Originally Posted by
bdinger
I've also seem some BD bikes in person, and they are impressive. Granted these are the highest end BD bikes (their Record, Force and Dura-Ace Carbon bikes), but they really are beautiful and well put together machines.
My summary is that you need to do what's best for you. Being a beginner, I'd suggest you err on the side of caution and avoid BD.
The 'well put together' aspect of a BD bike is certainly a credit to the person or shop that built it, rather than to BD (since they ship partially assembled). I'm glad to hear you and many other people who are impressed with BD rides, especially the higher end bikes. Should the fit work out for me, I'm thinking about the Motobecane Century Team (full carbon/Dura-Ace) as my personal reward for getting down to my target weight.