[horns]

I am looking to buy my first SC bike (Blur SRAM kit) and am wondering what I should expect to pay. My lbs is telling me that the retail price on the SC website is what my cost will be. I would think they could do better than that, no? Is it typical to pay full retail for SC bikes?

I was in a bike shop last week (on the other side of the country) that had a SRAM kit already built up, and they wanted much less than retail. Perhaps once the investment has been made by the shop, they are willing to deal to get it off the books. If the kit has to be ordered, there isn't much incentive to give a price break.

What is your experience???

Thanks

 

[Wheezer]

It seems Blurs usually command MSRP. SC does sell complete bikes (red, black or white powdercoat), at a lower price than custom-ordered setups.

That said, I'm puzzled that shops won't discount a custom-ordered bike. Part of their profit margin on regular stuff is to cover the cost of owning it while it's on display... A custom order is easy and quick profit. Hmmm...

 

[horns]

Thanks Wheezer. I agree with your logic, so it is interesting to me that one shop will sell a kit they already have at a discount (unfortunately not quite what I'm looking for) while the other shop wants full retail for a custom order kit. I'm going to keep looking.

 

[horns]

Wheezer,

I just so your post on the '05 Blur thread. If you don't mind my asking, what setup are you looking at? Have you ridden the SRAM kit? I'm going for orange too, but it was my first choice

 

[AL29er]

Most SC bikes can command MSRP. Especially the Blur since they are selling like hot cakes. The other reason SC can command MSRP is that they are typically far less than their competitors (intense, pantera, turner, elsworth... to name a few).

From a shop perspective, if you were there with cash in hand I would kick in the tax and a discount on any accessories. If you were just pricing around and being ho-hum and non-commital I would likely quote you msrp. If I had a floor model that had been sitting for a couple of months I might cut you a deal on it just to turn it over and get a different bike on display. But if you wanted me to order up a particular color/kit from SC you would likely pay msrp.

IMO the Santa Cruz bikes are priced very well and their build kits are also great for the price. They are a better deal than most of their competitors. All that and they ride excellent to boot.

 

[SANTACRUZrdr]

I do agree on what has been already stated...if you look at the MSRP on SC bike on their website, along with the list of components, you will see that if you go with a SC kit (powdercoat..red, black or white) you will save some $$$. When I ordered my Blur I was set on the Ano Orange, but with the with the components I wanted on it, I had no choice but to custom build it because no SC kit was available. Bottom line: If you are flexible on the color of the bike, the SC setup bikes are a deal. You can get a Blur with a SC for a bit over $2800. If you customize it add about $500-600 more.

 

[horns]

Thanks for the replies. I don't mind paying msrp if that is the going rate; I just don't want to be taken advantage of. Based on everyones feedback, it sounds like msrp is common.

 

[BigLarry]

Small discount possible, but haggle for other benefits

Thanks for the replies. I don't mind paying msrp if that is the going rate; I just don't want to be taken advantage of. Based on everyones feedback, it sounds like msrp is common.

I found one Santa Cruz dealer in the Bay area where I live that was willing to knock off a couple hundred dollars on a Heckler that needed to be ordered.
But in general, bike shops scrap for an existance. I would tend to negotiate more for other tangible benefits to me that cost them less, like building and taking time to set up my bike properly with the proper springs and pressures and swapping out parts as needed or wanted. Or add some accessories (like bike bags) that are higher margin for them so it doesn't cost them much but saves you a lot. But do this up front a part of the purchase deal for maximum benefit.

 

[Hecklerboy]

Hmm, Must be a regional thing...

I received over $400 off retail on my Heckler when I ordered it and that's with an upgrade to hydraulic disc brakes over mechanical. Didn't even have to haggle. Just walked in, ask for a quote, then ordered the bike. It did take 6 months to get, but that's another story.

If you interest, the bike shop is:

Mountaineer Cycles
Morgantown, WV
304-292-BIKE

 

[Wheezer]

Wheezer,

I just so your post on the '05 Blur thread. If you don't mind my asking, what setup are you looking at? Have you ridden the SRAM kit? I'm going for orange too, but it was my first choice

I'm going with the integrated XT set-up. Flappers: love 'em or hate 'em.

Yes, I've tried SRAM, and it's just not for me. Perhaps I haven't "given it time," but I find I twist 'n shift when I'm trying to power up a harsh climb. (Okay, okay, I'll admit: I'm 190# and a bit ham-fisted...) Another thing about the SRAM set-up is that I like the outboard-bearing setup more than the GigaPipe. YMMV.

 

[SupaSlow]

Actually I was in San Diego last month and I went into a bike shop that was discounting their 04 Blurs and complete price on their bikes started at $2100 and up depending on the components. But at that price you can't beat it even if you want other components you can go out and buy them and just trade them out and you still won't lose. As far as the Sram shifters I have them on my bike and I love them, like everyone else has said the shifting is so much more crisp and precise.

 

[horns]

Thanks for the info. I figured there had to be some dealers who would work with you. I was in a store in Phoenix that was quite a bit under msrp, but that is almost 2000 miles from me. I did find a local dealer (within 50 miles) who would work with me.

BlurRider,
There seems to be a lot of positive feedback on the SRAM equipment. I'm leaning that way. Did you order the SRAM kit directly, or did you add them separately.

 

[SupaSlow]

I just bought the frame and built it up from there. I put the XO shifters and rear derailleur. You will not regret it. I put X7 triggers and rear derailleur on another bike and it is awesome that you can shift with only your thumb. It's like Wheezer said about the integrated stuff you either love it or hate it, same thing with sram stuff.

 

[NatureBoy]

Blur Pricing

I saved several hundred dollars on my Blur. I purchased it though a shop in Toronto called Silent Sports (silentsports.com). It was discounted well under MSRP and they upgraded the rear derailler (to XTR - I got the XT - INT kit with 5th element).