REI is the difference. They have a 100% satisfaction warranty in place for everything that they sell. If you keep your receipt and you return the bike ten years from now, with that receipt, they either give you a total refund or give you store credit for the original cost of the bike. If you are an REI member, you don't even need a receipt!

Also, if something should go south with your bikesdirect bike next month, you'll have to return the bike and pray for the best results. Bikesdirect is intangibly located in outer space somewhere and you'll need the blessings of Yahweh for complete 100%satisfaction. Of course, they will have the ball in their court, because you've already paid them in full, and they will render their final decision according to their own system of justice. Most customers of theirs are satisfied, but some are not.

If you decided not to purchase online, then I would suggest that you test-ride a Jamis Coda Sport hybrid at your nearest Jamis dealership. ~ $560

- Slim