Mountain Biking - Bikes online

Does anyone have any good experiences buying a bike online, and if so, where?

Thanks

I've heard many good things about dealing with REI online, specifically about buying bikes from them. If you are on a college budget, you may want to investigate their house brand, Novarra, I think it's called. You also may want to see if they have an REI outlet store near you. They sell a lot of bikes, and have a great reputation for service, shipping, etc. But you have to be sure of the size of bike that fits you prior to buying online. Again, check their website (www.rei.com) to see if there is a store near you; if not, you may want to buy from them online.

Good luck!
marys

I really prefer to buy @ my LBS. However, that's considering that you both HAVE a LBS, and the LBS offers good service. I'm lucky in that I have both. If I didn't, I wouldn't hesitate to order on-line.

Sorry, I didn't answer your question very well. I just had to add my $.02, for what it's worth! :D

thanks for the tips guys, your two cents is worth something. Problem is I'm new to this and don't know much about the lbs and don't know who around here to ask. Mainly I just wanted to keep my options open.
I'll check out REI.com too.

I buy some items online, but then again I've been a bicycle mechanic since age 14, now almost 33. Wow, more than half my life. That's a wierd revelation.

Anyways, since you mentioned being new to cycling, I would advise against purchasing online. Go to ALL the shops in your area, introduce yourself and explain what type of riding you're planning on doing. Believe me, they're used to people in your exact situation and will be amicable to your apprehension. You'll probably find a great shop that you like, or one that rubs you the wrong way. Eventually, find one where you feel comfortable spending your money and makes you feel like they care about you and your needs. Spend your money there! They'll help you get the right bike in the right size for the right money!

Shopping online can be catastrophic if you're new to the sport, you could end up with the wrong size bike or the wrong bike for your needs or a piece of overpriced junk. Plus, when you get it shipped, you have to assemble it. This requires some special tools which you may or may not have. Also, in order for everything to work right it has to be tuned properly. This requires some bicycle mechanical knowledge which you again may or may not possess.

Plus if you deal with a LBS, you can get local knowledge about where to ride and perhaps a group ride to get to know other people in your area.

L8R

I will agree with a2psyklnut. Go to LBS. Ride everything there that will suit what you will be doing. Most importantly set a price range. You may want to see what kind of service policy they offer after the sell. I offer one year free labor, and 10% off all accesories and upgrades. This is in addition to the factory warranty. Buying a bike that is sized to you correctly is REAL important.

Well , buying online can be good if you know the bike and what your paying for it , but i would reccomend going to bike shops in your area

my LBS only sells me stuff that he doesnt sell lol. i order everything from him from the book. i get it almost at cost too cuz i work there so that works to my advantage. fact is hes a complete arrogant a****le and if you bug him he will kill you but the truth is he has been in the bicycle industry for 50 years and he knows what hes talking about lol. dont let him touch my bike tho cuz hes a little iffy with a wrench now. i either fix myself since i should know how given i work there or let the other wrench do it.

he owned Miele bikes when they were around. they were good for what they were.