Originally Posted by
dynaryder
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.
I agree with you there 100%. If you don't know youre way around a bike with a wrench, then maybe it's not a good idea. If you're not sure which frame geometry +size works for you, it isn't a good idea. It's defintely better for more experienced people. I guess for me, I have been tearing apart and re-assembling bikes since I was 12 (so about 25 years) so simple adjustments are not given a second though. I have often had to do them to LBS bikes I've purchases as well but generally speaking they come pretty much ready to go.
Like you said, if you are a complete newbie to bikes or working wrench then you're better off with a LBS bike because it might end up costing you the same after hiring a LBS to fix your bike after you mess up setting up on your own.