Originally Posted by
thin_concrete
I'm going to echo many of the others on here and suggest you go to your LBS and get a feel for their prices. While you can get great components on a cheaper frame by buying online, you can get a lot of help and build a relationship with a shop, which in my opinion, is worth it, especially if you're new to this.
Happy riding, and good luck!
Agreed. On paper, a mail order bike is cheaper, but if you have no experience, then you will need to pay someone for final assembly & adjustment, and likely have to pay for minor adjustments as it "breaks-in" after a few 100 miles of riding. Those minor adjustments are usually included in purchase from a shop.
Also, like shoes and clothing, the risk of buying on-line is getting the wrong size, or something different than what you expected. Returning a mail order bike is not as simple as returning clothing.