Originally Posted by
CB88
if you are 'completely ignorant about bikes and their parts' then why are you buying a bikesdirect bike that will require assembly and include no post-sale service instead of buying from a local bike shop? If you have to pay someone to assemble the bike for you and then have to pay for a fitting and tune ups, you won't be saving much.
+1
Bikedirect is a good option if you know what you're getting in terms of frame size and you can perform your own mechanical work to make the minor adjustments needed. The bikes come pretty much completely built but you want to make sure you tighten things properly and make sure the components are working properly. Fit is a really big thing to sort out and will make a bike either a dream to ride or end up as a clothing rack in the corner of your room so it's best to figure out what frame geometry you need because sizes vary by manufacturer.