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Is it OK to buy online and ask local bike shop to fit?

by cyclefaster
Sun, Aug 04, 2019 20:43
38

I have a bit of money (including some vouchers for a popular online shop) to spend on some upgrades to my bike. Had it a couple of years and and the compromise I made at the time when buying was to get mechanical discs to keep it to the budget.

Would either like to go for an upgrade to 105 hydraulic discs or the cheaper option is trp hy/rd.

There is a great bike shop near me where I bought the bike from and get my services from but the problem is the bike shop tends to sell at full retail prices and a lot more than I can pick up parts for online.

I'm not much of a bike mechanic so don't fancy trying to install myself. Is it OK to ask a shop about fitting parts I've sourced online and pay for the labour? Not sure what the etiquette is here.

Cheers

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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38 comments

Avatar
BehindTheBikesheds | 5 years ago
0 likes

My LBS charges £40/hr, I have no qualms taking bits in to fit if I can't/can't be bothered to fit myself, most of the things I bring in they couldn't/wouldn't be able to get anyways. given the small margins for bike parts anyway even if they aren't price matching doing the servicing/labour is one of the major parts of the business and will always be that way.

If there is to be increases in cycling and more people needing bikes serviced/bits putting on then cycle shops need to think about which part of their business they should focus on that makes it sustainable for the owner.

One of the problems I see and has been one for ages is the fact that fixing a cheap bike can cost more than the bike is worth so bike gets left to rot/taken to tip.

Avatar
kevvjj | 5 years ago
8 likes

If your LBS is living and operating in the 21st Century and wants to remain a viable business then they should have no problem charging you a fee to fit parts purchased elsewhere. If they say no then find a shop with up to date ideas about staying in business.

Avatar
wicksy5508 | 5 years ago
1 like

No its not ok.

Would you buy a steak at a supermarket and take it to your local restaurant and ask them to cook it for you?

Would you buy a beer at a supermarket and take it to your local pub and ask if was ok to drink it in there? Same beer.

Would you go Kwik Fit with tyres and ask them to fit them?

You say you are not much of a mechanic, what’s going to happen when all your local bikes shops are gone because you are buying your parts on the internet? Who’s going to fit the parts?

 

Ps not meant to be a rant and you are clearly a decent person to ask about the etiquette.

Maybe buy yourself some new cycling kit / helmet / shoes with your vouchers and buy your parts from the LBS (They will be very grateful for your business and you will be surprised how much most bike shops bend over backwards for loyal customers)

 

Avatar
Woodsman replied to wicksy5508 | 5 years ago
3 likes

Sounds like a sure fire way to go out of business to me....

 

wicksy5508 wrote:

No its not ok.

Would you buy a steak at a supermarket and take it to your local restaurant and ask them to cook it for you?

Would you buy a beer at a supermarket and take it to your local pub and ask if was ok to drink it in there? Same beer.

Would you go Kwik Fit with tyres and ask them to fit them?

You say you are not much of a mechanic, what’s going to happen when all your local bikes shops are gone because you are buying your parts on the internet? Who’s going to fit the parts?

 

Ps not meant to be a rant and you are clearly a decent person to ask about the etiquette.

Maybe buy yourself some new cycling kit / helmet / shoes with your vouchers and buy your parts from the LBS (They will be very grateful for your business and you will be surprised how much most bike shops bend over backwards for loyal customers)

 

Avatar
slappop replied to wicksy5508 | 5 years ago
1 like

wicksy5508 wrote:

Would you buy a beer at a supermarket and take it to your local pub and ask if was ok to drink it in there? Same beer.

That's actually a thing. Many restaurants will let you bring your own wine. They'll usually charge a 'corkage fee' for that to cover their fixed costs. Similarly, a bike shop should charge you the necessary 'repair fee' for them to be able to make a profit from their labour.

Avatar
Griff500 replied to wicksy5508 | 5 years ago
3 likes
wicksy5508 wrote:

No its not ok.

Would you go Kwik Fit with tyres and ask them to fit them?

Yes! Kwik Fit have a standard rate for fitting tyres you take along, and they are happy to do so.

Avatar
Woldsman | 5 years ago
0 likes

You’re just going to have to ask someone in the shop, aren’t you? In my experience you will probably be out of luck. I’ve seen signs in shop windows stating even that bikes bought elsewhere will not be repaired or serviced. But you never know. 

Avatar
bike_food | 5 years ago
0 likes

My LBS actually tell me to do this as they readily admit they can't compete on price for the components.

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