Originally Posted by
latercar
If I ordered a bike online (like from bikesdirect.com as a couple of you suggested), I would have to put it together myself. As a non-mechanically inclined n00b, would this be okay? Or should I buy from a bike shop and pay the extra cash to get them to assemble it?
It is not recommended that someone with no experience buy a bike in a box on line. Not because the assembly required is too difficult, (it isn’t) but because if something is wrong you either won’t notice, or won’t be able to fix it. Best to go with the local shop to ensure everything is right. Visit the shops in your area and talk with them. Try out some bikes and go with the shop that makes you feel most comfortable. Let us know how it goes!