Bikesdirect
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Santa Fe, NM
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Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
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I've been impressed with the value/quality that BD offers (total of 4 bikes between personal and friends). Others have addressed anything I would add.
If you are looking for something to tool around on in style, this bike would be a great choice, IMO. 3 speed internal hub, stylish and well built. Here is the 8 speed version of the same bike if you would need a wider gear range.
If you are looking for something to tool around on in style, this bike would be a great choice, IMO. 3 speed internal hub, stylish and well built. Here is the 8 speed version of the same bike if you would need a wider gear range.
#28
Senior Member
I've done tunes on a number of BD bikes purchased consumer direct.
Putting the bike together and tuning it correctly are not the same thing... I see lots of stuff we wouldn't give a second though about correcting done wrong on customer assembled bikes. Wheels not true, cables routed incorrectly, shifters not adjusted correctly (not just cable tension, but limit screws, alignment, etc.), loose headsets, misaligned braikes/brake pads. If something can be wrong as a bike comes out of the box, pre-assembly, I've seen it that way when the customer comes in for a tune.
If you're handy and have experience with bikes, or really want to get your hands dirty and learn, BD bikes are a great deal. If you think it's just a "some assembly required" job, you may be disappointed. I've seen it go both ways...
Putting the bike together and tuning it correctly are not the same thing... I see lots of stuff we wouldn't give a second though about correcting done wrong on customer assembled bikes. Wheels not true, cables routed incorrectly, shifters not adjusted correctly (not just cable tension, but limit screws, alignment, etc.), loose headsets, misaligned braikes/brake pads. If something can be wrong as a bike comes out of the box, pre-assembly, I've seen it that way when the customer comes in for a tune.
If you're handy and have experience with bikes, or really want to get your hands dirty and learn, BD bikes are a great deal. If you think it's just a "some assembly required" job, you may be disappointed. I've seen it go both ways...
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Albany, NY
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Bikes: 80's Treks, cargo bike, Lugged LeMond, Eddy Merckx 7-11, Ciocc resto-mod, All City MM disc, and some more
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I like the idea of BD if you're strapped for cash. I also think you're forced to learn to "tune" a new bike, which is easier than tuning a used bike because everything is new (i.e. no rusted or frozen screws). These skills will be valuable. Some good values can be, in theory, had because it "cuts out the middle man." I don't like BD because it cuts out the middle man and takes money out of the local economy. It functions essentially as the Wal-Mart of bikes. However, I do realize that being fiscally responsible is a luxury position to be in, just like buying fresh bread/meat from a local baker/butcher, which is much more expensive than a supermarket.
I usually try to buy everything hand-made in the EU, but sometimes it's not fiscally possible and when that's not the case, I at least try to buy from a local retailer as it keeps the local economy diverse and thriving. Bookstores are a great example, as I try to buy used from a local second-hand shop because even though Amazon is cheaper, I'd rather hit the local second-hand shop (i.e. not a chain store) on a sunny weekend. When I stop buying from the more expensive local place, it will cease to exist as will their local role in the community (Amazon can't read out loud to a bunch of kids on the weekend in multiple languages, for example.)
The real question is what's your financial position?
I usually try to buy everything hand-made in the EU, but sometimes it's not fiscally possible and when that's not the case, I at least try to buy from a local retailer as it keeps the local economy diverse and thriving. Bookstores are a great example, as I try to buy used from a local second-hand shop because even though Amazon is cheaper, I'd rather hit the local second-hand shop (i.e. not a chain store) on a sunny weekend. When I stop buying from the more expensive local place, it will cease to exist as will their local role in the community (Amazon can't read out loud to a bunch of kids on the weekend in multiple languages, for example.)
The real question is what's your financial position?
#30
Banned
Nothing like being able to do a hands on test of a bike before buying one. Even though BD now does a photo gallery of their bikes, and even if it was available at the times when I purchased two of their bikes, I still would not have been able to detect the amount of frame flex on one of their bikes (and too soft of a suspension on the other) until after I personally paid for,assembled and rode it. I also like being able to converse with person face to face over a product that I purchased rather than by email. An LBS is now my preferred choice in purchasing a bicycle.
#31
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I've done tunes on a number of BD bikes purchased consumer direct.
Putting the bike together and tuning it correctly are not the same thing... I see lots of stuff we wouldn't give a second though about correcting done wrong on customer assembled bikes. Wheels not true, cables routed incorrectly, shifters not adjusted correctly (not just cable tension, but limit screws, alignment, etc.), loose headsets, misaligned braikes/brake pads. If something can be wrong as a bike comes out of the box, pre-assembly, I've seen it that way when the customer comes in for a tune.
If you're handy and have experience with bikes, or really want to get your hands dirty and learn, BD bikes are a great deal. If you think it's just a "some assembly required" job, you may be disappointed. I've seen it go both ways...
Putting the bike together and tuning it correctly are not the same thing... I see lots of stuff we wouldn't give a second though about correcting done wrong on customer assembled bikes. Wheels not true, cables routed incorrectly, shifters not adjusted correctly (not just cable tension, but limit screws, alignment, etc.), loose headsets, misaligned braikes/brake pads. If something can be wrong as a bike comes out of the box, pre-assembly, I've seen it that way when the customer comes in for a tune.
If you're handy and have experience with bikes, or really want to get your hands dirty and learn, BD bikes are a great deal. If you think it's just a "some assembly required" job, you may be disappointed. I've seen it go both ways...
#32
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
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I will agree with you on this. It wasn't just slap the wheels and handle bars on and go for me. The wheels were slightly out of true, the brake calipers needed adjusting and the gear shift was slightly off. It took me probably a little longer than it may take others, but for me it was a learning process as well. Has a rack on it now, and some panniers are on the way should be here Saturday.
My friend just got a $370 version of the same bike (not sure of his model, or yours). Took a fair bit of tuning, but nothing that was impossible. The only thing we didn't do is truing the wheels - may need to take it to a shop for that. Bike is nice though, for what he paid.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Posts: 1,345
Bikes: 2014 Specialized Dolce Triple, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 2012 Windsor Kensington 8
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I will agree with you on this. It wasn't just slap the wheels and handle bars on and go for me. The wheels were slightly out of true, the brake calipers needed adjusting and the gear shift was slightly off. It took me probably a little longer than it may take others, but for me it was a learning process as well. Has a rack on it now, and some panniers are on the way should be here Saturday.
#34
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AFAICT, the only difference with a BD bike is that you'll have to get it all at the start, rather than waiting until something needs maintenance and then having the bike out of service until you can get the tool.
One thing I do wish they'd do, though, is list all the sizes of less-universal tools for each bike. (i.e. anything an auto parts store isn't going to have in stock) There's no LBS here, so if I need a different size cone wrench, cassette tool, etc. it means a 3-7 day wait for UPS while the bike is a really awkward paperweight/clothes drying rack.
#35
Banned
#36
No longer here
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I've owned 2 BD bikes in the last several years*,1 bought new from them,one used from a forum friend (elsewhere). Both were decent bikes,and the times I dealt with BD (even if just chit chatting bikes with the owner via email/PM) have been very good. I recommend them,especially when someone's on a budget,I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.
*I'm even considering saving /setting back a little to buy a "donor bike" from them...buy it for parts/component group to use on a frame I already have,putting the old/worn out parts I scrounged from the bin back on the new frame and CL/eBay it
*I'm even considering saving /setting back a little to buy a "donor bike" from them...buy it for parts/component group to use on a frame I already have,putting the old/worn out parts I scrounged from the bin back on the new frame and CL/eBay it
#37
Banned
There is more bike shops to choose from now than when I was a child, and the last time I was in my LBS, the place was abuzz with activity. There's still hope in my parts of the US, even with several local big boxes, and the internet to choose from.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lexington KY
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Bikes: Salsa Casseroll for Street and Airborne Hobgoblin for dirt
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Youtube has a step by step videos of every facet of assembly and tuning of a bicycle.
The term "assembly" is very loose on a BD bike. It is typically handbars, front brake cable, seat, and pedals. Then you can tune the brakes, Rear DR, and Front DR. Air the tires and hit the street.
I just finished tuning a Mercier Elle for the wife and it is a very decent bike at a reasonable price that I could not have matched at the LBS. She can support them with purchases like gloves, bags, water bottles, etc.
The term "assembly" is very loose on a BD bike. It is typically handbars, front brake cable, seat, and pedals. Then you can tune the brakes, Rear DR, and Front DR. Air the tires and hit the street.
I just finished tuning a Mercier Elle for the wife and it is a very decent bike at a reasonable price that I could not have matched at the LBS. She can support them with purchases like gloves, bags, water bottles, etc.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Springfield, MA
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Bikes: 2012 Motobecane Fantom CXX, 2012 Motobecane Fantom CX, 1997 Bianchi Nyala, 200? Burley Rock 'n Roll
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And this differs from owning any bike how?
AFAICT, the only difference with a BD bike is that you'll have to get it all at the start, rather than waiting until something needs maintenance and then having the bike out of service until you can get the tool.
One thing I do wish they'd do, though, is list all the sizes of less-universal tools for each bike. (i.e. anything an auto parts store isn't going to have in stock) There's no LBS here, so if I need a different size cone wrench, cassette tool, etc. it means a 3-7 day wait for UPS while the bike is a really awkward paperweight/clothes drying rack.
AFAICT, the only difference with a BD bike is that you'll have to get it all at the start, rather than waiting until something needs maintenance and then having the bike out of service until you can get the tool.
One thing I do wish they'd do, though, is list all the sizes of less-universal tools for each bike. (i.e. anything an auto parts store isn't going to have in stock) There's no LBS here, so if I need a different size cone wrench, cassette tool, etc. it means a 3-7 day wait for UPS while the bike is a really awkward paperweight/clothes drying rack.
I do agree that listing the special tools would be nice. It is often possible to anticipate what you'll need if you google the components, but again, not easy for a beginner.
Last edited by Spld cyclist; 03-21-13 at 10:48 AM.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Eugene, Oregon
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Bikes: 2014 Specialized Dolce Triple, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 2012 Windsor Kensington 8
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The only tools I needed to assemble my Kensington were the multi-tools that came with it, spoke wrenches (for wheel truing) and a 15 mm wrench for the axle nuts. Oh, and a pedal wrench, which could also double as an axle wrench in a pinch.
#41
Full Member
You’re saying that Walmart screwed the bakery/butcher…Whatdid Safeway, Kroger, and Albertsons do? Please don’t shop at those stores.
The towns' general stores in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s were all screwed by some catalog offering more selection at lower prices…now Sears (Roebuck)is being screwed by Amazon.com doing the same thing a century later…but online. Please don't shop at either of those stores.
Buying music has changed drasticalling in my 31 years on earth (cassettes>Cd's>Mp3's)…thoselocal record shops need the business and offer a great selection of mp3’s don't they?
Bikesdirect is no different than any other onlineretailer using the internet as an avenue to please the average online shopper. Their site offers decent bikes at fair prices with no hassle of sales people hounding you.
And, honestly, I think the LBS’s are partly to blame. There are 3 between my house and work. 2 of them I won’t step foot in because theyare not “Average Joe Friendly”. They don’tsee that they would easily gain clientele if they weren’t judgmental on whatyou ride. Think if every auto mechaniccatered to Corvettes and Mustangs and turned their nose up at any commutercar…who would fix the Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas? As a customer, I must work with what I have…anaverage bike for recreational riding. If the shop employees didn’t constantly insist that Ineed the latest carbon fiber, hydraulic shifted, flux capacitor infused bike, Iwould be much more apt to taking my 18 year old Giant and cheap Motobecane infor servicing. If anything, the LBS have annoyed/pushed me to learn it on my own through Youtube and research.
As far as Bikesdirect bikes… The components are as good or bad as anything on a Trek, Cannondale, orSpecialized. The frames may be no nameframes but they perform just fine. Mycurrent road bike is a Motobecane Mirage Sport that I bought used on Craigslist sanswheels, tires, and a cassette. Replacing those parts and tuning/adjusting the entire bike, it’s a verysolid bike that can easily allow me to get out and ride.
Last edited by clarkbre; 03-21-13 at 11:15 AM.
#42
born again cyclist
the amount of assembly and tools required for a BD bike build vary greatly.
for my BD bike, all i really needed was a hex wrench multi-tool to:
- attach front brake to fork
- attach bars to stem
- adjust stem
- attach pedals
- adjust saddle height
everything else was perfect on the bike, brake and shift cables were perfectly adjusted and the ultegra drive-train was perfectly dialed in. no adjustments needed at all. my bike came with Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels (a ~$500 wheelset) that rolled dead straight right out of the box and have not required a single bit of tightening or truing in the 3 years i've owned the bike.
for my BD bike, all i really needed was a hex wrench multi-tool to:
- attach front brake to fork
- attach bars to stem
- adjust stem
- attach pedals
- adjust saddle height
everything else was perfect on the bike, brake and shift cables were perfectly adjusted and the ultegra drive-train was perfectly dialed in. no adjustments needed at all. my bike came with Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels (a ~$500 wheelset) that rolled dead straight right out of the box and have not required a single bit of tightening or truing in the 3 years i've owned the bike.
#43
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
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Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
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Assembly on the road bike I just bought was about as hard as the basic once-over that I give my bike about once a month anyway. IMO if you are the sort that has to take your bike to the shop to do basic stuff like adjust the brakes, align the derailleur, etc then you'll need them to assemble a BD bike as well.
I understand sometimes the wheels are not true as they come. That takes a tiny bit more skill to fix but it's still not much. My rear was dead true, my front is maybe most of a millimeter out, not enough to really make any difference when riding but I'll probably fix it just because it'll bug me.
I understand sometimes the wheels are not true as they come. That takes a tiny bit more skill to fix but it's still not much. My rear was dead true, my front is maybe most of a millimeter out, not enough to really make any difference when riding but I'll probably fix it just because it'll bug me.
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#44
DancesWithSUVs
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BD has had pretty much zero impact on the shops in DC. If anything,the strong second hand market takes alot of their sales.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
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I had a Windsor cyclo bikesdirect bike for my commute. I didn't think the value was that great. The frame was flexy as well. I didn't know a stem could flex until I replaced it. Though it lasted me several years, I had to upgrade and was very uncomfortable with the quality of the frame.
So I just replaced it with a FELT from a LBS at a very good price. The quality/$ the overall value was much better.
So I just replaced it with a FELT from a LBS at a very good price. The quality/$ the overall value was much better.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Albany, NY
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Bikes: 80's Treks, cargo bike, Lugged LeMond, Eddy Merckx 7-11, Ciocc resto-mod, All City MM disc, and some more
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I'm not saying I don't value my LBS or the service they provide, but bikesdirect provides a service too and there's value in that. If they bring bikes to the marketplace for cheaper than an LBS can do then there's value to that. I have purchased bikes and other items at my LBS and I spent much of my youth hanging around what was then my LBS. There was no internet then and so I was denied the chance to talk about bikes with people on these forums. I value the local merchant and shop there when I can, but I value value too. Whatver utility you get from your purchase is yours. It's your money and for me there are times when bikesdirect (and yes, even Wak*mart) gets some of it.
#47
stringbreaker
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
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I purchased a Windsor Tourist 3 years ago and its been a great bike. I got it for I think it was $599.00 and I think they are still the same price. If I was going to tour on it I would probably change the cassette for a more hill friendly item. I changed some items like the crappy pedals which I had some nice platforms here at the house and put on a Brooks B-17 donated from another bike plus the brake pads. I have neck and back issues and I had an adjustable stem here and put that on. I rode the Kenda tires till I had my first flat and changed them to Specialized Armadillos. The rear wheel was not perfectly true so I had the guys at my LBS true it up after I had ridden about 20 miles or so to let the bike settle in. I think I did pretty well considering I got a steel frame touring bike for a great price. Is it a Long Haul Trucker? No but I don't care it works for me and if you ever read Crazy Guy on a Bike journals you can find several folks that have toured across the US on them with no more trouble than some more expensive bikes.
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(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
#48
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Went to my LBS today to buy a Park Tool bottom bracket tool and some anti-seize compound.They had the wrench but not the socket that you can use with a torque wrench. They had no anti-seize compound but they told me I could just use lube but interestingly they did have anti-seize in bulk in the back for their own use and repairs. Go figure.They said they could order them for me. So I just ordered it myself on-line instead and have it delivered to my work for less money and sooner. How can they compete? They simply can't. I tried to give them my business but quite honestly it's a frustrating experience to walk in and walk out empty handed. Same thing happened when I went to buy some mineral oil for my hydraulic brake. They had a big jar in the back but they were not selling it. What keeps them in business is people like my co-worker who took his bike in just because he got a flat and now he's buying a new tube and a new outer from them and have them install it. He got the flat on Tuesday and he is picking up his bike tomorrow. Uhm... no thank you!
#49
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They had no anti-seize compound but they told me I could just use lube but interestingly they did have anti-seize in bulk in the back for their own use and repairs. Go figure.They said they could order them for me. So I just ordered it myself on-line instead and have it delivered to my work for less money and sooner.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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#50
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