Originally Posted by Az B
1: I bought a Bikesdirect bike that came with all Ultegra, (including crank and brakes) Ritchey wheels, and Ritchey cockpit.
How is that cheap? Any bike (including Treks and Fujis) can be specced with cheap or decent parts. That really means nothing about a manufacturer. There are different budgets for different people. Not everyone can afford or even wants Dura Ace. That makes the manufacturer a bad guy for providing many levels of models and prices?
It's worth noting that Bikes Direct offers about the cheapest
full-carbon, full Dura Ace bike I've seen, for those who are
so inclined.