EDIT: I did some further research and found a few threads with customers' opinions on this store. I will decide whether or not to risk it with them. In the mean time, could you guys simply give me your opinion on this model from them? What do you think about it? Thanks!

[Original Thread]

Hello there,
I am in the market for a bicycle (school commuter - 25 miles both ways daily + weekend riding), and after shopping at local bike shops, I think that the best solution for me is a mid-end Hybrid (none of the seat-struts and shaped handlebars + decent components).

I was looking at an issue of "Bicycling Magazine" at the gym today, and I noticed an ad of a store known as www.bikesdirect.com which claims to have great prices on high quality bicycles. I checked it out, and I like the website layout, and there's a nice section dedicated to Hybrids right here.

What do you guys think of the Hybrids offered there? Has anyone ever purchased from that online store? Any experience? My budget is $400-600... depends.

Thank you in advance for the help!

-Walter

Do a search. I've personally had good luck with my transaction with BikesDirect, but some have had problems.

Steve W.

Thank you Steve, will do.

-Walter

After all the stories I've read, I feel I was relatively lucky in my purchase from bikes direct. Still, knowing what I know now, I'm not sure I would have considered them as seriously an option.

I do own a hybrid and, despite what bikes direct said in their pitch for the bike you're looking at, my Jamis Coda Elite is every bit the bike they have for sale and more imo. The Coda Elite is above your price range, but I also tested the Coda Sport and loved the thing. I think its list price is less than the bikes direct offering and I trust the Jamis name more. You'd also be able to test drive the Jamis, have it fitted, have it assembled, and have tune-up and follow-up service from the LBS. Unless you're able to do these things yourself, you'll be saving yourself further money and trouble following this route. Also, I'm very wary as to what degree of actual warranty you'll get from bikes direct, whereas Jamis has a good reputation in this regard.

All I'm saying is that (1) I really enjoyed my test ride on the Jamis Sport and (2) I feel you should at least check out this option.

Hello Keith, thanks for the advice. I have just realized the country of origin of the Motobecane brand, and decided not to purchase one (italians don't buy french products... ).

Anyways, I haven't seen any Jamis in Bike shops local to Miami, but just like you said the Coda Sport seems to be better equipped than the Hybrids I was looking at, so I will keep an eye at LBS for them...

Thank you again,

-Walter

Bikesdirect purchased the Motobecane trademark back in the 90s and now has them assembled in Taiwan probably by Fuji. I now have both a French and a "Fuji" Motobecane I got from bikesdirect. I don't ride my French model anymore.

Hehe thanks for the info John. So can we safely say that the Cafe' Latte is Fuji built?
Seems silly, but I may reconsider it if that is the case.

Thanks,

-Walter

I am guessing Fuji has the contract to build all the Cycle Spectrum bikes based on things I have read. I was in Taiwan once. Very interesting place. Everyone rides scooters. They ride in mass like a school of fish all bobbing and weaving together. They have these small square shops on every corner with walls made of glass. You notice them at night because they have very bright interior lights. In the center sits the clerk on a stool. It's always a young girl wearing a micro-mini. We had 47 strong earthquakes the week I was there.

Fuji doesn't build bikes in Taiwan or China. They have them built there and have their name put on them.
The people at bikesdirect shop their own products, (obviuosly looking at weight and price,do their own specing, and find the factory that will give them the best assembled price just like everybody else that sources from Taiwan.