Off brand/outlet bike inquiry
 

So I am new to the bike scene, and I'm looking to get in to it. But looking around for my first bike has been interesting to say the least.

I've been trying to look for a nice good quality reasonably price used bike and have failed, but still on the look out.

The other part of me just wants to buy one of these cheap new bikes from a bike outlet on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-BOTTECCHIA-...ht_4671wt_1166) or from a site like: (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm) But I fear that I might be taken for a ride (pun intended) and really be getting a poor quality bike.

I would love to hear feedback, any stories from others who have boughten one of these off brand / factory direct road bikes. Or if you know something I don't know please clue me in.

Thanks,
Zech


For those of you interested I'm going to share a little of my back story.

I'm 22 y/o from Tacoma, Washington, (just south of Seattle) I learn to ride a bike about 11 years ago because of some medical problems. When I was younger I loved riding the mtb down trails in the local park, and of coarse becasue of low income, I never advanced past the wally world cheapo bikes. So I always had the desire to ride a "real" bike, hehe.

I work at a local grocery store, and recently we had a "biggest loser" contest for the month of january, 28 days. January 5th I weighed in a 5'11 252.5lbs, Feb 2nd I finished the contest at second place weighing in at 228.5 and lost a whopping 24 lbs (for those hard on math :) And had the desire to go further.

I had known a few people from my store and in the contest ride the annual STP (Seattle to Portland 1-2 day bike run) in the summer and I thought that would be fun adventure. So it being the end of winter beginning of summer. I figured I'd live a dream of mine and get on a horse and ride.

[EDIT:] I'm going to also update here with my experience I ended up ordering (http://bikesdirect.com/products/moto...ventnoir_x.htm)

Feb 6: Ordered Bike from BD with Expected Arrival mid week.
Feb 11: UPS went to the wrong door on my house, (I live in a a loft/top story of a home) my fault since I didn't put delivery instructions. So my arrival is postponed until Tuesday after Pres day.

What size of bike and what type of riding will you be doing?

I'm looking for a 58cm, for long distance riding, 100-300 mile. My budget is just below $1000

Ebay no. No way to test ride or even look for cracks on the bike.
BD only best for experienced riders with some mechanical skills.

Your local bike shop can be your new best friend.
Warranty and minor problem can be taken care of quickly.

I have no problem with Mechanics, and have a few bike friends that can help with assembly, I'm mostly curious if they're quality still stands well with the price from BD.
I also have had bad experience with a couple bike shops, basicly treating me like a car dealership... If ya know what I mean. I honestly had one guy tell me, "This one is a little more expensive because it has "better" parts." which just seemed sketchy to me.

Sorry to hear that.
I have a friend that has 40,000 miles on his $600 BD bike.
It might work for you.

That is True about different parts Levels.

nothing like a test ride but bikes direct does a brisk business and everyone seems satisfied!

Most bike shops will give the rider a Fitting on the new bike.

I've been heavily considering this (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/rwt_tri.htm) Is it worth the price? Considering I take care of it, I assume it will hold up?

Newbie looking for the first bike, eh? The LBS is your friend. So is any co-op's that maybe near you. You might even consider joining the local cycling club, so that you can gain access to their bulletin board. Some of those types have the $ for new bikes, but lack the space to keep them.

You can do the BD thing, after you have some miles under your saddle and you better understand your likes/dislikes and fitment requirements.

The guy who runs Bikes Direct frequents this forum. You can contact him directly.

Their bikes are adequate, but if some free service, being able to swap stems / saddles / pedals at minimal cost as part of the sale, getting the bike properly fitted to you, getting it assembled, etc., etc., etc. have any value to you, you may be better off at your local bike shop.

Bikes Direct prices ARE better, but having owned one and found myself needing to swap parts to get it fitted properly / replace a few total POS parts (cheap plastic toe clips, etc.), I'd be more inclined to take an LBS seriously next time (and that's with a co-op 1.5 miles from my house).

Go to several of your local bike shops. Find one that's got a vibe you can deal with, tell them what you've been looking at, what you're looking for, and see how they can do. They may give you a solid deal, or they may make you feel more determined to order one up from BD.

There is no way I would buy a bike without trying it first. This is only for a couple of reasons- To see if it fits and to see if it rides well. You can only do that by a test ride.

But Bikes from Bikes direst have a lot of comments about them. Some good and some bad. Only thing is that these bikes are cheap.

But the Windsor bike Bazaaretw is looking at.

Not bad for the price- in fact on the face of it- very good for the price. Several things I do not like but that is preference. Just face it- as a first bike it would probably be OK. But that first bike is only there to tell you one thing- What your second bike is going to be. But for me- A standard crank is no good- I need a compact or a triple. Wheels are no way near my standards and they would probably get passed on or kept as winter wheels. Don't believe the hype on Race spec -or Pro parts fitted either.

And going back to that Test ride- This is listed as a Triathlon bike. (Also suitable for road) Triathlon bikes are built differently. Is it going to be a good ride for you? Only one way to find out. Buy it and see if you can get on with it.

If you have basic mechanic skills your best value by far will be found online. :thumb:

The link you posted for Ebay is actually a BD model that is rebranded Bottecchia ... an excellent value for $795
http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-BOTTECCHIA-...item27af0104ea

Take a look a the frame size chart and get measured at your LBS before ordering.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...t_geometry.htm

http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/07/99/33/db_3.JPG

Are you sure you need a 58cm? Not all 58cm bikes are the same.
I must agree with the others. Your lbs is your best bet.

Customers treat it like a car dealership by trying to haggle on the price. Why don't they do the same thing at Best Buy?

The salesman told you that because - shocking - it was a little more expensive because it had better parts on it. I would consider 105 to be better than Tiagra, and I would consider Tiagra to be better than Sora. Seems easy enough.


I thought you wanted, as you stated above, a bike to ride "long" distances. A tri bike? Not so much. The geometry is all wrong for distance riding.

If you're set on buying a bike from BikesDirect, and considering your budget, I'd look at this one:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e/sprint_x.htm

I'm pretty sure that the frame is the same as or at least similar to my DBR Podium 3. And it comes with Ultegra for $1000.

Coming into this, I didn't know much about the different types of bikes, I was unaware that "tri" bikes were not very comfy. The guy at performance bike was honestly a dick. lol, and I've actually had other problems with them before as well, I got in a bike accident because a 3 day old new bike had the front tire buckle and mangle and I flipped over the handle bars and injured myself badly, and they handled it very badly on the store level. I don't have any bad experiences with other LBS's just basing that off of the 2 different performance bike shops I've been to.

My budget was a little closer to 700, tho if I had more I'd consider something different. So I picked one that was $699 and well since it's my first bike, I don't think I'll have too many complaint as yea I don't have anything to compare it to except old huffy's from wally world.

I ended up ordering this last night (http://bikesdirect.com/products/moto...ventnoir_x.htm) I read a lot of reviews on it and there were few complains other then you'll need to upgrade somethings to taste eventually. Which is prolly natural with any bike ordered online.

I'm more then sure I'll be getting a run for my money. And if not, it's a lesson learned. I've never been picky, and I believe I'll be very grateful to have something like this as it's something I've always wanted for a long time, and maybe later when my wallet gets fatter I'll upgrade to something fancy.

I will deffinantly be sure to return to this thread and these forums as I think I've found a new home, and I'll keep you all updated on my bike.

Two things you might be changing on the bike. Pedals- unless you are already a clipless rider. Platform pedals can be bought cheaply- but try to get a pair that are a bit more solid than the "Plastic" pedals supplied on new bikes. And the saddle. You may be lucky and I would give it about 200 miles to get the Butt adjusted to a saddle- but I have an idea you will be changing that aswell.

As to the bike-- Good choice- so get some milage in and give us a report on how it rides.

a little back story
 

For those of you interested I'm going to share a little of my back story.

I'm 22 y/o from Tacoma, Washington, (just south of Seattle) I learn to ride a bike about 11 years ago because of some medical problems. When I was younger I loved riding the mtb down trails in the local park, and of coarse becasue of low income, I never advanced past the wally world cheapo bikes. So I always had the desire to ride a "real" bike, hehe.

I work at a local grocery store, and recently we had a "biggest loser" contest for the month of january, 28 days. January 5th I weighed in a 5'11 252.5lbs, Feb 2nd I finished the contest at second place weighing in at 228.5 and lost a whopping 24 lbs (for those hard on math :) And had the desire to go further.

I had known a few people from my store and in the contest ride the annual STP (Seattle to Portland 1-2 day bike run) in the summer and I thought that would be fun adventure. So it being the end of winter beginning of spring. I figured I'd live a dream of mine and get on a horse and ride.

The Vent Noir is a really nice bike for the money. The aluminum might seem a little harsh after 60 or 70 miles, so make sure you invest in a saddle that fits you properly and some GOOD (ie: NOT Performance/Nashbar) bibs or shorts.

Congratulations on the new Motobecane Vent Noir :thumb:
I agree with the other posters on their suggestions for a new saddle and a nice set of shorts or bibs.
If you keep the clip-less pedals you may want to try some mtn bike shoes with SPD cleats ... much easier to walk with.

Enjoy the ride~!

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...vent_x_600.jpg

Then take the bike back to the same LBS annd ask for free assembly too?

Speaking of which I called all my lbs's and the cheapest I found for bike assembly was 69 bucks? And some up to 100. :\ I may just try to do it myself.

You can put it together yourself. Check out Bicycle Tutor for video instructions how to adjust derailleurs, etc: http://bicycletutor.com/
Enjoy!

Adam

I figured Thats what I'd do to save myself the wallet fee, and I have a few experianced friends who can take a look at the gears, thats all I really don't know much about.