frogmanc
09-06-09, 02:28 PM
Is Bikesdirect.com a legit co. ? They advertise here and in many web sites or related areas.
Hybrid Bicycles - Looking to buy new bike
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Luddite
09-06-09, 02:33 PM
I think there's some debate over their services. I'm leery of buying stuff like a bike online, personally.
Panthers007
09-06-09, 04:18 PM
1. - If you are not a skilled bike-mechanic and have a full compliment of tools and a working knowledge of how these things work - and you have built a bike up from just a frame before - add at least $200 to the price of their bikes. The $200 is around what a shop would charge to build it for you.
2. - You will not have a warranty behind the bike. So after it's built, expect to pay for a tune-up from a bike-shop shortly after you get the bike built for you. Things like cable-stretch and derailleurs needing adjusting are normal. If you bought your bike from a bike-store, this service would be free. Buying your bike off the internet means you are on your own.
It's your money to spend as you wish. I hope you have lot's of it.
2. - You will not have a warranty behind the bike. So after it's built, expect to pay for a tune-up from a bike-shop shortly after you get the bike built for you. Things like cable-stretch and derailleurs needing adjusting are normal. If you bought your bike from a bike-store, this service would be free. Buying your bike off the internet means you are on your own.
It's your money to spend as you wish. I hope you have lot's of it.
nymtber
09-08-09, 10:59 PM
I think they do come mostly assembled, but its a good idea to check torque on all of the components and tune them up good.
The first major bike work I EVER did was taking my old mongoose mountain bike down to a bare frame and putting on about $500 in parts I had ordered. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be, that's for sure. I didn't rush it, and I think it took me a few hours. Never had a problem with that bike, either. Anyone who puts their mind to it, has the proper tools, and some mechanical ability should have no problems with bikes from bikesdirect.
However, if you don't have the tools, mechanical ability, or time...go to a bike shop and spend more. Someone with the tools and knowledge can get pretty good deals though...
The first major bike work I EVER did was taking my old mongoose mountain bike down to a bare frame and putting on about $500 in parts I had ordered. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be, that's for sure. I didn't rush it, and I think it took me a few hours. Never had a problem with that bike, either. Anyone who puts their mind to it, has the proper tools, and some mechanical ability should have no problems with bikes from bikesdirect.
However, if you don't have the tools, mechanical ability, or time...go to a bike shop and spend more. Someone with the tools and knowledge can get pretty good deals though...
Wanderer
09-09-09, 06:19 AM
To answer your question - yes, they are a legit business.
If you are a competent bike mechanic, and are prepared to disassemble everything, lubricate, and adjust, and reassemble - you can get a decent bike for a very reasonable price.
And, they do have warrantees, and offer reasonable customer service for an internet company.
If you are a competent bike mechanic, and are prepared to disassemble everything, lubricate, and adjust, and reassemble - you can get a decent bike for a very reasonable price.
And, they do have warrantees, and offer reasonable customer service for an internet company.
sh00k
09-09-09, 08:15 AM
I think there's some debate over their services. I'm leery of buying stuff like a bike online, personally.
cosign. god forbid the company accepts returns but at the customers expense.... shipping a 20-30pound bike in a huge box surely cant be cheap... and that eats into the savings you'd get anyway - sort of negating the savings....
if you have looked high and dry at local bike stores, and have not found what you want, and you've also scoured craigslist, i'd say this would be the best route to go... but be very knowledgable about the company's return policies, timeframes, etc.
cosign. god forbid the company accepts returns but at the customers expense.... shipping a 20-30pound bike in a huge box surely cant be cheap... and that eats into the savings you'd get anyway - sort of negating the savings....
if you have looked high and dry at local bike stores, and have not found what you want, and you've also scoured craigslist, i'd say this would be the best route to go... but be very knowledgable about the company's return policies, timeframes, etc.
meanwhile
09-09-09, 11:56 AM
1. - If you are not a skilled bike-mechanic and have a full compliment of tools and a working knowledge of how these things work - and you have built a bike up from just a frame before - add at least $200 to the price of their bikes. The $200 is around what a shop would charge to build it for you.
Unless b-d are being VERY deceptive, no. Looking at the example of their site (http://www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm) all you'd need would be a pedal spanner and a set of hex keys, and assembly. They sell an assembly tool lit for $20 - this is not "a full set of bike tools" - it's not what I'd carry on a bike on a tour - and the process they show would take about 10 minutes. Screwing on the pedals would be the worst part. (Btw - you should use "assembly paste" when you do this or they may be unremoveable.)
2. - You will not have a warranty behind the bike. So after it's built, expect to pay for a tune-up from a bike-shop shortly after you get the bike built for you. Things like cable-stretch and derailleurs needing adjusting are normal. If you bought your bike from a bike-store, this service would be free. Buying your bike off the internet means you are on your own.
It's easy to tweak a derailer yourself, and if you fail a local bike mechanic should do it for a few bucks.
And b-d do provide a warranty, at least on the bike I looked at. Obviously it will be a pain to use.
Unless b-d are being VERY deceptive, no. Looking at the example of their site (http://www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm) all you'd need would be a pedal spanner and a set of hex keys, and assembly. They sell an assembly tool lit for $20 - this is not "a full set of bike tools" - it's not what I'd carry on a bike on a tour - and the process they show would take about 10 minutes. Screwing on the pedals would be the worst part. (Btw - you should use "assembly paste" when you do this or they may be unremoveable.)
2. - You will not have a warranty behind the bike. So after it's built, expect to pay for a tune-up from a bike-shop shortly after you get the bike built for you. Things like cable-stretch and derailleurs needing adjusting are normal. If you bought your bike from a bike-store, this service would be free. Buying your bike off the internet means you are on your own.
It's easy to tweak a derailer yourself, and if you fail a local bike mechanic should do it for a few bucks.
And b-d do provide a warranty, at least on the bike I looked at. Obviously it will be a pain to use.
Timber_8
09-09-09, 12:04 PM
With all the different kinds of Bikes out there it would be in your best interest to try several brand & models. Be ware of anything that says free shipping too, It will wind up on the cheapest carrier they can find. I am in the trucking business & there is a lot of loss & damages on the docks.