Reasonable ?

Mansmind said:

Do you think it would be reasonable to ask my LBS to replace my current stem with a shorter one? I've had the bike six weeks, and although I'm sure the LBS won't recall, I questioned the stem length at the time of purchase. By every measurement I can take, and also by feel, I think I need a 90mm stem as opposed to a 120mm on a 58cm frame (compact).

Any of you have experience with this?

Eh, I don't know. I certainly don't think they'd be obligated to do so, even though a really nice LBS might. There's a bit of hit or miss to saddles, stems, bars and pedals; every cyclist deals with eating mistakes or absorbing small losses from time to time. An LBS needs to try its best to satisfy customers off the bat, but they also need to protect themselves from second-guessing weeks, months, years down the line. Wouldn't hurt to ask, of course. Remind them that you had your doubts initially, share your measurement research, and be nice.

Worst case scenario, you sell the old stem on Ebay for a small recovery. Good luck!

lokstah said:

Eh, I don't know. I certainly don't think they'd be obligated to do so, even though a really nice LBS might. There's a bit of hit or miss to saddles, stems, bars and pedals; every cyclist deals with eating mistakes or absorbing small losses from time to time. An LBS needs to try its best to satisfy customers off the bat, but they also need to protect themselves from second-guessing weeks, months, years down the line. Wouldn't hurt to ask, of course. Remind them that you had your doubts initially, share your measurement research, and be nice.

Worst case scenario, you sell the old stem on Ebay for a small recovery. Good luck!

I called, but the owner wasn't there today (the guy I dealt with). I did inquire as to what they had in stock, which is ZERO.

It's not that huge of a deal. I just see a lot of posts about having the LBS switch saddles, etc., so I wondered. I've already replaced the saddle. Anyone want a practically new BG Pro saddle?

Rather than deal with the LBS, I think I'd rather just order one and get exactly what I want anyway...being that they seem to have no options "in stock". If I were them, I wouldn't want to switch bike parts either.

Thanks for the input though!

Mansmind said:

Do you think it would be reasonable to ask my LBS to replace my current stem with a shorter one? I've had the bike six weeks, and although I'm sure the LBS won't recall, I questioned the stem length at the time of purchase. By every measurement I can take, and also by feel, I think I need a 90mm stem as opposed to a 120mm on a 58cm frame (compact).

Any of you have experience with this?

I think it depends entirely on what type of relationship you have with the LBS. If you are a frequent customer and bring them most of your business, I bet they wouldn't hesitate, especially since you bought the bike there. If you are a new or infrequent customer, your chances are much slimmer. Therein lies the value of building a relationship with a local LBS.

gruppo said:

I think it depends entirely on what type of relationship you have with the LBS. If you are a frequent customer and bring them most of your business, I bet they wouldn't hesitate, especially since you bought the bike there. If you are a new or infrequent customer, your chances are much slimmer. Therein lies the value of building a relationship with a local LBS.

Of course that makes sense, however my relationship is only 6 weeks old with this LBS. That being said, you would think dropping $3000 in 1 week would mean something, and to their credit, it probably does. Again I haven't actually spoken with the guy I dealt with (one of the owners).

As I discovered, they apparently don't carry stems in stock anyway other than what's already on their bikes. That sort of makes me wonder actually, but no harm done.

Thanks!