Originally Posted by
tjspiel
I don't like the fact that they bought the rights to use the Motobecane and Windsor names among others. These were respected brands and BD used the names to give themselves credibility even though the bikes they were/are producing have no connection with the old companies. I just find it deceptive and if they're going to be deceptive in that manner, where else are they going to try to deceive the consumers?
Kind of like Pacific Bicycles buying the Schwinn brand and selling bikes labeled as such?
Or how about Bell bicycle products buying and using the Giro name for helmets?
There are COUNTLESS examples of companies doing this throughout modern history, most of them having nothing to do with bicycles... It's a VERY common practice.
The -only- thing I can see even marginally deceptive about BikesDirect is their 'List Price'... since the bikes are not sold elsewhere, is their 'List Price' really a valid price? I think not... though it is a pretty decent comparison to what you'd expect to pay for a similar bike from other companies.
PS:
Giro Customer Service
735 Pacesetter Drive
Rantoul, IL. 61866
U.S.A.
800-456-2355 (tel)
feedback@giro.com
Google:
Bell Racing Co
735 Pacesetter Drive
Rantoul, IL 61866-3659
(217) 892-4177
bellracing.com