General Cycling Discussion - ordering new bike on-line?

Are there some good sites available to order bikes on-line? I have been researching road bikes and have it somewhat narrowed down. After I decide what I want, can I order it on-line and save some money? I have been watching e-bay, but for the most part I think people are over bidding. I'm also open to buying a used bike, but haven't been able to find anything worth buying. You would think that there would be alot of used bikes out there as people upgrade.

try going to www.coloradocyclist.com or at www.excelsports.com they are refutable american companies, doing business in the internet

fixed links - joe.

I bought my Motobecane at www.bikesdirect.com .Motobecane.com sends you there for their U.S. sales. GREAT deals.They have Fuji, KHS,Primal,Mercier. They advertise in Bicycling magazine and like I said I bought mine there and was worried about getting ripped off online.They are straight up.Just talk to them about sizing cause it different from manufacture to manufacture.

I would recommend buying online only if you are absolutely certain you thoroughly understand the concepts of bike fit and are confident you know the geometry of the frame that will fit you.

Some vendors, like Airborne, have a satisfaction guarantee, but most don't.

By and large, there are only a few brands that are commonly available both online and in stores, so it can be tough to get test rides. There are a fair number of Fuji dealers, and REI sells Novaras online and in their stores, but good luck finding a Mercier or Motobecane to test ride. It's possible, but rare.

On the other hand, shop brands like Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, etc. etc. are simply not available online.

Even though I bought an Airborne, I bought it through a dealer. I have a hard time imagining buying a road bike sight unseen.

RichC

I agree with Rich that you need to know if you want racing or relaxed geometry.As long as you buy a frame that fits, you can fine tune it with different stems and handlebars, the same thing you have to do with any bike you buy at any cost if you are into having 'the proper fit'.That said,if you don't mind riding last years model www.bicycleblowout.com Fuji,Iron Horse,Jamis (Jamis is COOL)

I think www.ebay.com could save you some money if it was on sale.


Cheers :beer:

FYI for those of you in Phoenix, AZ. Cycle spectrum carries motobecane and KHS. Their prices are identical to bikesdirect.com. If you buy local and pay the taxes you'll get free lifetime adjustments and an assembled bike. If you mail order you'll save tax but have to assemble and maintain the bike yourself.

Originally posted by snowman3
FYI for those of you in Phoenix, AZ. Cycle spectrum carries motobecane and KHS. Their prices are identical to bikesdirect.com. Ya,thats how bikesdirect got started was with the stores.David Sanders started with them and their 35 stores now runs the website.Answers the email himself.Took pretty good care of me.

I would not want to commit to buying any bike without test riding it first -- there are too many subtle variables involved.

Caveat emptor--let the buyer beware.