why is bikes direct so cheap? like 50-60% off dealer prices for brand new bikes.

Because it just is. The components are real and the frames are decent. It's a good deal if you don't mind having a no-name bike and can work on it/fit it yourself.

Pacific rim frames, high volume OEM components + low margins = low prices. You have no idea how much cheaper components like Dura Ace and Ultegra are at OEM prices compared to what you and I pay. When a friend of mine worked for Jamis in the 1990's their cost for Dura Ace was about 25-35% of retail, i.e. a D.A. part that was $400 at Colorado Cyclist was costing Jamis more like $100 - $150. Are the bikes there comparable to major manufacturer bikes from companies like Trek and Cannondale? Essentially. But limited options, zero bling factor, and big honkin' and cheesy 'Motobecane' and 'Bottechia' (defunct Euro names) decals.

I bought one. I've wanted a Ti hard tail MTB for a decade. I ordered one from BD for $1900. Couldn't find anything out there for less than double that. I think BD is for real and the members who have their bikes seem to agree. I'll find out soon enough and will report back here.

thats just the way mike does business. some like it and some hate it. the bottom line is that you get a good bike for a great price.

But I bought the BD Fly Ti because I liked the bike and the spec. I also like the Pedal Force frame. If I didn't like these products (I've seen the PF frame in person, the Fly Ti only in photos) the price wouldn't persuade me. But I do.

Yeah let me know how that goes, because I might want to get into mountain biking in a little and obviously saving 50% is important for a college student.

Do a Google search on any BD offering you want to consider, like 'Motobecane Fly MTB review' and you'll find reviews. One thing that persuaded me were some enthusiastic user and MTB magazine writeups on the aluminum version of the Fly Ti MTB that I ordered. Everybody loves it. It's hard to F up a hard tail MTB, and with today's materials and established designs it's not to hard to come up with a high performance bike that works.

Let the games begin

Eight posts and no one has said it yet? Unbelievable.

SHILL!!!!

Where's my shill royalty check?

25-35% off is not much. You can buy new in box stuff all day long on ebay at that discount.

25-35% off is alot of a discount.

Read the post - people pay something like 25-35% of RETAIL. Which is 65-75% off.

^^^beat me to it

Fixed. Correct.

You don't consider corporations to be people too?

You don't get it, do you? Stick around. The truth will be revealed to you painfully, layer by horrible layer. With any luck you will survive emotionally, spiritually and financially.

pcad's endorsement means little if he'll only ride one in the woods, safe from the Eye of Road Nazi

Motobecane and the other brands sold primarily online (by bikesdirect) are good value for your $$. You can see that nearly all those who have bought from BD are satisfied with their decision. But there are some who would never buy online and justify their position through various arguements or putting down bikesdirect (and its clones).

I purchased my Moto IF last year and now 3,000 miles later it is still great. New tires, brake pads, and minor adjustments since then. From BD you will get the bike in the box you select for a decent price and quick enough. They are no frills, no customization, and minimal customer support. But after receiving your bike in 1 hour you can be riding and happy with your purchase.

If you ride for OCP or dependent on what others think this will add fuel to the the fire of others opinions. Or if you know who you are are want to spend you earings wisely You may continue this path.

I've bought two bikes from Mike at bikesdirect.com and couldn't be happier.... If I buy another bike, it will come from bikesdirect.

*I'm such a SHILL*

Or on the road in the winter snow, also safe from the Eye of Road Nazi.

Hey Bike Enthusiast, where does Mike send your BD Shill checks? When do I get mine?

Ive bought from BD 3 times and every time there's been a problem of some sort. Bent derailer hangers, siezed up bottom brackets, etc. After this last group buy, I wont deal with them again.

The MSRP listed is an illusion to create a perception of value. You will not find those bikes at any "dealer" at 50-60% more than on b'd'.com. They're not "on sale". That said, getcherself one. The frames appear to me to be generally old-tech, but work fine.

Still, you can get a bike complete with Dura Ace and Ritchey stem/bars/WCS protocol wheels for $1500 when you spend almost $1500 for a dura ace set to begin with, nevermind the wheels. It's basically like getting a free frame and then some.

This is the Anti-Shill.

If my Fly Ti MTB comes in with a bent hanger and a seized BB it will still wind up being a performance bike that's half the price of anything else I could find out there.

THEY ARE PEOPLE????

I thought they were greedy lost souls... my bad