Originally Posted by
NormanF
Keep in mind that in the big boys brands, you're paying for the brand label, the color and the markup and promotion costs.
Which have nothing to do with the quality of the bike. You can save $$$$ by buying a bike that's not as prestigious but is better equipped at a given price.
Let me aks you something, because I don't know the answer. Can you buy a bike that is better equipped (or equivalently equipped) and is the same as or better quality than a bike shop bike? If so, I would recommend these. My sample size of bikesdirect bikes is about four, and they were low-to-mid-level bikes. I haven't seen the high end ones. The ones I saw did not offer an unusual value in any way.