Is $1,200 USD a fair price for a customized Electra Amsterdam Royal 8?

"Lou Holtman" wrote
I come over in September. Shall I bring one with me?
Dutch bikes are so boring over here. ;-)

Jay wrote:
My friend LO says Dutch bikes are considered appliances. That is what I
want. A boring thing that gets me to/from work, and the grocery store,
whatever. I do not enjoy bike maintenance.
I am building a stable of bikes. I may never buy another car. Long, boring
story.

If you win the lotto, click he
http://www.paganiautomobili.it/english.htm
Cars need not be boring (most of everything is merely average!)
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

"A Muzi" wrote in message
...

If you win the lotto, click he
http://www.paganiautomobili.it/english.htm
Cars need not be boring (most of everything is merely average!)
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

The problem with IT cars has always been reliability. Only buy one if you
can afford to have it in the shop, for who knows how long, at really
inconvenient times.

I agree, chics really dig 'em. But they are not paying the repair cost.

J.

On Mar 1, 2:36 pm, "Jay" wrote:
"Lou Holtman" wrote in message

.. .

I come over in September. Shall I bring one with me?
Dutch bikes are so boring over here. ;-)

Lou

My friend LO says Dutch bikes are considered appliances. That is what I
want. A boring thing that gets me to/from work, and the grocery store,
whatever. I do not enjoy bike maintenance.

The Nexus bike I got at RT was shaped more like a Breezer Villager,
but if you like the geometry of the Electra, that's all that matters.
It should prove to be just as reliable as any Dutch bike. The folks at
RT are legendary for setting a bike up correctly. $1200 is a bit of a
sticker shock to me for a city bike, but I think I paid 800 for mine
nearly ten years ago, so it's probably just the quadruple digits. The
Schwalbe tires seem like overkill to me, but if it eases your mind. I
found that any hybrid tire with a thick tread was virtually flat proof
on Chicago streets.

Now you need some of those really dorky Dutch throw over bags in plaid
with the handle in the middle.

On Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:44:51 -0600, A Muzi
wrote:

"Lou Holtman" wrote
I come over in September. Shall I bring one with me?
Dutch bikes are so boring over here. ;-)

Jay wrote:
My friend LO says Dutch bikes are considered appliances. That is what I
want. A boring thing that gets me to/from work, and the grocery store,
whatever. I do not enjoy bike maintenance.
I am building a stable of bikes. I may never buy another car. Long, boring
story.

If you win the lotto, click he
http://www.paganiautomobili.it/english.htm
Cars need not be boring (most of everything is merely average!)

Dear Andrew,

The Bunny II (probably a Widgeon Seven) passes an obsolete technology,
Paris, 1912:
http://i28.tinypic.com/amdqc.jpg

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

You're being hosed dude!!! Bent over and reamed raw!! Here's what ir
should cost
Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850
Shimano M520 pedals- $38.99 (Universal Cycles)
OR
Nashbar clipless ---- $17.99 (nashbar.com)
Brooks B17 Champion Flyer-- $99 (wallbike.com)
Or - Just as comfy less geeky
B-17 Standard ---$64
Ascent kickstand--- $5.95 (nashbar.com)
Schwalbe Marathon Plus-- $38.00 (unoversal cycles)

Total $1070 with specc'ed accessories (with no need for "discount" for
overpriced parts)

Total $1014 with comparable accessories
Install accessories yourself and save a bundle


On Feb 29, 8:30*pm, Ryan Cousineau wrote:
In article ,





*"Jay" wrote:
Welcome to the latest installment of 'Jay's all-weather Chicago commuter
bike'. Here is the quote I have received from Rapid Transit Cycleshop. Is
this a fair price? I don't think I am getting much credit for the stock
parts I am rejecting (in favor of my spec'ed parts).

I want to use the same pedals as I am currently using on my folder, so I can
wear the same bike shoes, whichever bike I decide to ride that day.

Is that Brooks saddle price a bit high?

I think I want to go wider tire in back, narrower tire in front, because of
the weight distribution.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850

Shimano M520 clipless pedals (comes with cleats) -- $55
Brooks B17 Black Champion Flyer w/steel rails and copper rivets -- $145
Pletscher 2 leg kickstand (silver or black?) -- $56.88
Ergon GP1 grips Men's large -- $42
Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700 x 35? 37? -- 2 x $45.87 = $91.74

Subtotal -- $1240.62
25% discount off swapped items (pedals, saddle, kickstand, grips and tires)
Subtotal after discount -- $1142.97
Tax -- $102.87
Total -- $1245.84

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thanks for any info - J.

Well, they're throwing in the labor of swapping pedals, seat, kickstand,
grips, and tires for free. That ought to figure into your equation.

The 25% discount is probably a reasonable maximum, considering how much
they will get for the OEM take-off parts.

I tend not to give most LBSen much stick for their pricing. If you are
concerned about the cost, well, more pricing information about the
Brooks B17 Champion Flyer can be found on the Web. It's more than Harris
charges, for example, but they stock and specialize in those saddles.

I guess what I'm saying is that they're not egregiously ripping you off.
Only you can decide if what they're offering is worth the price.

--
Ryan Cousineau /
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

On Mar 2, 6:30 pm, wrote:
You're being hosed dude!!! Bent over and reamed raw!! Here's what ir
should cost

No, he's getting a decent deal for his requested equipment.
Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850
Shimano M520 pedals- $38.99 (Universal Cycles)
He can save $15 at UC
OR
Nashbar clipless ---- $17.99 (nashbar.com)
Not what he wanted, though.
Brooks B17 Champion Flyer-- $99 (wallbike.com)
That's not the model he wants, though. The B17 with the rivets costs
$132 at willbike - save $13
Or - Just as comfy less geeky
B-17 Standard ---$64
Ascent kickstand--- $5.95 (nashbar.com)
He wants the Pletscher two leg kickstand.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus-- $38.00 (unoversal cycles)
1. He needs *two* tires.
2. UC only has the 700x28; he needs the 700x35 or x37. Also, UC is
out of the 700x28.

Total $1070 with specc'ed accessories (with no need for "discount" for
overpriced parts)
You left out the ergon grips. And the tax. And his spec'd equipment.
He only saves $28

Total $1014 with comparable accessories
This is a good point, especially going with a cheaper saddle and
kickstand.
Install accessories yourself and save a bundle

wrote:
On Mar 2, 6:30 pm, wrote:
You're being hosed dude!!! Bent over and reamed raw!! Here's what ir
should cost

No, he's getting a decent deal for his requested equipment.
Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850
Shimano M520 pedals- $38.99 (Universal Cycles)
He can save $15 at UC
OR
Nashbar clipless ---- $17.99 (nashbar.com)
Not what he wanted, though.
Brooks B17 Champion Flyer-- $99 (wallbike.com)
That's not the model he wants, though. The B17 with the rivets costs
$132 at willbike - save $13
Or - Just as comfy less geeky
B-17 Standard ---$64
Ascent kickstand--- $5.95 (nashbar.com)
He wants the Pletscher two leg kickstand.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus-- $38.00 (unoversal cycles)
1. He needs *two* tires.
2. UC only has the 700x28; he needs the 700x35 or x37. Also, UC is
out of the 700x28.
Total $1070 with specc'ed accessories (with no need for "discount" for
overpriced parts)
You left out the ergon grips. And the tax. And his spec'd equipment.
He only saves $28
Total $1014 with comparable accessories
This is a good point, especially going with a cheaper saddle and
kickstand.
Install accessories yourself and save a bundle

Right.
Jay is getting good value, as a complete package, from a good shop with
personalized service. A small putative savings (~2%?? delivery charges?)
versus both one-transaction convenience and better than average service
seems quite reasonable to me.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

That was a quick example in three minutes I saved him $2-300 . With
more searching he might have saved more. None of those items are shop
only installs and comparable items are easy to find. Who wants a two
legged kickstand? Nashbar pedals are as good as any and there are
other tires that perform as well for less- vittoria randonneurs for
$29 at REI . Nashbar ergo gel grips are $6 and just as good as ergon.


On Mar 3, 3:52*pm, wrote:
On Mar 2, 6:30 pm, wrote:

You're being hosed dude!!! Bent over and reamed raw!! *Here's what ir
should cost

No, he's getting a decent deal for his requested equipment. Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850
Shimano M520 pedals- *$38.99 (Universal Cycles)

He can save $15 at UC * OR
Nashbar clipless ---- $17.99 (nashbar.com)

Not what he wanted, though. Brooks B17 Champion Flyer-- $99 (wallbike.com)

That's not the model he wants, though. The B17 with the rivets costs
$132 at willbike - save $13 Or - Just as comfy less geeky
B-17 Standard *---$64
Ascent kickstand--- $5.95 *(nashbar.com)

He wants the Pletscher two leg kickstand. Schwalbe Marathon Plus-- $38.00 (unoversal cycles)

1. He needs *two* tires.
2. UC only has the 700x28; he needs the 700x35 or x37. *Also, UC is
out of the 700x28.

Total $1070 with specc'ed accessories (with no need for "discount" for
overpriced parts)

You left out the ergon grips. *And the tax. And his spec'd equipment.
He only saves $28

Total $1014 with comparable accessories

This is a good point, especially going with a cheaper saddle and
kickstand.



Install accessories yourself and save a bundle- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

He asked so he wasnt sure. For that type of fred mobile it's wayyyyyy
too much.

On Mar 3, 4:52*pm, Harry Brogan
wrote:
On Mon, 3 Mar 2008 12:52:21 -0800 (PST), wrote:
On Mar 2, 6:30 pm, wrote:
You're being hosed dude!!! Bent over and reamed raw!! *Here's what ir
should cost

No, he's getting a decent deal for his requested equipment.
Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850
Shimano M520 pedals- *$38.99 (Universal Cycles)
He can save $15 at UC
* OR
Nashbar clipless ---- $17.99 (nashbar.com)
Not what he wanted, though.
Brooks B17 Champion Flyer-- $99 (wallbike.com)
That's not the model he wants, though. The B17 with the rivets costs
$132 at willbike - save $13
Or - Just as comfy less geeky
B-17 Standard *---$64
Ascent kickstand--- $5.95 *(nashbar.com)
He wants the Pletscher two leg kickstand.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus-- $38.00 (unoversal cycles)
1. He needs *two* tires.
2. UC only has the 700x28; he needs the 700x35 or x37. *Also, UC is
out of the 700x28.

Total $1070 with specc'ed accessories (with no need for "discount" for
overpriced parts)
You left out the ergon grips. *And the tax. And his spec'd equipment.
He only saves $28

Total $1014 with comparable accessories
This is a good point, especially going with a cheaper saddle and
kickstand.
Install accessories yourself and save a bundle

IF a person is happy with the deal that he has made then how can he be
getting hosed????? * *As long as THEY are happy with it then it's not
possible.
* *__o * | Every time I see an adult on a bicycle....
*_`\(,_ *| I no longer despair for the human race.
(_)/ (_) | * * * * * * * * * * * * ---H.G. Wells---- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

On Mar 2, 11:30*pm, wrote:
You're being hosed dude!!! Bent over and reamed raw!! *Here's what ir
should cost
Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850
Shimano M520 pedals- *$38.99 (Universal Cycles)
* OR
Nashbar clipless ---- $17.99 (nashbar.com)

What's the point of buying a bike like this and fitting generic-****
components?

Brooks B17 Champion Flyer-- $99 (wallbike.com)

But that's not what Jay wants.

Or - Just as comfy less geeky
B-17 Standard *---$64
Ascent kickstand--- $5.95 *(nashbar.com)

There's probably a better kickstand than that on the bike already. Jay
wants a particular kickstand for a reason.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus-- $38.00 (unoversal cycles)

He needs two. You've calculated for one.

Total $1070 with specc'ed accessories (with no need for "discount" for
overpriced parts)

Total $1014 with comparable accessories

You've left off the Ergon grips. And you haven't put your mind in
gear, pal. How many times is it now that Jay will have to pay carriage
charges? And where's the sales tax?

Install accessories yourself and save a bundle

The OP told us he doesn't like messing around with his bike. A store
that comes highly recommended by other posters, and even another
dealer, will give him free fitting of the custom parts -- and you want
him to give it up to save perhaps a handful of dollars?

Calculate again, Big Jim, after you read the threads and discover
what was required in the first instance.

Andre Jute
http://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/B...20CYCLING.html

On Feb 29, 8:30*pm, Ryan Cousineau wrote:

In article ,

*"Jay" wrote:
Welcome to the latest installment of 'Jay's all-weather Chicago commuter
bike'. Here is the quote I have received from Rapid Transit Cycleshop. Is
this a fair price? I don't think I am getting much credit for the stock
parts I am rejecting (in favor of my spec'ed parts).

I want to use the same pedals as I am currently using on my folder, so I can
wear the same bike shoes, whichever bike I decide to ride that day.

Is that Brooks saddle price a bit high?

I think I want to go wider tire in back, narrower tire in front, because of
the weight distribution.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Amsterdam Royal 8 -- $850

Shimano M520 clipless pedals (comes with cleats) -- $55
Brooks B17 Black Champion Flyer w/steel rails and copper rivets -- $145
Pletscher 2 leg kickstand (silver or black?) -- $56.88
Ergon GP1 grips Men's large -- $42
Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700 x 35? 37? -- 2 x $45.87 = $91.74

Subtotal -- $1240.62
25% discount off swapped items (pedals, saddle, kickstand, grips and tires)
Subtotal after discount -- $1142.97
Tax -- $102.87
Total -- $1245.84

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thanks for any info - J.

Well, they're throwing in the labor of swapping pedals, seat, kickstand,
grips, and tires for free. That ought to figure into your equation.

The 25% discount is probably a reasonable maximum, considering how much
they will get for the OEM take-off parts.

I tend not to give most LBSen much stick for their pricing. If you are
concerned about the cost, well, more pricing information about the
Brooks B17 Champion Flyer can be found on the Web. It's more than Harris
charges, for example, but they stock and specialize in those saddles.

I guess what I'm saying is that they're not egregiously ripping you off.
Only you can decide if what they're offering is worth the price.

--
Ryan Cousineau /
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -