General Discussion

taught_me_patience

(5,477 posts)

39. Don't buy Specialized

Tue Apr 17, 2012, 12:41 PM

Apr 2012

They are happy to use bullshit tactics to stifle competition.

Here's a slap suit they tried in order to squash a legit startup:
http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/01/news/an-expensive-dollar-volagi-owes-specialized-1_203443

Aggressive tactics to prevent dealers from carrying competitor's products (suit was dismissed):
http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/5940.html

According to the court documents, Specialized issued an addendum to its dealer agreement asking dealers to agree to no longer purchase or sell Giro cycling shoes, and that Bell “suffered and continues to suffer an increasing decline in market share as a result."

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Highlight:

SMART move by a local bike shop -- others should pay attention [View all] LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 OP

Confused: You can get a kick stand for $4 at K-Mart. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #1

It was not the kickstand itself, it was the willingness to throw it in LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #2

Not only that... YellowRubberDuckie Apr 2012 #3

I made numerous modifications to my old Schwinn over the past 20 years... LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #4

They have this cute little bubble gum pink Schwinn YellowRubberDuckie Apr 2012 #7

I learned on a Schwinn Sting-Ray (banana seat), then a Typhoon, and then a Sprint. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #8

I loved my StingRays with banana seat adigal Apr 2012 #24

They have a new one out now - not as cool. Ours had squared off rear tires. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #27

ape hangars. uncle ray Apr 2012 #37

My wife and I have our own bikes, but we also ride a tandem. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #6

Had you riden a Trek in the past? Javaman Apr 2012 #9

I test-rode both and found the Specialized to be pretty comparable to ride LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #16

it's the purists who are their steady business... lame54 Apr 2012 #12

The QR tires thing has a solution appal_jack Apr 2012 #10

The main use for the quick release is taking the front tire of when locking it. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #11

quick release is mainly so you don't have to carry wrenches with you.. frylock Apr 2012 #18

I keep wrenches in the flat kit along with the patch and spare tube. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #21

oh yeah, i carry some rather long, metal tire levers.. frylock Apr 2012 #29

The main use for the quick release is to remove the tire to fit the cycle in an automobile. Brother Buzz Apr 2012 #47

I've never driven anything small enough that it wouldn't accept a bike. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #55

sheldon explains it here: frylock Apr 2012 #17

Sheldon was/is a treasure. RIP. nt Romulox Apr 2012 #23

indeed frylock Apr 2012 #31

Sounds like you want a custom commuter bike DotGone Apr 2012 #14

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I use a bike to get from point A to point B. That's it. HopeHoops Apr 2012 #19

weight weenies is the preferred nomenclature frylock Apr 2012 #22

simply unhook the noodle from the arm link.. frylock Apr 2012 #15

Do you think FSM would approve of unhooking the noodle? HopeHoops Apr 2012 #20

Only if his noodly appendage gets out of line! LOL!! n/t adigal Apr 2012 #26

You'll have to talk to MFM about that. Speaking of which, where the fuck is he? HopeHoops Apr 2012 #28

If you really want to be comfortable on a bike get a recumbent or semi recumbent.. Fumesucker Apr 2012 #30

Dude, I've wanted to "get bent!" for some time! Nice rig. nt Romulox Apr 2012 #33

Point-by-point: Lizzie Poppet Apr 2012 #38

I totally agree on points 6 & 7 Canuckistanian Apr 2012 #53

heh, that was pretty good :) Whisp Apr 2012 #49

That's one benefit of buying from local shops. I got a great deal at a local fitness store qb Apr 2012 #5

Normally, people don't put kick stands on nice bikes. For several reasons. Romulox Apr 2012 #13

i had to do a triple-take the other day.. frylock Apr 2012 #25

I'm the same way--I'm riding my bike, or it's put up in my house. Romulox Apr 2012 #32

the ep where they all get conjunctivitis.. frylock Apr 2012 #35

DH and I have our own little bike business: vintage Schwinns Crusiers, Road bikes, Mountain MagickMuffin Apr 2012 #34

NICE! LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #42

2nd that emotion: sweet bikes! nt Romulox Apr 2012 #46

I love your bike! nt Honeycombe8 Apr 2012 #51

I'm confused by this anecdote Proud Public Servant Apr 2012 #36

Let me explain LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #41

This little detail was missing from your first post Proud Public Servant Apr 2012 #43

I should have been more clear (nt) LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #44

I was wondering that, too. nt Honeycombe8 Apr 2012 #52

Don't buy Specialized taught_me_patience Apr 2012 #39

my LBC (Big Ring Cyclery in La Mesa, CA) was once a Specialized shop.. frylock Apr 2012 #40

Nothing like that new bike smell either. Noodleboy13 Apr 2012 #45

I really detest bartering Whisp Apr 2012 #48

BTW... in case anybody is curious... a photo LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #50

Would you bargain like that at a department store? rucky Apr 2012 #54

If I thought it would work, sure LuckyTheDog Apr 2012 #56