bagster

I'm in the market for a new Coda Sport. Problem is, there's not a Jamis dealer within 200 miles.
It looks like my only option is either Ebay, or contacting a bike shop and having it shipped.
My wrenching experience consists of fixing flats, putting on chains, adjusting derailleurs...
only the basics. Could I potentially encounter any problems in reassembling the bike?
Also, can anyone recommend a mail-order outlet here in the US? I have heard Bicycleblowout in
Nevada is a good one.

halfspeed

I've ordered from bicycleblowout.com. I got a great price and a bike that needed =significant= tuning. This is exactly what I expected for the money, though. Brakes, derailleurs, everything had to be adjusting and both wheels needed to be trued. I own the tools and do the wrenching so this was not a problem. If you aren't prepared to do this, your best bet is an LBS.

AndrewP

Ask your LBS what he would charge for assembling a mail order Jamis.

Sivart

I bought a new bike still in the box from a reputable seller on ebay and paid $50 to have my shop assemble it. It was reassuring to know it was done right as I have roughly the same repair skill level as you. And they readjusted it after 30 days to accomodate any cable stretch. Good luck!

thePest

Anytime you ship a bike you should have a tune-up done at the receiving end.

Some options.

Bicycle venders will make exceptions!!! As for a Local dealer, they might be able to get you that bike. If there is no dealer near yah, but your local shop. They just might let them bring that one in. Assy is included and normally a 90day type 1 free tuneup.

The other is find a dealer to sell you one. It is however against manufacture dealer's rule to sell a customer a boxed bike. For they can be sued if it's not correct. So the bike dealer assembles it then reboxes the bike to send to you.

Some shops have a mini tuneup. Each shop is different. You would be surprised what two retail dealers can do for you.

San Rensho 

I would go to an LBS to have them assemble it, but be prepared to pay $50+ to have it done right. When I worked at an LBS doing assembly of new bikes, we went throught everything, truing wheels, adjusting hubs,BB, headset etc. There was always something significant that had to be done to even the best bikes. So if they say 2hours+ to set it up right, thats fair.

seriouslysilly

A while back, I was searching for a Jamis Coda also. I came upon bicycleblowout but was soon saddened that they couldn't ship Jamis bikes. I live on the east coast so it was a bit hard to find one at the LBS.
I ended getting one from a bike shop on ebay (NY) that sent me one.
Could one "convince" a shop to ship bikes like these?

BikeWise1

Not likely. To do so would mean possible loss of their dealership with that brand.

One exception would be if you happened upon a shop who had terminated their dealer agreement with a particular brand and was liquidating their stock.