Decius wrote: ↑ So looks like Costco is starting to get Northrock bicycles into stock. I'm wondering a couple things for those that may be experienced buying a bike from Costco...god I need a bigger car.
- How long do the bikes last in stock? Is stock replenished? I'm waiting on a gift card from Aeroplan to buy a bike, and kinda want a gauge on things (as much of a gauge as one can get in this day and age...)
- How is the bike packed?
In Vancouver mid-April, these bikes were on display near the gardening stuff but quickly sold out within weeks. Last week, I noticed more bikes had arrived, but not the high-end ones displayed in the photos - just the youth bikes without front/rear disc brakes.
If I recall, the adult bikes which I initially saw (costing $399/$429) had aluminum frames and alloy wheels which makes them slightly better for long rides. When I got to the store a week later, they had sold out. My guess is that Costco should get more stock as bikes don't usually sell out in April. This year with COVID-19, bikes have been flying off shelves everywhere, it seems.
The only missing feature on Northrock is rear suspension system for doing basic trail riding. Since Northrocks were unavailable at the time I wanted to buy, I ended up getting a pair of CCM Apex dual-suspension bikes from Canadian Tire. At 50% discount, they were $70 less than the $399 Northrock but included full front/rear suspension, aluminum frame and front/rear disc brakes.
Incidentally, the "pricey" aspect of the Costco bikes is due to the fact they are all aluminum with front fork suspension and front/rear disc brakes. The aluminum frame may not be for you if you expect to be crashing your bike on trails though. Discs are useful for more precise braking and they likely won't need the more fiddly adjustment of the older traditional V-brakes.
CCM Apex Men's Dual Suspension Mountain Bike, 26-in...
Northrock bikes are made by Giant which is a Taiwanese company but I believe the bikes are from China. CCM bikes used to be a Canadian iconic brand in my childhood. The brand is now owned by Adidas and come from China.
The fit and finish of the Northrocks is reasonable quality and they have Shimano components (front/rear derailleur, crank, freewheel). I like the fact that my CCM Apex has 24-speed compared to the 21-speed Northrock mountain bike. If you are able to live with just the front suspension on the Northrock, though, it is a good deal at the listed Costco price for the features and overall quality.
The bikes come fully assembled from Costco - don't know if they have boxed bikes in the back.
