Hello,

I'm Ihsan at Silver Spring, MD. Currently ride a mountain bike and getting ready to buy my first ever road bike. I registered to get more information about road bikes so that I can make an educated buy, but a day of lurking in the "road cycling" section (and searching the forum for "budget" bike retailers as perf bike and BD) kinda surprised me . I'm sure I'll feel different once I get to know the fellow posters.

Ihsan

Feel different about what?

The road forum can be harsh. Try family cycling or General Cycling, lots of good info in there. And any of the members with blue stars are forum moderators, you can send us a private message if you need help.

Thank you jsharr.

Feel different about the not-buying-from-your-LBS-is-sacrilege tonality of the road forum rankin.

Ihsan

I have bought from both, LBS may be mor expensive money wise, but you get service after the sale + test rides + making sure the bike fits + tips on the local cycling clubs..etc.
You can save cash when you purchase a bike on line tho

I too bought my MTB from the LBS; well semi-LBS, I bought it from performance bike. However, the price differential for LBS-online road bikes seem to be steeper compared to online MTB and LBS MTB prices. In some cases, for what one expects to pay for a groupset and a wheelset as "parts" sums (almost) more than what you would pay for the whole bike online. I am a very confused cat right now.

The LBS is typically going to carry brands that advertise, sponsor race teams, etc. These brands have higher overhead, and add in the cost of buying from a store where you can see, feel, ride, etc. and the price becomes more believable.

I have been tempted by the low prices of the online stores, but have never bought a bike from one, as I am leery of getting a bike that does not fit, etc.

My LBS works with me, sometimes weeks or months after the sale with fit issues, etc.

If you are confident in what size you need, etc. buying from an online dealer is a great way to save some money.

I buy most of my clothing, accessories, etc online.