Ok.....a hypothetical buying question. What would you do if you wanted to purchase a particular brand of bike that the LBS no longer carry as part of their inventory?
You ride and race with the club and wear the colors of the shop but also have brand loyalty to a cycling company they dropped in favor of another larger, better known brand.
To complicate the issue of a one off purchase it seems the LBS and dropped bike company did not part ways nicely so I don`t think that is an option.
So....would you buy a new ride from a competitor to get the particular bike you want or would you buy something your LBS carries as part of their current line? 😕
I think I'd ask them if they are going to kick you off their team if you buy and use the bike you want. If they are going to sponsor you then perhaps they can provide you with a bike that can just be used for races, such as a rental.
If the LBS you ride for is going to provide a healthy discount for one of their bikes then I would take them into consideration. However, if they aren't going to do anything to assist you financially and you are going to spend your money I'd get the bike you want.
All politics aside, you need to feel comfortable on your bike.
Ok.....a hypothetical buying question. What would you do if you wanted to purchase a particular brand of bike that the LBS no longer carry as part of their inventory?
You ride and race with the club and wear the colors of the shop but also have brand loyalty to a cycling company they dropped in favor of another larger, better known brand.
To complicate the issue of a one off purchase it seems the LBS and dropped bike company did not part ways nicely so I don`t think that is an option.
So....would you buy a new ride from a competitor to get the particular bike you want or would you buy something your LBS carries as part of their current line? 😕
I'm a firm believer in supporting the LBS, but the circumstance you describe is different. I would go with the bike that you desire. I would however, in interest of fostering the relationship, tell them that you would much rather be buying from them, but that is impossible due to the circumstances, however you plan to still support them when they stock parts/supplies that you need.
If it's some minor thing (tire tube or something small) I go to two places, but for bigger things I travel an hour to my 'LBS'. Amazing service, everyone knows what they are talking about, and I am given a lot of respect.
