LBS or 0% Finance

[ragnor]

I’ve been looking at stupidly expensive bikes as basically that’s what I want. (Specification etc) Champagne tastes but beer income.

So the only way that I might be able to afford what I like would be to pay it up hopefully before I trundle off this coil.
BUT
Local bike shops being small usually one man bands don’t offer nought per cent finance or stock what I’d like to buy.

So a dilemna. Buy elsewhere and hope that local shops might honour any manufacturers guarantee.

Is there an answer. What have you done.

Sits down. Awaits fire and brimstone.?

 

[Jackware]

I guess part of the answer is how able or willing you are to complete work on your own bike?

 

[simonk]

Where are you? I’m sure a few on here will suggest some viable shops close enough to you to be considered local.

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

I went through the same dilemma as you.. went to tredz because of 0% but I didnt get a good feeling and the shop guys just didnt seem interested so I left.. then I got a 0% credit card and bought one from Berkshire.. it was a good decision.

 

[Steve940]

Most lbs do 0% these days

 

[deksawyer]

Not sure about the rest of the UK, but in Scotland you can borrow up to £3k for an electric bike. Probably won't be enough for your spec, but worth a shot if you decide to economise.

 

[steve_sordy]

Find a 0% credit card (use Money Supermarket or similar), that allows you a long enough 0% interest free period to pay off the bike. Make sure you are accepted. Buy the bike with your usual credit card, then transfer the current credit card balance to the 0% card. There is usually a transfer fee, maybe as much as 3% which is added to your debt. I have seen lower figures.

Be disciplined and pay the credit card off monthly with enough to pay off the debt during the 0% interest period. Set up a standing order that "pushes" the money from your bank account to the credit card so that the money arrives before it becomes a day late and you pay penalty charges.

Do not buy anything on the 0% credit card because that will cost you a fortune, which is what they are hoping you will do. Stay disciplined and beat them at their own game. If you suspect that you may lack the willpower not to use the card, cut up the actual card and leave it in an envelope in a drawer somewhere.

Of course, the LBS may charge more for the bike. But then you get the warm rosy glow if supporting your LBS and zero worries about pursuing warrant claims.

 

[ragnor]

Interesting thoughts. I thought that I’d just get shouted at. I’ve dealt with Tredz & Leisure Lakes in the past for big purchases but it was a long time ago. My nearest bike shop that does Trek (Some lovely bikes) is probably Leuchars.

 

[ragnor]

I guess part of the answer is how able or willing you are to complete work on your own bike?

Willing but unfortunately not particularly able. I.e. A bit ham fisted and I don’t really trust my workmanship☠

 

[steve_sordy]

Interesting thoughts. I thought that I’d just get shouted at. I’ve dealt with Tredz & Leisure Lakes in the past for big purchases but it was a long time ago. My nearest bike shop that does Trek (Some lovely bikes) is probably Leuchars.

If you have a mortgage, look on their website to see if your building soc does cheap loans. If they do 3% or less, it will come part way to overcoming the transfer fee for the 0% credit card. It will also mean one less credit card (always good). Because the building soc already knows you it will also mean a considerable amount less intrusive form filling of the "how much do you spend on groceries, leisure, rent, ....." kind.

 

[OldGoatMTB]

I actually purchased mine from a bicycle shop in Wisconsin that was selling it through Amazon. My Amazon credit card gave me 18 months free financing, and I paid my local shop $100 to assemble the bicycle as required for the warranty to be valid. It is all Shimano and Rockshox, other than the frame, so should have no problem with warranty.

 

[Cabby.]

Where are you based ?

 

[ragnor]

Where are you based ?

Tayside

 

[Cabby.]

Tayside

Well that's a bit vague however, Leuchars isn't the nearest Trek dealer to you in that case, you've got Spokes in Dundee, you also have Electric Bikes Scotland down at City Quay who does 24 months interest free. You can get 36 months free with Giant via their site.

 

[M3Doty]

I am in the US and currently searching for a way to finance a Commencal. Any and all help is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Paulquattro]

Holly Thread revival

 

[steve_sordy]

Holly Thread revival

We've all done it in the beginning.