Originally Posted by
Cycho
A BD bike purchase is a cold and soul-less transaction: you send them money, they send you a bike. To be sure, the bike will be a good quality bike and for what you will pay for a comparable bike at at shop, you'll save some money. But customer service is not part of their business plan. (That's how they keep prices so low.) You're on your own after that. (I bought a BD bike. I'm happy with my bike and utilize several LBS in my area to get what I need.)
1+ I have a BD bike (Immortal Pro) and i love it. No regrets. I also have another online bike from Amazon ( the Lamborghini Viaggio Tandem. Again an online purchase. It ain't perfect, but it is still a great value.
There is nothing wrong with the prices of most LBS bikes so long as you get a decent discount off list, and the other support they offer if you are not willing to be your own "wrench." BD has great values, but poor customer service (so I hear) and nice bikes that cut some corners here and there. I will still always buy my bikes from BD, or another on line source that provides excellent value, but I'm willing to all the extra things needed. If I have a real serious problem (frame failure? .. ?)
I don't know how well BD will work with you, but I suspec that great a LBS will be better than BD or a poor LBS.