I love this thread. I get to complain about things I never get to say in real life.
Today's vent- I decided to get my Godson a bike fearing another bike shortage this year. Thought if I bought early enough in the season all would be good.
Called the first bike shop and inquired on a mountain bike. "Sorry we don't have that one, it was a mistake on our website." Okay things like that happen. "So what do you have in mountain bikes in this price range?" "Oh we carry this line of bikes in that range."
Great. We hop in the car and get to the shop. I am greeted by the man on the phone who acts like he has amnesia regarding our conversation. "Um, hmmm....let me have Mike come help you." Okay, we meet Mike. "Oh so sorry, we don't have any of those. I can check our supplier's site." Viola- there is a similar bike. A bit more than I want to pay, but sure, let's order it. Then I notice the supplier has listed the bike as "sold out." I get some excuse that maybe, just maybe they will have a few "put away" that he can get. "Sure, let me know."
Next shop. Every medium sized mountain bike under $1500 is sold out but one. He tells me "there is a bike shortage, but we are getting 70 new bikes next week. But, 35 of them are already sold." So- I buy that last bike even though it is way more than I wanted to pay. But at least he's happy.