Originally Posted by
mcrow
Well, that's the thing. You could argue about the frame quality bit as I noted, IME, I have seen several BD bikes and the frames are similar quality as an LBS frame of the same materials. You can't really argue much about components as they list the brands and models in most cases and they are also better than an LBS bike for the same price.
For about $200 less you can get a bike with Tiagra, 105, or Apex. Heck you can get a sora bike for around $400 on BD and no sales tax in most placees.
How about a Madone? Yeah, 105's run under $900 on BD opposed to $1500. Heck, for $1400 you can get a carbon fiber 105.
Yep
The only place Ive seen them skimp at the pricepoints I buy at are tires. Usually some Kenda type glorified rim strip thing, but, as a year 'round commuter, the tires get replaced on any bike I ride before it hits the road, from junque on up to semi-junque
~ So, I really wouldnt care if they just shipped it with bare rims
