BikesDirect strikes again, here's my experience
 

Last night I pulled the trigger on a Motobecane Fly 9357 for my wife. Just to get this out of the way, here is my disclaimer:

I am completely self-sufficient when it comes to my equipment needs. I buy everything online, because I am unhappy with my LBS's. I have built wheels, bikes, etc, and have the skills and tools to handle any issues with my bikes. I will never take this bike to an LBS and ask for any assistance with it. I read all the bikesdirect threads before my purchase, and entered the transaction knowing the history some have reported on this site. I do not like that there is no telephone number for the company, but hopefully that will not be needed. I am not a shill, I've been here for a while, and thought long and hard about dealing with this company.

The order process was easy, I don't know why some have complained about it. It seemed pretty standard to me for an internet transaction. It was a regular Paypal purchase.

I couldn't believe the spec on the bike for the money. Hopefully the quality of the frame will match the quality of the components. The only thing I didn't care for in the spec is the tires, and the fact that the rims are not UST compatible. I run tubeless on my Mavics and love it. If the bike is worthy, I will upgrade the wheels for her. Also, I wish the cassette had a larger cog than 27, so I will be swapping the cassette to a 34 max to help my wife on some of the long climbs we do when we travel. Of course this will require a new (longer) chain. I couldn't tell from the spec if the rear derailleur is a long cage, I am really hoping that it is. If not, I'll ebay the brand new derailleur before it gets ridden off road. Even factoring these replacements in to the price, I couldn't touch a bike of this spec locally. Not to mention no sales tax and free shipping.

I did receive prompt notification of shipment, about 16 hours after placing the order.

I will update this thread as the deal continues, to include a full report of the condition of the bike and my opinion of its quality.

I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I wanted to post a running report of my experience with hopes that, whether it turns out good or bad, it will be helpful to others. Stay tuned for updates, or feel free to share any opinions or experiences dealing with this bike, I would be interested in any new info. I really hope it works out well. My wife is extremely excited about her new bike, so I will be really upset if we get screwed on something.

Mmm, thanks?

Many people have purchased from the BD site but didn't feel necessary to post, at least until they received it. I, and many others here, have no doubt that you'll recieve the bike as listed and ordered, as I did my road bike. Of course, I stripped the parts and built up another, but that story has been rehashed in the road bike portion...

Oh, and I forgot, you will get a phone number in the box on the instructions.

This is intended as a running report on the experience, since there is so much controversy regarding this company. Thanks for your insight.

There is controversy :D...sorry I only order from jenson. I learned from my bikeroom.com experiences never to deal with companies that produce any controversy. I have 80% satisfaction with bikeroom. Thats an unacceptable number.

I think the BikesDirect controversy seems to be a roadie thing. The few people around here who have purchased BikesDirect mountain bikes seem to be pretty happy with their purchases.

That being said, maybe there are a lot higher roadies that have bought their bikes and have had more of a varied experience.

BTW - that shill thing is not a concern here. Many of the roadies who stumble in here who share that they bought a BikesDirect mountain bike always seem to add a "I am not a shill disclaimer". We aren't that anal about that stuff here. We may be jerks and make all the emo kids cry, but we don't get our panties in a knot if someone buys BikesDirect stuff.

cliff notes?

Cliff notes as requested:

SO FAR:

1. placed the damn order
2. waiting for the damn bike

I, too had issues with BD.
My experience: They screwed up my order by shipping me a wrong bike, a less expensive model than what I ordered (right size, wrong kind). I emailed them about the situation. They apologized and offered to either sent me goodies (beam rack, light set, cyclo computer) and pay me the difference in price. Or they'll arranged to have UPS pick up my bike and ship me the right one, at no cost to me of course. I decided to go with the first offer since I was new to cycling and their offer seems very reasonable and I thought the bike would serve me just as well. The only rub, is that they asked me to send them some photo of the bike, for them to make sure I wasn't lying to them ( I felt bad about it at the time). They said they can't trace what they sent me through receipt alone.
Its been almost a year now and I still think I made the right choice. The bike is holding up just fine and no mechanical issues thus far.
Bottom line, I think their bicycles offers good value for the money, but their service can take some improvement. But then, it was my first and only dealing with them, so I can't really draw up any conclusion. Was I happy with the service I got? well, kinda.....just kinda.

You will need to post a pic when you get it. It's standard operating procedure.

does that apply to all parts and accessories, not just bikes?

Yes post the damn pictures.

ok, where would you like them, new thread?

I put on a new FD a couple of days ago.....should I post that too?

ya, why not try and get a sticky on new parts and other stuff?

UPDATE:

The bike arrived less than 45 minutes ago. It is severely mangled. Obviously the fault of UPS. Other than that, it looks like a great bike. I just emailed bikesdirect, because I still have no phone number for them, so I will post an update when they reply. Enjoy the attached photos of what UPS can do to a bicycle. In summary, the rear wheel, rear brake disc, and rear triangle are worthless.

Wow, did shipping do a number on that, or what?

That blows!

Nice floor though....

what happened to the rear triangle?

shouldn't it have been pakaged better?

it was just handled poorly.

Looks like a truck ran over it.

Did you have to sign for the package or did UPS just leave it at your doorstep?

Here's what I don't get:


-- I assume UPS drivers and stock people receive some training and that this training includes tips on how to recognize a fragile package, how to treat a "suspected" fragile package etc.
-- At what point in the transport process is the bike box being manhandled? And why? Is it SOP for UPS workers to toss all boxes around?
-- I've never had a problem with a UPS package that I can remember, but I've read several times on this and other boards about bike shipping nightmares, mostly via UPS
-- I don't work for UPS, but I know what a bike box looks like, especially if it has a bike company logo on it. If I were on the loading dock or driving the truck, I would handle the box with care. It seems like common sense to me.
-- And...if it did get run over, it should never have made it to your door. Someone should step up and take responsibility, not drop a mangled box on your doorstep and run for the hills.

Hope you get it sorted out quickly.

On a positive note, you were looking for a wheel upgrade. :)

There is NO way that is a packaging issue. The freakin rim is tore in half. Somebody had to run over it with a forklift or something.

I did sign for it from the UPS driver, but the damage was not apparent until I actually opened the box. At that point, I chuckled and told myself "Glad I used my Mastercard!". I immediately took pics, before unpacking, and sent an email to bikesdirect. I am going to stay laid back and await a reply. If not to my satisfaction (replacement bike), trust me, the charge will be disputed with my bank. I realize this is probably the fault of UPS, but that's not my problem - I'm not the one making a profit.

All judgement reserved until bikesdirect responds. I'm thinking an upgrade is fair for my trouble and patience. I will keep everyone up to date.