Why my LBS is better than Bikesdirect.com
10-22-09, 03:19 PM
#27
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Not to mention the fact that nutt correctly used the word "averse" (vs. "adverse") in the OP.
On topic: I think it's really a question of individual choices. I think I'll probably go the "build my own bike" route for my next bike, because I like the control, and I enjoy tinkering with mechanical stuff. But I totally understand why people prefer to have experts to talk to and to assist with their bike-related purchases.
Hopefully there's enough of all types to keep the LBSs and the Internet sites in business.
10-22-09, 03:25 PM
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10-22-09, 03:40 PM
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10-22-09, 05:26 PM
#33
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....I decided to go with the Felt 2009 F3SL. This bike is a pretty good deal for the level of components at its retail price, but Felt has put all of their 2009 catalog on 20% off clearance, which makes it a great deal. So, let's compare this package at $2950:
2009 Felt F3SL
And let's compare that with a similar package for $2700 at bikesdirect.com:
2009 Kestrel RT800
Now, these two bikes are not identical. I am not sure if Kestrel quality is still the same after the Fuji acquisition, but let's suppose that the quality of the frame is comparable. The Kestrel comes with a RED crank whereas the Felt comes with the SRAM S900, which is a slightly heavier crank. However, the Felt bike has Ksyrium Equipe wheels, which are better than the Aksiums on the Kestrel. Overall, if I am generous to bikesdirect.com, I would say the total package is very similar....
2009 Felt F3SL
And let's compare that with a similar package for $2700 at bikesdirect.com:
2009 Kestrel RT800
Now, these two bikes are not identical. I am not sure if Kestrel quality is still the same after the Fuji acquisition, but let's suppose that the quality of the frame is comparable. The Kestrel comes with a RED crank whereas the Felt comes with the SRAM S900, which is a slightly heavier crank. However, the Felt bike has Ksyrium Equipe wheels, which are better than the Aksiums on the Kestrel. Overall, if I am generous to bikesdirect.com, I would say the total package is very similar....
That yields a frameset, seat, post, bars, cables, stem for less than $600. I believe it is the same set up used by Red Rock Racing. Can't be too bad a deal, especially if you have a thing for the integrated Orbea like seatpost binder.
'Course if you love the Shram Red group, that's another matter. The all Dura Ace RT800 looks like a pretty good deal to me. I've ordered one. Will let you know after it arrives Monday.
10-22-09, 05:37 PM
#34
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I year later I was in and offhandedly mentioned the tuneup.
"No, no no! That had to be done 30 days after sale.'
Fine. But it revealed their attitude.
Bought another bike for my son at another LBS. They insisted on checking my bike out for free; trued the rear wheel and removed a chain link for me, double checking the work I did when I installed an Ultegra SS on the triple. [yes it works]
10-22-09, 08:51 PM
#36
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spry, thanks for that. With that last name, I had already heard that hilarious comment, along with every single other one you can imagine, 1000 times before the fourth grade. There's always one in every crowd that thinks they are the first to come up with it.
10-22-09, 09:29 PM
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Sounds good - I'm not a BD fan, but I do think that the Kestrel bikes aren't where the uber-low price deals are on BD. You have to go with the house Motobecane brands to get real bang for buck - the Kestrels are still a good deal but for sure, LBSs giving you a deal can match it. It's very difficult for a LBS to match the price of an Immortal for similar level spec - usually an ultegra bike at the LBS is over $1600, whereas it's $1100ish on BD.
That said, I still support my LBS and think that if you don't exactly know your fit, the ability to test ride the bike of various sizes per frame (not the same for each frame) is crucial. I've bought all my bikes at my LBS and have been very satisfied with this method, although I have to admit that I am impressed with the low prices at BD.
That said, I still support my LBS and think that if you don't exactly know your fit, the ability to test ride the bike of various sizes per frame (not the same for each frame) is crucial. I've bought all my bikes at my LBS and have been very satisfied with this method, although I have to admit that I am impressed with the low prices at BD.
10-22-09, 09:50 PM
#38
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Did not know you were born with that noun of a name.
I guess I should of left Nutt alone.
*With that name you "baited' me due to everyone using a fictitious screen name.
Last edited by spry; 10-22-09 at 09:55 PM.
10-22-09, 10:00 PM
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10-22-09, 10:14 PM
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foresthill, I had assumed that he meant, would it have been worth it if the Felt bike was not discounted, and the difference in price was actually $1000.
spry, I'm not really that sensitive about it, I was just playing along.
spry, I'm not really that sensitive about it, I was just playing along.
10-22-09, 10:47 PM
#41
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So....did you buy the bike or not? Pics or it didn't happen.
10-22-09, 11:25 PM
#42
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Bought the Felt, but the LBS had to order it. Will give some pics in a couple of weeks when it gets here.
10-23-09, 02:57 AM
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good for OP. i definitely agree about test riding/fitting. but keep in mind not all shops offer those other points, or at least not for free. also, what happens if you move to a new city? LBS not so local anymore then.
i agree completely that BD isn't for everybody. but if you think about it neither is a LBS (especially given they vary so much). finding a good shop and establishing solid relations with them shouldn't be taken for granted.
i agree completely that BD isn't for everybody. but if you think about it neither is a LBS (especially given they vary so much). finding a good shop and establishing solid relations with them shouldn't be taken for granted.
10-23-09, 04:43 AM
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your dumb
Never gets old.
Never gets old.
10-23-09, 05:54 AM
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10-23-09, 08:12 AM
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10-23-09, 08:16 AM
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10-23-09, 08:19 AM
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Online shopping has taken some of the fun out of that, 'tho. I have one LBS I enjoy going in to because they have a great selection, but mainly because the lead sales guy acts as if he really does enjoy BS'ing with me, even when he's got bike buyers in the shop. Some places act like they're doing you a favor and you don't know a bicycle from a pogo stick.If I like the salesman or owner, I'll look for something to buy even when I know I can save money online.