My husband and son came home with a girl's bike - would you return it? - Page 2

[GuildJenn]

You've probably left but...the store might be able to order one in for you in green. Just a thought.

[elmh23]

We're in the market for a new bike for our 5-year-old daughter and were pleased to find that a lot of bikes are tending to become more unisex. This is great for us since we'd like to get a bike that we could possibly hand down to our younger kids, who both happen to be boys. The boys bikes don't have a straight bar anymore which makes them look like girls bikes to us older folks

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by elmh23

We're in the market for a new bike for our 5-year-old daughter and were pleased to find that a lot of bikes are tending to become more unisex. This is great for us since we'd like to get a bike that we could possibly hand down to our younger kids, who both happen to be boys. The boys bikes don't have a straight bar anymore which makes them look like girls bikes to us older folks

This bike was an SE Bronco which I think looks unisex, the color was just more girlish. Although the more I looked at it, maybe it could go either way.

I ended up returning the bike, and since they had no green bikes to fit my son, I purchased a bike for my daughter - it's definately a girly bike.dd's bike It was less expensive so I asked him to credit my account for the difference. (He wanted me to take a store credit but I wasn't sure I would be able to use the $65 in his store.) My daughter just recently tried riding w/out her training wheels so we were planning on holding off but her other bike was getting too small. So now I have two Schwinn Sting-rays to sell on Craigslist!

I know this was a hassle and the shop owner was irritated but tried being nice. At one point he complained that he's spent too much time on us and he's already spent $4 in invoicing. My husband was in twice yesterday for ~15minutes each time. We are paying a bit of a premium to support a local shop and get service.

Oh well, I'm off to the bike shop in the neighboring town to look for a green bike for my son. (My son said if we don't find one, he wants to go back to this shop and re-buy the original orange bike )

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by GuildJenn

You've probably left but...the store might be able to order one in for you in green. Just a thought.

That's what I thought and we asked yesterday. The bike doesn't come in green any longer.

[jclarke22]

I would go to the store with him and see what bike he likes and maybe settle for the orange one. I would not spend money on painting a bike green.

[2cutiekitties]

Originally Posted by dbsam

I know this was a hassle and the shop owner was irritated but tried being nice. At one point he complained that he's spent too much time on us and he's already spent $4 in invoicing. My husband was in twice yesterday for ~15minutes each time. We are paying a bit of a premium to support a local shop and get service.

That is really rude of him. Sorry He must not know that Target and Wally World exist. He also doesnt sound very good at his job. Your son should have never felt like he had to buy a bike at that store.

Glad you are a good mama and are listening to his color request. In 1980 I wanted a blue Schwinn more than anything. Blue was the in color, everyone had blue, they were gorgeous. My parents bought me a green one. It was a beautiful green, I would love it today, but when I was 10 I wanted a blue one. No one listened to me. I was so hurt and devastated. Of course I was "ungrateful." It just boggles my mind how clueless my parents were. I actually feel like calling them up and yelling at them. I need therapy.

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by 2cutiekitties

Glad you are a good mama and are listening to his color request. In 1980 I wanted a blue Schwinn more than anything. Blue was the in color, everyone had blue, they were gorgeous. My parents bought me a green one. It was a beautiful green, I would love it today, but when I was 10 I wanted a blue one. No one listened to me. I was so hurt and devastated. Of course I was "ungrateful." It just boggles my mind how clueless my parents were. I actually feel like calling them up and yelling at them. I need therapy.

Thanks, I was starting to feel ridiculous going through all this for something as simple (silly?) as a bike color. But he will be riding the bike for several years and although any of the bikes w/h fine and really the bike is more extravagant than necessary, the color is a big deal to a 6yo and honoring his wishes (even when he doesn't feel able to stand up for them) is important. My children rarely (basically never) ask for anything specific when it comes to toys, clothing, activities, etc. and if they did often, I might not be going through all of this.

[phathui5]

But I do not want to spend this much on a bike only to have it painted.

I agree, for $300, you should get the color you want.

[Caneel]

Originally Posted by dbsam

Thanks, I was starting to feel ridiculous going through all this for something as simple (silly?) as a bike color. But he will be riding the bike for several years and although any of the bikes w/h fine and really the bike is more extravagant than necessary, the color is a big deal to a 6yo and honoring his wishes (even when he doesn't feel able to stand up for them) is important. My children rarely (basically never) ask for anything specific when it comes to toys, clothing, activities, etc. and if they did often, I might not be going through all of this.

Don't feel ridiculous. You rock for honoring his wishes! It would be different if it was a constant issue but from what you say, it's not.

[dbsam]

update...We couldn't find a green bike in the other bike shop either. But, I was able to purchase online the original orange bike, in green because it is a 2009 bike and I saved tons of $$$. (It was only $150 including tax and shipping.)

I can't wait to tell my son when he wakes in the morning. He'll need to wait 7-10 days...I'm guessing he'll be waiting on the corner for the UPS man every day!

[AZ mom&teacher]

Why is the store owner angry? Girl bikes and boy bikes are built different. The bar in the middle is in different places so it's obvious if it's boy vs girl. Obviously whoever sold you the bike in that store couldn't tell you son was a boy It really seems to be the store's fault.

[34me]

That is sooo cool! The right color AND it's coming in the MAIL. My guys would be thrilled with the box . I understand your ds though. We had a fire 3 years ago and had to replace 5 bikes. The first 3 of us found the perfect bike at the first store. My mr picky found his at the 3rd or 4th. I spent weeks. Good thing I live in a college town with 9 bike stores.....

[nextcommercial]

Originally Posted by dbsam

update...We couldn't find a green bike in the other bike shop either. But, I was able to purchase online the original orange bike, in green because it is a 2009 bike and I saved tons of $$$. (It was only $150 including tax and shipping.)

I can't wait to tell my son when he wakes in the morning. He'll need to wait 7-10 days...I'm guessing he'll be waiting on the corner for the UPS man every day!

For some weird reason, I want to see a picture of this bike.

It's probably to make up for not getting a ten speed when I was in 6th grade.

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by AZ mom&teacher

Why is the store owner angry? Girl bikes and boy bikes are built different. The bar in the middle is in different places so it's obvious if it's boy vs girl. Obviously whoever sold you the bike in that store couldn't tell you son was a boy It really seems to be the store's fault.

Looking back my title s/h said 'girlish colored' bike. They are all boyish frames; the color was aqua turquoise and white which is usually ridden by girls in our neighborhood.

Originally Posted by nextcommercial

For some weird reason, I want to see a picture of this bike.
It's probably to make up for not getting a ten speed when I was in 6th grade.

It's a simple bike. We ended up w/the mini (which we originally purchased in orange) is a little smaller and less expensive but fits him perfectly now and came in green in 2009. The larger Bronco (which we originally purchased in the aqua turquoise) fit him alright and he w/h/h it a little longer. This is the bike green bike

[Hoopin' Mama]

The store owner was rude, and I would not shop there anymore. You made a purchase in the end. Unbelievably rude.

[meemee]

i am sooo excited for you guys.

i hope you take a picture for future memories.

i remember first bike is the most memorable memory of most adults.

[GuildJenn]

Originally Posted by dbsam

Thanks, I was starting to feel ridiculous going through all this for something as simple (silly?) as a bike color. But he will be riding the bike for several years and although any of the bikes w/h fine and really the bike is more extravagant than necessary, the color is a big deal to a 6yo and honoring his wishes (even when he doesn't feel able to stand up for them) is important. My children rarely (basically never) ask for anything specific when it comes to toys, clothing, activities, etc. and if they did often, I might not be going through all of this.

I don't think it was ridiculous at all! I'm glad you all were able to work it out.

[lookatreestar]

hehe i loved everyones bike memories

[VisionaryMom]

Originally Posted by AZ mom&teacher

Why is the store owner angry? Girl bikes and boy bikes are built different. The bar in the middle is in different places so it's obvious if it's boy vs girl. Obviously whoever sold you the bike in that store couldn't tell you son was a boy It really seems to be the store's fault.

That trend seems to have fallen out of favor. It wasn't the case on many bikes when we bought bikes earlier this year. At any rate, spending only 15 minutes to buy a $300 bike would not make me happy with my husband, not the store owner.

[Kirsten]

Originally Posted by dbsam

update...We couldn't find a green bike in the other bike shop either. But, I was able to purchase online the original orange bike, in green because it is a 2009 bike and I saved tons of $$$. (It was only $150 including tax and shipping.)

I can't wait to tell my son when he wakes in the morning. He'll need to wait 7-10 days...I'm guessing he'll be waiting on the corner for the UPS man every day!

SO happy for you and your ds!!!!! I clicked on the link - what a great bike!! Yay!!!!!!