I have recently been bike shopping and have turned to various forums like these to seek advice. I've been leaning towards BD as they seemed like the best deal. I came across people who were so quick to hate on BD that it made me not trust them because I felt that they probably worked at a LBS and just wanted to keep business while BD never really made no issues in the matter which made me think that they have a good product and they let the customers judge for themselves.... so really I didn't trust the LBS mentality comparing it to car salesman tactics.

I went to a few bike shops around my area to see if there were any good deals because my wife was out shopping and had time to kill. Surprisingly I found good deals at the LBS in 09 models and found that there are definitely some gems to be found if you are patient and know what you want. Most of the bike shops were very helpful and I told them up front that I was debating between buying on BD and LBS and that price was a factor obviously but if all things equal I'd definitely support the local shops. A few days later, Performance Bicycle had the Fuji Roubaix 09 for sale for $750 w/ a 10% cash back for future purchase which I found to be a truly good deal. It had carbon seat stays and forks as well as Tiagra/105 components. It was slightly more than the BD offerings but just by a hair. I ended up hitting it off w/ one of the salesmen and found him to be truly helpful and concerned about me and my ride. I then started to trust a bit more and this is where I started to see the real value of the LBS. The little help you get from a small stupid question to planning on how I could progress my riding abilities... fittings and free tune ups were also a huge plus but I really felt the value was at the genuine fellowship of a rider and willingness to help them enjoy their ride time. I won't say BD can't offer this but its much easier in person....

Either way... Performance Bicycle gave me a rough fitting which included stand over height and seat post height. He informed me that I should log on a few rides and then come back for a full fitting based upon how I ride and what not. The lifetime free tune ups are a huge plus as well at Performance Bicycle. I ended up buying the Fuji Roubaix 09 for $750.... BD was comparable but at the LBS I got 15% coupon as well as 10% credited back to me to spend on other gear. The salesman was really helpful and answered all of my questions... I truly value the help at LBS and hope everyone will support those that support the community. Yes they need to make money but if they can provide value then I dont mind paying... I wouldn't buy a car I've never seen and tested so I apply the same logic to bikes.... I spend alot of time in my cars so I make sure I buy credible cars from credible dealerships that will always help me out if something is wrong. If I didn't care about that I'd buy cars off of ebay and carsdirect.....