This is an important caveat. In my view, having a good experience with a bike depends on the quality of service that you have access to. We've grown to expect that cars are defect-free when they are made, and practically impervious to their operating conditions when used properly. But bikes are more like the Ford Model T, where they usually need some mechanical attention before they can be used.

They also have more lightweight and exposed mechanisms. For this reason, a bike typically needs some service, which includes checking for manufacturing defects (missing lubrication in the bearings, insufficiently tensioned spokes) and making minor adjustments as things settle.

If you can become reasonably self sufficient for minor maintenance, then you can have a good experience with a bike that is not supported by a shop, such as mail-order or second-hand.