Originally Posted by
algrant33
I think this is the thing to do--go into the deal knowing that the wheels are the weakest part of the bike, knowing I'm getting something sturdier than a 700c road rim but I still have to ride light and plan to upgrade. This is smart. They did say that before I take it out of the store, I can swap any component on the bike for the difference in sticker between the two & no labor. Considering a wheel build itself is $40/wheel....hmm. I might push to find a 36-spoke or 36F/40R setup but I have no clue what the sticker on the stock wheels would be, and I have NOT AT ALL begun component shopping.
Then Frenchfit come along and shows me a gamechanger. I'd heard of BikesDirect but hadn't done any looking on there before. Wow. Bottom dollar for obscenely good components which would normally be way outside my price range, no shipping charges and no tax. Or, what I originally wanted for within my original budget. So...What's the catch? They ship you a box and that's it? You build the bike up and don't like it, you can't return it I guess... And no warranty, I'm assuming. (Time to go read the website's terms.)
Truth is, they assemble in minutes..no big deal. They are 95% ready to go. Most big LBSs in my area use kids to assemble their bikes, they come to them exactly the same way in that long brown box - you think you are getting some pro at teh LBS to put it together, and you're wrong. Same story at REI, not all their bike shop employees are gearheads.
The rant on BikesDirect, BD, is their components-builds aren't sufficently lubed. If you have a mind to, dis-assemble the bottom bracket and steerer, add some Phil's in there. A tube of Phil's cost about $10, and it's a fun project. Other than the fact BD adds nothing to the US economy or bike industry, and they normally don't have bikes I want, they are a top of the list option for anyone looking for a bike on a budget. Their Ti bikes are such hot sellers they are never in stock.
Enjoy.