I'm the guy who had the BB fail prematurely on a Windsor Tourist. I didn't even bother contacting bikesdirect about it, since a new BB was $29.99 (slightly overpriced at my LBS) and I didn't think it was worth it for the hassle. The BB failed after 600 km of fair weather riding, but it appears I may have just been unlucky with that part. Others have had things last much longer.

The front and rear derailleurs, crankset, and brifters are all name brand (Shimano and Truvativ) on the Windsor Tourist. Everything else is no-name Taiwanese or Chinese OEM suppliers. The hubs are Joytech brand I believe. The bottom bracket and headset are Chin Haur brand. Stock pedals are Wellgo brand. Stem and handlebars are made by Zoom I believe.

I guess I agree with what cyccommute said, you may just be on your own here as it could be considered normal wear and tear, or bikesdirect could say you didn't have a professional adjust it, it was improperly maintained, etc. I wouldn't hold my breath for bikesdirect to send you out a new wheel or hub.

I think you make a trade for cost vs. customer service when buying from bikesdirect. From what I have heard from others, they don't respond to e-mails with problems too often, and they do not give you a telephone number for contact. Pretty much you are own your own from day one.

If you really want to pursue it, search for bikesdirect.com on the bbb.org web site. You will probably find an address and telephone number there. The last time I checked, they had a poor rating at the Better Business Bureau due to not responding to customer complaints.

I currently have a little over 500 miles on my Windsor Tourist and have commuted on it for only about 6 or 7 weeks. Other than the BB failure, I have been happy with my purchase, but reading about your experience makes me think I should be setting aside the gas money I'm saving for a new set of wheels.