Most bike shops I've gotten to know can't give you a hell of a lot of a break on the frame/complete bike, but can help you out on accessories (lid, pedals, water bottles, etc). I'm sure that any good LBS would be willing to work with you on a combo purchase like that, but you should understand that the margins are pretty small to begin with - so they don't have a hell of a lot of wiggle room on the bikes themselves. When you spec your complete ride however (pedals, accessories, etc) you should be able to save some.

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Hi Burns,

This is a fair question. Often times, however, the reality of multiple bike sales- i.e., selling one customer multiple bikes within the wrapper of one transaction- amounts to much more work for the retailer. In that circumstance, it may be inappropriate to negotiate a better price.

Now, the retailer will ask themselves the question, "What's in it for me?" or, "Why should I lower my prices for this customer?" You need to give him a compelling reason, and buying four bikes at once is not compelling. He will make those four sales anyway, over a longer duration with less concentrated work.

However, if you can offer him something like; "I'll pay for these four bikes now, pick them up all at once and load them myself and I don;t need any service after the sale- this is a one time deal and it will be quick and efficient and I will be out of your way so you can get on to taking care of other customers." Then his response shoud be, "Excellent Sir, we have a deal, I will kindly offer you XX% off your purchase of four bikes, paid in full now, and delivered all at once on this date...."

I think it is a matter of building something in it for the dealer. Remember- he will sell the four bikes anyway. You need to convince him it is in his best interset to sell them all to you at a discount. What do you offer him?

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com