Oh Draaaaaamaaaaaa.
I'm looking at the original post right now. I'm sure the ensuing conversation would not have gone like this:
OP: "Yeah I really am only interested in 26" bikes though"
Salesperson: "GTFO!"
It probably went more like:
OP:"Yeah I really am only interested in 26" bikes though"
Salesperson: "Fair enough, just thought you might like to consider all the options. Anyway in a 26" bike we have available X, Y and Z. X descends the best but doesn't climb so well, Y is a better climber but a bit steeper in the angles and Z is a workhorse that does both quite well, maybe not as good as the others, but is a fair bit cheaper and still a fun bike. We also have a 29er which is a really fun AM rig but we'll leave that for now"
OP (fuming at not being immediately offered a plethora of 26" options): "Yeah thanks but no thanks" [goes home to complain on the web]
I've sold bikes, I believe reasonably successfully. Perhaps my failing is trying to figure out what would suit a customer from the needs they describe, rather than what image they have in their head; I'd like them to roll out the door and have a great riding experience, not just ignore half the range because of a wheel diameter and potentially miss out on something great. But of course if they have a predetermined idea, I'm not going to argue the point with them, I'm going to shut up and take their money.
No mate, not all, the conversation(s) after getting over the 29er/650lb/26" intro were of course very pleasant and useful, no fuming on the internet required there. It's not really about getting 'the sales pitch' for me, i'd just like to go in, have a chat about a bike and if it fits the criteria I'm after, have a spin.
The shops were helpful, after the initial "why don't you want to try a 29er?" are you thick? look/tone of voice. It feels like something they've put on at the start of a pitch so many times since the 29er thing happened, persuading persuading persuading. Look, so many of us have done our research, we know what components work, we know what we're after, we just go the shop a)to support LBS b)to look at things in the flesh c)test ride d)for a pleasant chin wag with someone like minded who, yes, is trying to sell you something.
After a chat, a run down of the bikes that he/she reckons might suit what i'm after, then throw in the 29er thing, dont open with it, thats what irks me, 2 occasions, 2 exchanges in, im already being given the slanty eyed look for not immediately getting excited about big wheels. Doesn't matter what or how i ride, sales 101 is to make the customer feel comfortable.
