buying a road bike online
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buying a road bike online
Looking at Litespeed Capella Ultegra or Litespeed Vela online...anybody here ever buy their bike online? The Capella can be had for $1399 and the Vela for a couple hundred less. Any personal experiences good or bad with online shops would be appreciated. The Vela is all 105 components. Thanks for your assistance as I am doing a lot of research for my first bike road bike experience. A virgin here, so be gentle please. Ken Peer.
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I've bought and sold a dozen bikes on-line and have always been pleased with the results, both ways.
If you are buying from eBay or some other individual, pay close attention to the feedback from others. Leopards do not change their spots.
If buying on-line from a business, as here in the forum about the particular business. Chances are you are not the first one to buy from them.
Happy Hunting!
If you are buying from eBay or some other individual, pay close attention to the feedback from others. Leopards do not change their spots.
If buying on-line from a business, as here in the forum about the particular business. Chances are you are not the first one to buy from them.
Happy Hunting!
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Originally Posted by proton41
Thanks for your assistance as I am doing a lot of research for my first bike road bike experience. A virgin here, so be gentle please. Ken Peer.
Rich
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My advice, in a nutshell:
Fit is the critical thing. More important than anything else, to the extent that nothing else matters if the bike doesn't fit.
If you know that a bike will fit -- because you have ridden the same geometry or through some other certain means -- then you can successfully buy a bike sight unseen. It may not end up being your ideal bike, but it won't be a disaster.
But don't buy a bike online until you have determined your sizing needs, unless you know you can return it even after extensive test-riding. Airborne is the only online retailer I know of that lets you do that.
As a secondary consideration, I would personally not buy a bike online unless I either had my own tools and knew how to use them, or had established in advance that a good local bike shop would service the bike and give me warranty support (if applicable). The quality of initial assembly and adjustment, especially of the wheels and the bottom bracket/cranks, can have a lot of influence on the durability of a bike.
RichC
Fit is the critical thing. More important than anything else, to the extent that nothing else matters if the bike doesn't fit.
If you know that a bike will fit -- because you have ridden the same geometry or through some other certain means -- then you can successfully buy a bike sight unseen. It may not end up being your ideal bike, but it won't be a disaster.
But don't buy a bike online until you have determined your sizing needs, unless you know you can return it even after extensive test-riding. Airborne is the only online retailer I know of that lets you do that.
As a secondary consideration, I would personally not buy a bike online unless I either had my own tools and knew how to use them, or had established in advance that a good local bike shop would service the bike and give me warranty support (if applicable). The quality of initial assembly and adjustment, especially of the wheels and the bottom bracket/cranks, can have a lot of influence on the durability of a bike.
RichC
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Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
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Even if you know nothing about bikes nor have any bike related tools, that is no big deal. Any competent LBS will do a minor tune-up for about $30 and do a major (true wheels, lube cables, clean and lube chain, all adjustments - but ask what all is included to make sure) for about $75. And how will they know where you bought the bike? For all they know you bought it new and just moved to the area. My LBS even put together a bike for me from parts I brought in. They didn't ask and I didn't tell. They were happy for the business. However, they didn't do that great a job nor do they ever. But I was in a hurry so let them do it and I tuned it up as I needed while I rode. So don't let LBS support hold you back. If you need service expect to pay for it. Just like you would if you bought the bike from them.
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I just received my 2004 Look KG 386i from Competitive Cyclist a few weeks ago. You can build your bike exactly the way you want it.
These guys are first class individuals, my experience with them has been great!
Give them a call or browse there website.
These guys are first class individuals, my experience with them has been great!
Give them a call or browse there website.
Last edited by EastCoast; 12-01-03 at 11:33 AM.
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Originally Posted by ParamountScapin
So don't let LBS support hold you back. If you need service expect to pay for it. Just like you would if you bought the bike from them.
The ongoing free service and adjustments you get with a new bike purchase from an LBS are worth something. Maybe not much to someone with the ability to do their own service and not much faith in the LBS; maybe a lot to someone who relies on others for all their maintenance needs.
It's a factor, and shouldn't be ignored. The last bike I bought online (my Fuji) came with wheels that needed work and other assembly issues (headset adjustment, for example) that would easily pass a casual inspection by an inexperienced rider but that would have caused premature failures had I not corrected them. But I expected that, and was equipped to deal with it.
This is not to say that an LBS might not be equally casual in new-bike assembly. Many are. But at least there when the premature failure occurs you have some recourse.
RichC
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Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
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Hello. I have experience buying road bikes online. Are you looking at those bikes from Colorado Cyclist or Competitive Cyclist? Both of these companies are very professional. I purchased my last bike from Competitive Cyclist and am very pleased with all of their help. The only disadvantage I can think of is when you purchase a bike from a local shop they should be willing to do all the tune-ups free of charge. I am not sure what Litespeed you are in the market for however I have a Macalu Titanium(made by Litespeed) with full Shimano Ultegra for sale..I am selling this bike for around 1100. If you want more info feel free to contact me at bripeters@email.com or at 719-647-2487 ask for Brian
#10
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Originally Posted by EastCoast
I just received my 2004 Look KG 386i from Competitive Cyclist a few weeks ago. You can build your bike exactly the way you want it.
Give them a call or browse there website.
Give them a call or browse there website.
You take that bike outdoors and ride it? That's a work of art!!! You've got one really nice ride there.
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Originally Posted by proton41
Looking at Litespeed Capella Ultegra or Litespeed Vela online...anybody here ever buy their bike online? The Capella can be had for $1399 and the Vela for a couple hundred less. Any personal experiences good or bad with online shops would be appreciated. The Vela is all 105 components. Thanks for your assistance as I am doing a lot of research for my first bike road bike experience. A virgin here, so be gentle please. Ken Peer.
good luck
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Really appreciate all the very helpful posts. My agonizing decision is coming closer to the end. I am going to try one of the recommeded online stores and see if they can fit me with a bike I can be happy with.
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Proton,
I just bought a road bike from IBEX last week. It was a close-out 2003 model. The only problems I had were the outside of the shipping box was a little scuffed (the bike was fine though) and I had to make a little adjustment to the rear derailler (sp). I called customer service and he walked me throught the process. I took it on a 35-mile ride yesterday and had no problems. I paid $500 plus $35 shipping for a bile with Tiagra/105 components. I figure I saved $300-$400 over what the big brands cost.
I just bought a road bike from IBEX last week. It was a close-out 2003 model. The only problems I had were the outside of the shipping box was a little scuffed (the bike was fine though) and I had to make a little adjustment to the rear derailler (sp). I called customer service and he walked me throught the process. I took it on a 35-mile ride yesterday and had no problems. I paid $500 plus $35 shipping for a bile with Tiagra/105 components. I figure I saved $300-$400 over what the big brands cost.
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proton -
I've bought 2 litespeeds online now. One from Hi-tech bikes in San Diego and they were great. Helped me do fitting and measurements over the phone. Very patient in answering questions.
Just bought a second one from Colorado Cyclist. Had demo'd it before so knew the fit was good. They come partially disassembled, so if you're going to go this route you'll need to know how to put it together and possibly make some fine tune type adjustments.
If you're not prepared to do that, you should use your local bike shop and pay the extra cost. Good luck!
I've bought 2 litespeeds online now. One from Hi-tech bikes in San Diego and they were great. Helped me do fitting and measurements over the phone. Very patient in answering questions.
Just bought a second one from Colorado Cyclist. Had demo'd it before so knew the fit was good. They come partially disassembled, so if you're going to go this route you'll need to know how to put it together and possibly make some fine tune type adjustments.
If you're not prepared to do that, you should use your local bike shop and pay the extra cost. Good luck!
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Last friday I got my Bianchi GIRO via UPS which I got from a Bike Shop in Chicago bidding on Ebay, a real "steal" really, brand new triple, 2003. It's my first road bike ever, don't know much about it , came disassembled, and took it to my LBS yesterday for set up, charged me $ 40.00, put it together, lubed it, and tuned it up. I got today looking beautiful, but can't ride it yet because of the god damn SNOW! No big deal.
Corsaire
P.S. keep in mind I haven't bought this bike blindly. Previously I had already rode tested it at the same LBS where was put together, so when buying on line I already knew my right size, and how this bike rode.
Corsaire
P.S. keep in mind I haven't bought this bike blindly. Previously I had already rode tested it at the same LBS where was put together, so when buying on line I already knew my right size, and how this bike rode.
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Originally Posted by Corsaire
Last friday I got my Bianchi GIRO via UPS which I got from a Bike Shop in Chicago bidding on Ebay, a real "steal" really, brand new triple, 2003. It's my first road bike ever, don't know much about it , came disassembled, and took it to my LBS yesterday for set up, charged me $ 40.00, put it together, lubed it, and tuned it up. I got today looking beautiful, but can't ride it yet because of the god damn SNOW! No big deal.
Corsaire
P.S. keep in mind I haven't bought this bike blindly. Previously I had already rode tested it at the same LBS where was put together, so when buying on line I already knew my right size, and how this bike rode.
Corsaire
P.S. keep in mind I haven't bought this bike blindly. Previously I had already rode tested it at the same LBS where was put together, so when buying on line I already knew my right size, and how this bike rode.
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My LBS had the same Giro which I rode tested it, liked it very much, in two ocassions I had made an offer to the owner on the Giro, he's selling it for 1,250 or so, this bike retails for 1,500. I had offered first 1,000 cash tight on the spot, he declined, later I did 1,500 he still declined, I told him i really wanted to buy from him, he still declined, oh well I had said I'll have to find a better deal. So the chance came up on Ebay : $ 870.00 plus 50 shipping.
He saw the bike when I took it for set up, which he didn't mind et all....so where the sin dude!
you strike as one of those who like shoving people's throat their religious beliefs. It's supply and demand, just in case you didn't know.
Corsaire
He saw the bike when I took it for set up, which he didn't mind et all....so where the sin dude!
you strike as one of those who like shoving people's throat their religious beliefs. It's supply and demand, just in case you didn't know.
Corsaire
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Originally Posted by Corsaire
My LBS had the same Giro which I rode tested it, liked it very much, in two ocassions I had made an offer to the owner on the Giro, he's selling it for 1,250 or so, this bike retails for 1,500. I had offered first 1,000 cash tight on the spot, he declined, later I did 1,500 he still declined, I told him i really wanted to buy from him, he still declined, oh well I had said I'll have to find a better deal. So the chance came up on Ebay : $ 870.00 plus 50 shipping.
He saw the bike when I took it for set up, which he didn't mind et all....so where the sin dude!
you strike as one of those who like shoving people's throat their religious beliefs. It's supply and demand, just in case you didn't know.
Corsaire
He saw the bike when I took it for set up, which he didn't mind et all....so where the sin dude!
you strike as one of those who like shoving people's throat their religious beliefs. It's supply and demand, just in case you didn't know.
Corsaire
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I know and understand very well, IDEALLY, in a perfect world I'd love to support the small guy and give him my business; unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world, in this society, our society: money talks and the BS walks - is it fair? NOT, hell no, but in the end money dictates the buy; capitalism my friend, capitalism......besides I have to make my HARD earned money worth it.
Corsaire
Corsaire
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Since I could maintain my own bike, the decision is much easier for me. I have no problem supporting my local LBS, BUT there prices are just to high! That's why online shopping is great and will always be supported. There are pros and cons to online shopping as well, but I'm willing to accept them. The biggest advantage to buying from your LBS is INSTANT GRADIFICATION, something I have no problem waiting for my online purchase to arrive.
Also, I live in New York and really don't like paying 8.625% on top of a $3000 bike, for city and state taxes.
There is no money tree in front of my house, I work hard for my earnings.
Sorry but times are changing!
Also, I live in New York and really don't like paying 8.625% on top of a $3000 bike, for city and state taxes.
There is no money tree in front of my house, I work hard for my earnings.
Sorry but times are changing!
Last edited by EastCoast; 12-08-03 at 07:03 AM.
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Originally Posted by skiahh
proton -
I've bought 2 litespeeds online now. One from Hi-tech bikes in San Diego and they were great. Helped me do fitting and measurements over the phone. Very patient in answering questions.
Just bought a second one from Colorado Cyclist. Had demo'd it before so knew the fit was good. They come partially disassembled, so if you're going to go this route you'll need to know how to put it together and possibly make some fine tune type adjustments.
If you're not prepared to do that, you should use your local bike shop and pay the extra cost. Good luck!
I've bought 2 litespeeds online now. One from Hi-tech bikes in San Diego and they were great. Helped me do fitting and measurements over the phone. Very patient in answering questions.
Just bought a second one from Colorado Cyclist. Had demo'd it before so knew the fit was good. They come partially disassembled, so if you're going to go this route you'll need to know how to put it together and possibly make some fine tune type adjustments.
If you're not prepared to do that, you should use your local bike shop and pay the extra cost. Good luck!
How would you compare Hi-tech bikes vs. Colorado Cyclist as far as customer service, parts selection, price, etc.? I bought my '01 Litespeed classic from C.C. and was very pleased with their service. Hi-tech is just down the road from me and I'm down in the S.D. area all the time.
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Litespeed, lasts a lifetime.
Specialized Tarmac, lasts a lifetime, or until it breaks.
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Bobsled -
I was extremely pleased with both customer service and price from Hi-tech. I hadn't had a road bike in years and they coached me through the measurements, guaranteed the fit - if it didn't fit right, they'd exchange the frame for the next size down since I was close, but they were spot on, and never got frustrated with lots of phone calls I made. When the bike came, the stem was one size too big for my taste after a couple rides, so they put one in the mail that day (they did charge my card, but refunded it immediately when they received the original stem back).
The CC bike came with "partial assembly" required, including wrapping the bars and installing the front brakes while the Hi-tech came basically ready to go. Put on the front tire and straightened and tightened the (already wrapped) handlebars and I was off.
Hi-tech tossed in a couple of upgrades for me since I had to wait for the frame to come from Litespeed - nothing drastic - but it was a nice touch.
Hank's great and I'd happily recommend his shop to anyone and everyone!
I was extremely pleased with both customer service and price from Hi-tech. I hadn't had a road bike in years and they coached me through the measurements, guaranteed the fit - if it didn't fit right, they'd exchange the frame for the next size down since I was close, but they were spot on, and never got frustrated with lots of phone calls I made. When the bike came, the stem was one size too big for my taste after a couple rides, so they put one in the mail that day (they did charge my card, but refunded it immediately when they received the original stem back).
The CC bike came with "partial assembly" required, including wrapping the bars and installing the front brakes while the Hi-tech came basically ready to go. Put on the front tire and straightened and tightened the (already wrapped) handlebars and I was off.
Hi-tech tossed in a couple of upgrades for me since I had to wait for the frame to come from Litespeed - nothing drastic - but it was a nice touch.
Hank's great and I'd happily recommend his shop to anyone and everyone!
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It may save you a few dollars to buy a bike online, but what about your relationship, service, etc with real people in your neighborhood? Are you going to have your service done online? If you are buying a higher end bike, spend a few extra dollars to know a reputable dealer with a good mechanic. You will save money in the long run. (just my opinion)