
Sun, 03/27/2005 - 5:25pm
#4
Which shop?
nmnmnm
Mon, 03/28/2005 - 6:55am
#5
I don't really feel that it's relevent information since it only seemed to be the store's general policy, and not a personal, discriminatory action directed solely at me. But I'm sure 11 out of 10 people would guess correctly as to which shop it was
Sat, 03/26/2005 - 5:18pm
#6
Test ride???
I guess it SHOULD be unbelievable but this seems to be a recurring theme for me, I went to a Ford dealership to test drive a new car, I have to turn in my lease (which is also a Ford) and I was told to make an appointment in the next week (this was a Saturday) even though the only people in the showroom were two salesmen, the office manager, my wife and I. Later that day, I walked into a different car company showroom and test drove three (3) different vehicles right away. I did not buy a Ford (surprise). I'd suggest you call around and see who WILL give you a test ride. Maybe try Bicycle Workshop, I've heard very good things about them.
Good Luck, George
Sat, 03/26/2005 - 6:17pm
#7
Ford? Do they make bikes? (nm)
Sat, 03/26/2005 - 7:25pm
#8
mmmm...
Christian's wife, eh? Sounds like some pain in the neck I've ridden with from time to time.;)
George
Sat, 03/26/2005 - 8:02pm
#9
Christian's Wife?
Perhaps you could refer to her as Posing Ivy?
Sun, 03/27/2005 - 3:09pm
#10
"I Think You Mean ""Poise"""
No one leaves me in the dust with as much charm and aplomb as Ms. Poole.
As for making a bike go fast: no matter how hard I train, I doubt I'll ever be in the Ivy league.
