Looking to buy new bike
#1
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Looking to buy new bike
Is Bikesdirect.com a legit co. ? They advertise here and in many web sites or related areas.
#2
Mrs. DataJunkie
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I think there's some debate over their services. I'm leery of buying stuff like a bike online, personally.
#3
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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.
#4
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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...
Last edited by nymtber; 09-08-09 at 11:07 PM.
#5
aka Phil Jungels
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.
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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.
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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.
And b-d do provide a warranty, at least on the bike I looked at. Obviously it will be a pain to use.
#8
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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.