Originally Posted by
mcrow
I don't see it that way. When a bike shop sells for pretty much MRSP you are paying for the bike, nothing else. Sure, some shops throw in extras to sweeten the deal but, IMO it doesn't increase the value of the bike. So, when I see a BD bike with pretty similar frame, same components and $200 less I can't justify paying the extra for a tune, assembly...ect.
First,if you can work on your own bike,then you're not getting extra value. But many people don't have the skills/knowledge to properly assemble a bike. Second,with LBS bikes,you can sit on them and test ride them to determine how they fit and ride. You can't do that with BD bikes. Lastly,LBS bikes are ready to go when you pick them up. BD bikes need to be assembled,and sometimes they get damaged in shipping. That's alot of hassle you don't have to deal with when buying an LBS bike.
BD bikes are great for seasoned riders who know how bikes fit them and do their own wrenching. But most noobs will benefit from getting at least their first bike from a shop.
Originally Posted by
noglider
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?
Oh yeah,look at their Ti line. My Ti cross bike was
very nice;I'd say it would cost much more at a shop,but there aren't any shops that sell off-the-rack Ti bikes. They're all at least semi-custom. There's a thread about what's a poor man's Rivendell;BD is a poor man's Moots.