Buying a bike in a department store will save you money. Is there really a difference between discount and specialty shop bikes? Can you buy a good bike at a discount?
It is time to go shopping for bikes. You know the kind of riding you'll be doing and the type of bike you want. Now, where do you go to buy your new bike? Like most people, your buying plans may be guided by a budget. With many BMX bikes starting at about $200 at your local bike retailer you may be tempted by the $85 department store discount version. Is there really a difference?
Sales and assembly The variety of frames sizes in department stores is very limited. They also lack trained salespeople to help you select the proper size frame for your size and needs. The employees at department stores aren't trained for bicycle sales or assembly. "They definitely don't have the quality workmanship that you'll get at an IBD (Independent Bicycle Dealer)" says Ryan Cranston of Ruby Canyon Cycles. Bicycle shops offer staff that has a knowledge base specific to bicycle assembly, repair, and use. Cranston has seen brand new bikes brought into the shop that he describes as scary. "They weren't safe at all," he says.
The bike and parts The design, suspension and parts on discount bikes are often severely outdated. Low-quality components will wear out fast and can cause more extensive damage to other parts. Often, the price to repair the bike will near the original cost of it. With a quality bike the components are longer lasting, more durable and repairs will be more cost-efficient. A good bike, with good parts increases the performance of the bike. Nobody wants to be stuck on the bike that you have to pedal downhill.
Beyond the sale The majority of bike retailers stock only quality models. This allows them to (in most cases) offer a lifetime guarantee on the frame in addition to the manufacturer's one-year warranty on the components. Other benefits of buying from an independent dealer are that many offer test rides before buying the bike and may give a free first tune-up.
Enduring value When the time comes to buy a new bike, due to growth or changing needs, a quality bike has a resale value. The usual resale value is about one-half of the original purchase price. There is no true resale value for a discount bike.
Department store bikes may seem like an affordable option. But, according to Cranston, you'll be missing out on the biggest benefits of buying from an independent retailer which are, "knowledge, service and quality of product."
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