bikes direct?
01-23-08 | 09:28 PM
#177
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
Likes: 32
From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
Sweet Dura Achee Mikey, if that Fly Ti's not made in China, that means it's made in Mexico or (gasp)...Vietnam.
Dude, I don't care if they make that bike in your mama's garage at that price. That's your business. I just want a good MTB. As long as it doesn't snap in half on the first fire road and it rides as good as it looks.
Dude, I don't care if they make that bike in your mama's garage at that price. That's your business. I just want a good MTB. As long as it doesn't snap in half on the first fire road and it rides as good as it looks.
01-23-08 | 09:37 PM
#178
J E R S E Y S B E S T
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: DC
I bought a BD a few months ago and have been very happy with it. I've commuting to work on it 5 days a week and doing most of my shopping with it. Comparable bikes were going for 300-400 more, more than a 50% increase. Obviously a better deal.
But, if you're an idiot, mechanically declined, someone who shys away from IKEA cause screws and dowls scare you (or worse, pays to have IKEA assemble their furnture), not because the furniture is for the most part crappy, stay away from BD. You'll have a hard time putting the bike together, and when you do, you probably didn't do it right. When something probably goes wrong or breaks cause you didn't something right, you'll curse them. Go to you LBS and have them **** you. You'll get a fuzzy feeling inside (not that feeling!) for buying in your hometown, but you'll probably drop at least $50 on bike 'schwag' or extra BS they say you need everytime you go back for free service.
But, if you're an idiot, mechanically declined, someone who shys away from IKEA cause screws and dowls scare you (or worse, pays to have IKEA assemble their furnture), not because the furniture is for the most part crappy, stay away from BD. You'll have a hard time putting the bike together, and when you do, you probably didn't do it right. When something probably goes wrong or breaks cause you didn't something right, you'll curse them. Go to you LBS and have them **** you. You'll get a fuzzy feeling inside (not that feeling!) for buying in your hometown, but you'll probably drop at least $50 on bike 'schwag' or extra BS they say you need everytime you go back for free service.
01-23-08 | 09:52 PM
#179
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
Likes: 32
From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
I have just the buy to bring my BD bike to if it needs tweaking upon delivery. He'll charge me $30 and get anything I can't adjust running perfectly. He doesn't sell many high end bikes, but he knows how to wrench on them for sure.
01-26-08 | 09:41 AM
#180
Sweet Dura Achee Mikey, if that Fly Ti's not made in China, that means it's made in Mexico or (gasp)...Vietnam.
Dude, I don't care if they make that bike in your mama's garage at that price. That's your business. I just want a good MTB. As long as it doesn't snap in half on the first fire road and it rides as good as it looks.
Dude, I don't care if they make that bike in your mama's garage at that price. That's your business. I just want a good MTB. As long as it doesn't snap in half on the first fire road and it rides as good as it looks.
actually - frame is made in Taiwan by the top Ti custom frame shop in Asia
the quality of this frame will shock everyone who sees or rides it
so far the two samples we have gotten have not been 'snapped in half' -- and several people have tried!
you are going to be amazed - beleive me
__________________
https://www.bikesdirect.com
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi
https://www.bikesdirect.com
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi
01-26-08 | 12:28 PM
#181
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: East Side
Bikes: Tirreno Razza 900, Trek 750
But, if you're an idiot, mechanically declined, someone who shys away from IKEA cause screws and dowls scare you (or worse, pays to have IKEA assemble their furnture), not because the furniture is for the most part crappy, stay away from BD. You'll have a hard time putting the bike together, and when you do, you probably didn't do it right. When something probably goes wrong or breaks cause you didn't something right, you'll curse them. Go to you LBS and have them **** you. You'll get a fuzzy feeling inside (not that feeling!) for buying in your hometown, but you'll probably drop at least $50 on bike 'schwag' or extra BS they say you need everytime you go back for free service.
The bike fit, customer support approach is over-rated, I have gone plenty of times to different bike shops pretending I do not know anything (of the little bit I have understood), and it makes me laugh everytime as its so much BS 9 out of 10.
If you do your homework, I suggest spending some quality time reading https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hub.html. Like I said, one of my buddies has a Motobecane for years now, light strong frame.
01-26-08 | 01:53 PM
#182
I bought a BD a few months ago and have been very happy with it. I've commuting to work on it 5 days a week and doing most of my shopping with it. Comparable bikes were going for 300-400 more, more than a 50% increase. Obviously a better deal.
But, if you're an idiot, mechanically declined, someone who shys away from IKEA cause screws and dowls scare you (or worse, pays to have IKEA assemble their furnture), not because the furniture is for the most part crappy, stay away from BD. You'll have a hard time putting the bike together, and when you do, you probably didn't do it right. When something probably goes wrong or breaks cause you didn't something right, you'll curse them. Go to you LBS and have them **** you. You'll get a fuzzy feeling inside (not that feeling!) for buying in your hometown, but you'll probably drop at least $50 on bike 'schwag' or extra BS they say you need everytime you go back for free service.
But, if you're an idiot, mechanically declined, someone who shys away from IKEA cause screws and dowls scare you (or worse, pays to have IKEA assemble their furnture), not because the furniture is for the most part crappy, stay away from BD. You'll have a hard time putting the bike together, and when you do, you probably didn't do it right. When something probably goes wrong or breaks cause you didn't something right, you'll curse them. Go to you LBS and have them **** you. You'll get a fuzzy feeling inside (not that feeling!) for buying in your hometown, but you'll probably drop at least $50 on bike 'schwag' or extra BS they say you need everytime you go back for free service.
__________________
01-26-08 | 02:39 PM
#183
Tour de Nebraska
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Roubaix,2008 Moto Messenger fixed/ss,2005 Specialized Crossroads
Just to clear up something....
I just got off the phone with my Trek rep. Here are the facts about the much discussed Crash Replacement program.
First, let me say personally, I strongly recommend anyone who rides high-end bikes to purchase a full replacement cost rider on their homeowners or renters insurance for their bike(s). It is very inexpensive and would offset replacement costs should something unforseen happen to your bikes.
That said, what happens with Trek is, let's say you damage your Madone 5.2. You take it to the dealer who does a few simple field tests to help rule out strictly cosmetic damage. These frames are very well designed and can take a lot before they fail or are damaged. Photos are taken of the damage and sent to the warranty dept. at Trek for evaluation. If it is decided that the frame cannot be ridden safely or repaired, the dealer is credited $350 that the customer may apply any way they see fit. If they wanted a new frame, the price from me would be around $1500. Significantly less than the $2749 on the bikesdirect.com site.
As a sidenote, I have sent photos to Trek with descriptions of the crash and had them say "crash or no crash, it shouldn't have broken like this" and sent a new frame gratis. I have yet to administer a Crash Replacement claim, even though I have certainly submitted some crashed bikes.
Now, even if you had to pay the $1500 but had an insurance rider, your out-of-pocket expense would be only your deductable(if you had one). I have had two customers thank me for recommending that coverage. One pulled a little too far into the garage and crushed his 5900 against the back wall, another drove into the garage with his Project One Madone 5.9 on the roof rack on the way home from picking it up.
He was on his cell phone calling up a friend to go riding with him.... That one was ugly. <shakes head> Insurance saved the day both times.
So....there y'are....
I just got off the phone with my Trek rep. Here are the facts about the much discussed Crash Replacement program.
First, let me say personally, I strongly recommend anyone who rides high-end bikes to purchase a full replacement cost rider on their homeowners or renters insurance for their bike(s). It is very inexpensive and would offset replacement costs should something unforseen happen to your bikes.
That said, what happens with Trek is, let's say you damage your Madone 5.2. You take it to the dealer who does a few simple field tests to help rule out strictly cosmetic damage. These frames are very well designed and can take a lot before they fail or are damaged. Photos are taken of the damage and sent to the warranty dept. at Trek for evaluation. If it is decided that the frame cannot be ridden safely or repaired, the dealer is credited $350 that the customer may apply any way they see fit. If they wanted a new frame, the price from me would be around $1500. Significantly less than the $2749 on the bikesdirect.com site.
As a sidenote, I have sent photos to Trek with descriptions of the crash and had them say "crash or no crash, it shouldn't have broken like this" and sent a new frame gratis. I have yet to administer a Crash Replacement claim, even though I have certainly submitted some crashed bikes.
Now, even if you had to pay the $1500 but had an insurance rider, your out-of-pocket expense would be only your deductable(if you had one). I have had two customers thank me for recommending that coverage. One pulled a little too far into the garage and crushed his 5900 against the back wall, another drove into the garage with his Project One Madone 5.9 on the roof rack on the way home from picking it up.
He was on his cell phone calling up a friend to go riding with him.... That one was ugly. <shakes head> Insurance saved the day both times.So....there y'are....
It figures does Botto work for you?
01-26-08 | 03:07 PM
#185
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
Likes: 32
From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
01-26-08 | 03:51 PM
#186
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
Likes: 32
From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
Here's the part I don't really get. Say you buy a $1400 bike from BD, and it arrives needing some significant assembly help. You find an LBS with a competent mechanic (not too tough) and you communicate your needs right up front, where the bike comes from, etc. - and say they charge you $40-$80 for adjustments or even a complete bike set up. Aren't you way ahead of where you would have been buying a bike from a retail bike shop? The closest I can come to this Fly Ti MTB is about double the price. Even after I upgrade the wheels, the equivalent bikes I'm seeing out there would cost something like $2K more.
For all I know this bike comes in, shifts great, needs nothing beyond some minor adjustments I can do in the garage. If it needs more, I'll get it done by a pro. No big deal.
For all I know this bike comes in, shifts great, needs nothing beyond some minor adjustments I can do in the garage. If it needs more, I'll get it done by a pro. No big deal.
01-26-08 | 05:09 PM
#187
Wheelsuck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 0
01-26-08 | 05:16 PM
#188
Here's the part I don't really get. Say you buy a $1400 bike from BD, and it arrives needing some significant assembly help. You find an LBS with a competent mechanic (not too tough) and you communicate your needs right up front, where the bike comes from, etc. - and say they charge you $40-$80 for adjustments or even a complete bike set up. Aren't you way ahead of where you would have been buying a bike from a retail bike shop? ..
__________________
02-06-08 | 09:56 PM
#189
Life is Fun
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Asheville, NC
Bikes: 94 Kona Kilauea (hardtail, nothing stock but the frame and seatpost); 03 Motobecane Le Champion (stock, minus a front wheel upgrade); 05 Haro Shift R5 (all stock)
+1 for a satisfied Motobecane rider purchased from BD
Bought my Motobecane LeChampion in 2002 and it's been absolutely perfect for thousands of miles since. Other than replacing things due to natural wear over the years, I've never had to do anything to this bike.
I've got no problem with my friends that ride Orbea's and Pinarello's, but I doubt you'll ever catch me spending that kind of cash when my Motobecane does the job just fine. As far as the bling goes, I like the looks of my bike. Most people looking for bling check out components, which is one area Motobecane's are great in b/c you get high end groupo's for little $$.
Bought my Motobecane LeChampion in 2002 and it's been absolutely perfect for thousands of miles since. Other than replacing things due to natural wear over the years, I've never had to do anything to this bike.
I've got no problem with my friends that ride Orbea's and Pinarello's, but I doubt you'll ever catch me spending that kind of cash when my Motobecane does the job just fine. As far as the bling goes, I like the looks of my bike. Most people looking for bling check out components, which is one area Motobecane's are great in b/c you get high end groupo's for little $$.
02-08-08 | 10:39 AM
#190
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Only problem I see is that these bikes will have little/no resale. If you want to get a bike at 50% off of what the name brands cost at the local bike shop, consider a used bike. I just bought a 2 year old Trek bike, ridden a total of 5 miles, for 60% less than MSRP. Bike should hold its value from here. and no assembly required....
02-08-08 | 10:57 AM
#191
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
Likes: 32
From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
How is that different from every other bike? Why would you sell a bike? I buy bikes and ride them until the wheels fall off, and then Glenn from Piermont Bicycle Connection (my LBS) sells the (barely) surviving parts on eBay for which he gets rather astonishing prices from bike weenie idiots who buy this crap, I get store credit. God knows why people buy some of this stuff.
I think it's a wash in terms of % of retained value, except you lose less money when you spend half as much in the first place. 50% of $1500 is half of 50% of $3000. I learned that in 3rd grade math.
I think it's a wash in terms of % of retained value, except you lose less money when you spend half as much in the first place. 50% of $1500 is half of 50% of $3000. I learned that in 3rd grade math.
02-08-08 | 12:01 PM
#192
Dumb@s$ Jarhead
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Park CO
Bikes: Calfee Dragon Fly Pro 1984 Pinarello Montello
+1 for a satisfied Motobecane rider purchased from BD
Bought my Motobecane LeChampion in 2002 and it's been absolutely perfect for thousands of miles since. Other than replacing things due to natural wear over the years, I've never had to do anything to this bike.
I've got no problem with my friends that ride Orbea's and Pinarello's, but I doubt you'll ever catch me spending that kind of cash when my Motobecane does the job just fine. As far as the bling goes, I like the looks of my bike. Most people looking for bling check out components, which is one area Motobecane's are great in b/c you get high end groupo's for little $$.
Bought my Motobecane LeChampion in 2002 and it's been absolutely perfect for thousands of miles since. Other than replacing things due to natural wear over the years, I've never had to do anything to this bike.
I've got no problem with my friends that ride Orbea's and Pinarello's, but I doubt you'll ever catch me spending that kind of cash when my Motobecane does the job just fine. As far as the bling goes, I like the looks of my bike. Most people looking for bling check out components, which is one area Motobecane's are great in b/c you get high end groupo's for little $$.
Do you want a nice ride, with nice components, for a great price? Buy a Moto, they are well worth the money. But do not be ignorant and think that you are getting a bike on par with a top end Orbea, Pinarello, or Cervelo.
__________________
Si vis pacem, para bellum
Si vis pacem, para bellum
02-09-08 | 08:48 PM
#193
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
My point is buy a good name brand used, and you will be able to recoup most of your original spend. The same is true of a lot of other items.
Given the number of bikes for sale every day on ebay and Craigs List, apparently a lot of people don't wear out their bikes. I agree, if you wear them out, then brand does not matter.
Given the number of bikes for sale every day on ebay and Craigs List, apparently a lot of people don't wear out their bikes. I agree, if you wear them out, then brand does not matter.
02-10-08 | 08:43 AM
#195
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Flatland NC
Bikes: Cervelo P2C, 1982 Univega, Moto Messenger
02-10-08 | 08:59 AM
#196
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
It’s the "does the job just as well" part that is ignorant. I can tell you as the owner of two Motobecanes that they are fine bikes. Functional and sturdy, but they do not do the job "just as well" as a truly high end CF bike. In fact I was shocked at the difference between Immortal Force frame and the Calfee frame the parts eventually ended up on. Is that a fair comparison, $1800 bike vs. $3500 frame? Absolutely not, but that is the comparison you are making. And it is dead wrong.
Do you want a nice ride, with nice components, for a great price? Buy a Moto, they are well worth the money. But do not be ignorant and think that you are getting a bike on par with a top end Orbea, Pinarello, or Cervelo.
Do you want a nice ride, with nice components, for a great price? Buy a Moto, they are well worth the money. But do not be ignorant and think that you are getting a bike on par with a top end Orbea, Pinarello, or Cervelo.
Analogous to saying for example, that a decent Hyundai is on par with Lexus (or BMW for that matter) because of similar steel material, somewhat similar hood/headlight, rear trunk & tail-light designs, all having 4 wheels, airbags, a-c, etc... you get the idea.
For sure, the Hyundai will get the job done & get you from point A to B, for many years, at a fraction of the price of the Lexus or BMW.
Are they "on par" with each other? Depends on what your definition of "on par" is. One thing's for sure- They're definitely not on par at the used car lot!
It all depends on where YOU (ie. ccsami4X4) draw your line on needs and wants.
Another words, still others may even think that buying a Hyundai is also "going way over-board" and more than is actually necessary- when a simple public transportation-pass, bike, walk and friends would be ample.
Heck I'm sure you can surely find a majority of your non-cycling friends who would certainly even consider that "bargain" $1800 BD bike, to be a very foolish expenditure.
02-10-08 | 09:33 AM
#197
[QUOTE=ezee;6139156]+1 re. "on-par" notions!
Analogous to saying for example, that a decent Hyundai is on par with Lexus (or BMW for that matter) because of similar steel material, somewhat similar hood/headlight, rear trunk & tail-light designs, all having 4 wheels, airbags, a-c, etc... you get the idea.
For sure, the Hyundai will get the job done & get you from point A to B, for many years, at a fraction of the price of the Lexus or BMW.
Are they "on par" with each other? Depends on what your definition of "on par" is. One thing's for sure- They're definitely not on par at the used car lot!
QUOTE]
This is a fun comparision; but it would only be valid IF: all cars used the same engine, transmission, wheels, tires, seats, streering wheels, brakes, and on and on.
Most items on bikes are the same; especially those items where the money goes. Most bikes the wheels cost more than the frame. Many Many bikes the crannk is more oem than the frame. In fact the sum of the components is always more oem by many times than the oem frame cost.
When you look at two bikes and the only difference is the frame - it is much easier than comparing cars.
If you want to be objective; it is much easier with bikes than with cars.
On resale; it is true that Honda is normally much better than Ford -- but not if you could get the Ford at half price and had to pay list for the Honda. But this is not a big point as very very few bikes are resold for any meaningful amount.
Performance for the price is our thought about Value.
Analogous to saying for example, that a decent Hyundai is on par with Lexus (or BMW for that matter) because of similar steel material, somewhat similar hood/headlight, rear trunk & tail-light designs, all having 4 wheels, airbags, a-c, etc... you get the idea.
For sure, the Hyundai will get the job done & get you from point A to B, for many years, at a fraction of the price of the Lexus or BMW.
Are they "on par" with each other? Depends on what your definition of "on par" is. One thing's for sure- They're definitely not on par at the used car lot!
QUOTE]
This is a fun comparision; but it would only be valid IF: all cars used the same engine, transmission, wheels, tires, seats, streering wheels, brakes, and on and on.
Most items on bikes are the same; especially those items where the money goes. Most bikes the wheels cost more than the frame. Many Many bikes the crannk is more oem than the frame. In fact the sum of the components is always more oem by many times than the oem frame cost.
When you look at two bikes and the only difference is the frame - it is much easier than comparing cars.
If you want to be objective; it is much easier with bikes than with cars.
On resale; it is true that Honda is normally much better than Ford -- but not if you could get the Ford at half price and had to pay list for the Honda. But this is not a big point as very very few bikes are resold for any meaningful amount.
Performance for the price is our thought about Value.
__________________
https://www.bikesdirect.com
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi
https://www.bikesdirect.com
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi
02-10-08 | 10:14 AM
#198
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=bikesdirect_com;6139272]
Ah, but Confucius now ask: What if you pay full, List / Retail for the Ford (ie. BD bike) vs a half-priced (or 1-2 year gently-used) Honda (ie. Cervelo, Guru, Pinarello, Orbea...)?
+1 re. "on-par" notions!
Analogous to saying for example, that a decent Hyundai is on par with Lexus (or BMW for that matter) because of similar steel material, somewhat similar hood/headlight, rear trunk & tail-light designs, all having 4 wheels, airbags, a-c, etc... you get the idea.
For sure, the Hyundai will get the job done & get you from point A to B, for many years, at a fraction of the price of the Lexus or BMW.
Are they "on par" with each other? Depends on what your definition of "on par" is. One thing's for sure- They're definitely not on par at the used car lot!
QUOTE]
This is a fun comparision; but it would only be valid IF: all cars used the same engine, transmission, wheels, tires, seats, streering wheels, brakes, and on and on.
Most items on bikes are the same; especially those items where the money goes. Most bikes the wheels cost more than the frame. Many Many bikes the crannk is more oem than the frame. In fact the sum of the components is always more oem by many times than the oem frame cost.
When you look at two bikes and the only difference is the frame - it is much easier than comparing cars.
If you want to be objective; it is much easier with bikes than with cars.
On resale; it is true that Honda is normally much better than Ford -- but not if you could get the Ford at half price and had to pay list for the Honda. But this is not a big point as very very few bikes are resold for any meaningful amount.
Performance for the price is our thought about Value.
Analogous to saying for example, that a decent Hyundai is on par with Lexus (or BMW for that matter) because of similar steel material, somewhat similar hood/headlight, rear trunk & tail-light designs, all having 4 wheels, airbags, a-c, etc... you get the idea.
For sure, the Hyundai will get the job done & get you from point A to B, for many years, at a fraction of the price of the Lexus or BMW.
Are they "on par" with each other? Depends on what your definition of "on par" is. One thing's for sure- They're definitely not on par at the used car lot!
QUOTE]
This is a fun comparision; but it would only be valid IF: all cars used the same engine, transmission, wheels, tires, seats, streering wheels, brakes, and on and on.
Most items on bikes are the same; especially those items where the money goes. Most bikes the wheels cost more than the frame. Many Many bikes the crannk is more oem than the frame. In fact the sum of the components is always more oem by many times than the oem frame cost.
When you look at two bikes and the only difference is the frame - it is much easier than comparing cars.
If you want to be objective; it is much easier with bikes than with cars.
On resale; it is true that Honda is normally much better than Ford -- but not if you could get the Ford at half price and had to pay list for the Honda. But this is not a big point as very very few bikes are resold for any meaningful amount.
Performance for the price is our thought about Value.
Ah, but Confucius now ask: What if you pay full, List / Retail for the Ford (ie. BD bike) vs a half-priced (or 1-2 year gently-used) Honda (ie. Cervelo, Guru, Pinarello, Orbea...)?
02-10-08 | 10:32 AM
#199
Cries on hills
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Central NH
Bikes: 2007 Trek Pilot 1.2, 1969 Raleigh Sprite 5
Then that would be a good deal. But finding a used bike in the right color/size/area (or shipping option) is more hit and miss than it is for used cars. And it is still "used", which not all buyers are willing to deal with.
Six of one, half dozen of another. Questionable marketing tactics aside, BD does serve one area of the market. I've been looking at them for a while, for something of a newbie bike; the ads are a bit deceiving, but the prices and components are decent. I can handle basic tools, follow directions, and search for stuff on the internet. But I'm not so sure about piecing together a bike from the get-go; too many options, too much shopping, rather than riding. I'm pretty sure that a Sora bike from BD will compete nicely with a Sora bike from an LBS; bits that are wrong sized will cost just as much to replace from as it would from an LBS, and parts that wear out would wear out on an LBS bike too.
Basically, I think a Sora bike would cost less from BD and I think I'd be fine with spending some part of that savings as I need to. Say, upgrades if the wheels don't last; those upgrades can easily go onto a used bike. Or better fitting parts (handle bars, stems, etc)--it's not as if I'll know exactly what I want when I purchase from the LBS.
Everything is a gamble. An LBS might be loaded with fools. A BD bike might weigh too much. I might have to still take the BD bike to an LBS for some adjustment that I just cannot do (like wheel trueing). But I probably spend more on beer every year than the cost difference.
Six of one, half dozen of another. Questionable marketing tactics aside, BD does serve one area of the market. I've been looking at them for a while, for something of a newbie bike; the ads are a bit deceiving, but the prices and components are decent. I can handle basic tools, follow directions, and search for stuff on the internet. But I'm not so sure about piecing together a bike from the get-go; too many options, too much shopping, rather than riding. I'm pretty sure that a Sora bike from BD will compete nicely with a Sora bike from an LBS; bits that are wrong sized will cost just as much to replace from as it would from an LBS, and parts that wear out would wear out on an LBS bike too.
Basically, I think a Sora bike would cost less from BD and I think I'd be fine with spending some part of that savings as I need to. Say, upgrades if the wheels don't last; those upgrades can easily go onto a used bike. Or better fitting parts (handle bars, stems, etc)--it's not as if I'll know exactly what I want when I purchase from the LBS.
Everything is a gamble. An LBS might be loaded with fools. A BD bike might weigh too much. I might have to still take the BD bike to an LBS for some adjustment that I just cannot do (like wheel trueing). But I probably spend more on beer every year than the cost difference.
02-10-08 | 10:41 AM
#200
[quote=ezee;6139403]
here again the comparison fails
used cars frequently have warranties that are transferable
bikes almost never do
some customers what warranties
And paying half price on a new item is the question when buying a BD bike [not paying full price]
vs a used bike at half of a rather high new price
example: buy a Ti hardtail that is XTR and under 20 lbs from us
vs a new Litespeed that is XTR & 22 lbs and twice as much
vs the Litespeed used for about the same price as our unit is new
there are some customers for each
I know which bike is more performance for the dollar
and that is what our standard of offering products is: the most performance for the dollar
our sales growth seems to support the conclusion that many shoppers are starting to see that value
The luckly thing for us and our customers is: the question of old 'Is the quality the same?' is over and answered.
Rational people now know the quality question is not in play; bikes that you can find online are just as high of quality as you can find in shops. Question is: Where do you want to buy? Do you want new or used? Do you want to save money online or pay the prices normally charged in shops?
It is all a process - but I am glad now that we have moved past the quality / spec questions and on to more rational discussion.
here again the comparison fails
used cars frequently have warranties that are transferable
bikes almost never do
some customers what warranties
And paying half price on a new item is the question when buying a BD bike [not paying full price]
vs a used bike at half of a rather high new price
example: buy a Ti hardtail that is XTR and under 20 lbs from us
vs a new Litespeed that is XTR & 22 lbs and twice as much
vs the Litespeed used for about the same price as our unit is new
there are some customers for each
I know which bike is more performance for the dollar
and that is what our standard of offering products is: the most performance for the dollar
our sales growth seems to support the conclusion that many shoppers are starting to see that value
The luckly thing for us and our customers is: the question of old 'Is the quality the same?' is over and answered.
Rational people now know the quality question is not in play; bikes that you can find online are just as high of quality as you can find in shops. Question is: Where do you want to buy? Do you want new or used? Do you want to save money online or pay the prices normally charged in shops?
It is all a process - but I am glad now that we have moved past the quality / spec questions and on to more rational discussion.
__________________
https://www.bikesdirect.com
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi
https://www.bikesdirect.com
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi