Originally Posted by
WestTx28
Slim -
I tried to send you a private reply to your message back but being a new member I don’t have enough points yet.
I can't thank you enough for spending the time to help me out. I am a member of running and rowing forums and enjoy spending time helping and learning from others in those communities. I knew there had to be an equally excellent cycling forum. I'm so glad I found bikeforums.
The Jamis Coda Elite you pointed me to looks nice. I see there are current threads on steel vs. aluminum frames.
I need to make a drive to the Dallas/Ft Worth or Austin area and find a good bike shop to get fitted properly. Both are a couple hours away but I'm sure would be well worth the trip. I just want to become as knowledgeable as I can beforehand.
Do you usually go through a local dealer to purchase bikes like this or are there online sources?
Yes, WestTx28!
There are great online sources, but you'd have to be familiar with your size or "fit" for the proper bicycle. That's why it's almost always best to make your bicycle purchase at a local bike shop. However, there are online sizing charts avaliable and if you can find a bicycle nearby that's relatively your size, you can guestimate your actual bike size. It's alright if you make a mistake, because most reputable online bike sources will either ship you another bike, or refund your money. There are online videos available that explain how to measure your bike size, if the one you use for your guestimate doesn't have a printed size anywhere labeled on the frame.
Three great online bicycle sources are as follows:
1)
www.bikesdirect.com
2)
www.nashbar.com
3)
www.performancebike.com
Thus far, I have reason to trust the bikes on these websites. Hopefully, they will meet your standards.
I believe that Performance will deliver to their nearest Performance outlet. You then are expected to pick your new bike up at that location.
- Slim
PS.
Also, when you go through a bicycle dealership, you establish a relationship with them. They can make routine needed adjustments to your bike, tune it up, and repair it, all under warranty. That can't happen with online purchases. Also, if your bike has a factory defect, your local bike shop will usually be able to detect it, and validate your warranty for either a replacement bike or frame. Alternatively, they can just vouch for you to receive a refund.
* I'm not certain about Nashbar.com and bikesdirect.com, but
Performance has a lifetime customer satisfaction clause and a lifetime guarantee on their frames.