Nemetchek

I'm just getting into road biking so I only need an entry level bike, just to learn from and get experience. I've done a fair bit of research and tried a few bikes (treks, specialized, opus etc) My favourite so far is the 2010 trek 2.1 but after taxes it's nearly 1800$ which is far more than I'm looking to spend. It's the same story at all my LBS unless your spending 1500$ or more you're getting low quality derailleurs, shifters, wheels etc. I know it's my first road bike but I'd still like to get a decent one.

Okay now that my life story is done, here's the alternative, buying from bikesdirect.com but obviously I'm not familiar enough to know if it's a good choice. I know the downfall is I can't physically try the bike before buying it but besides that...

-Is bikesdirect reliable?

-Motobecane, what can you tell me about them are they reputable for making good bikes?

-What about the other brands, kestrel, windsor, mercier?

-The main reason I'm looking at bikesdirect is because they seem to have high quality bikes at half the price, is this a marketing scheme or is it legit?

-I'm looking to spend up to 1000$ are there any bikes from bikesdirect or anywhere else that you would suggest I look at?

Any advice is appreciated.

Farby

Everyone is gonna tell you to use the search function.

Nemetchek

thanks for the honesty, except the little white box in the top right which i believe to be the search isn't working.

mihlbach

Bikes direct isn't a scam...they are cheaper then LBS bikes because there is no middle-man. If you don't need LBS service, bikes direct is a great deal. If you need the LBS for fit advice and mechanics, its possible you will spend more money in the long run buying from bikes direct.

renton

Hmm.. it is indeed broken.
I used Google to search the forums:
https://www.google.com/search?q=bikes...fe=images&tbs=

markwebb

I have been out of cycling for a year due to a foot injury. Sold my bike in that time (big mistake). Now getting back into it and I was set to seriously look for a BD bike. I've been on BF for years and heard all the good and bad about BD. Basic summary is they sell Chinese/Taiwan-made frames with excellent components. Same factories that name brands now use. Some apparent issues with their customer service (they have to cut corners somewhere to achieve their low prices) and also their marketing of bikes as if they really were related to old school names (they just purchased name rights that's all).

That being said I know of many folks who ride them and love them. It's more about the motor (you) than the bike anyway.

But a big issue now with BD is unavailability of their higher-end bikes. I looked for Ultegra equipped bikes on their Web site in steel, carbon, and Ti. All were there but when I'd put one in my shopping cart and then goto checkout they said out of stock. It took a few steps. They don't show them out of stock on the initial drop down when choosing a size - just a note that says low quantities. It's only 2 steps later you find out low means unavailable.

So I went to eBay instead. Tons of great like new, new, NOS, and excellent bikes in any flavor (carbon/steel/Al/Ti) you want. I found a NOS SLX tube Marinoni steelie for $800 shipped equipped with Campy, a KHS 853 steelie Ultegra for $699, and some great prices on used carbon bikes (under $1K) from name manufacturers with great components. Used carbon scares me (I'm old ok lol). Aluminum shakes rattles and rolls me. So it has to be Ti or steel if used (I'd go for a new carbon but, like I said, the good BD carbon are not available and I can't afford a Cervelo). And good name brand Ti like Merlin or Seven is too expensive for my budget. That left steel. I finally settled on a like new Sancineto Columbus tube (SLX probably) Italian steelie with Campy group for $750 shipped. I'll get it next week.

So instead of BD I went with eBay. But that was because BD had little availability in ultegra+ builds. There is a dealer in carbon frames on eBay (speculate if related to BD) selling Bottechia in same manner as BD sells their bikes, and only like $1,099 but they did not have a 57/58 size available. That would be worth a look if you ride a smaller size or a 61 (their sizes available). Also someone is selling Ti bikes new on eBay similar to BD models, but components are awful.

All things considered at present time, I highly recommend buying a well maintained well equipped used bike via eBay right now.

Palomar01

I just bought a Mobotecan LeChamp Ti with Ultegra from BD and my experience with them has been nothing but positive. I had an issue with a frayed cable and they sent me a replacement within 24 hours. I had some questions about my order and again, within 24 hours I got my answer and even a phone call from them. As far as I could tell, they are quick, responsive, and the products are exactly as they say in their website. They said 17.5 lbs for my bike in size small, I got 18.2 lbs. on my bike in a larger size with pedals.

Motobecane USA is an American company that bought the name and the rights to the old Motobecane French company that went bankrupt in the early 80's. The same with the brand Mercier (used to be Cycles Mercier from France). Dawes USA has no relation to Dawes in the UK. Basically, MB, Mercier, Dawes USA, etc., all source their frames from Kenisis in Taiwan. Kenisis builds frames for many brands including Fuji, Felt, Jamis, Schwinn, Trek, Raleigh, etc.

Palomar01

Keep in mind that a few "brand" names out there bear little to no relationship to the old school brands either.

Fuji and Kestrel are good examples. Schwinn ang GT are others.

More and more, bicycle companies are getting owne by the Asian manufacturers/sports and leisure corporations because this is where the bulk of manufacturing is. The only things left in the US in large part is the design, marketing, and distribution. There are some hold outs but their pricing will reflect that.

It's sad but this is the state of the bicycling industry today.

markwebb

Palomar - what size did you get and when did you buy it? They've been out of stock of Mobotecane LeChamp Ti with Ultegra for a while - I know - I was seriously intrested.

abstractform20

if youre going to buy something that you cant try, at least buy it from somewhere with a return policy.

for around 1k

check out gt and fuji bikes on performancebike.com

what exactly is on the bikes at your lbs?

byrnemm

The best deals to be had are on craigslist, IMO. It just takes patience and time.

For less than a grand you can get a 2007 or later, barely used, Al frame, carbon fork, ultegra/105 mix on craigslist. I check multiple cities every day and I see it often. They don't last long this time of year. It helps to be willing to travel a few hours and being able to say you have cash in hand.

abstractform20

i strongly believe that first bike should not be purchased used- unless it is somehow warrantied.

azshtr

BD gets batches of bikes that then sell out quick. Keep an eye on them, they do restock.

Beach Comber

Many see the older names at BD and think there is a linage to those companies from the 60s-70s-80s. But its not true. Most of those names are purchased by BD out of bankruptcy, and used on Taiwan build frames. If you look carefully, its the same frames spread over several "brands".

Its not that you are getting bad stuff. The bikes are targeted to the amateur and recreational rider. The frames are mass produced and lack the R&D - or are several years behind on R&D - that a large corporate entity employs. But 90% of the riders could probably care less. For them, its like brand vs. generic drug. No real difference, but lots cheaper.

Personally, if its your first new bike, I'd lean toward a LBS purchase and the support that comes with them. With BD, you're somewhat on your own. Only you can determine if its worth the price difference.

DrPete 

To use an analogy from another sport, think of golf. There are tons of off-brand knock-offs out there that are of the same quality (or close) but cast from designs that are a couple years old or sold to multiple companies. BD is the bike equivalent.

Second Mouse

"Amateur and recreational" vs. pro riders? True, there are no pros riding BD bikes, but there are plenty of competent riders on Motobecane and Mercier bikes at the local crits. While BD will skimp on some of their components (brakes, chains, etc.), they're basically decent, cheap bikes that will likely need to be set up correctly, either by the buyer (if you're somewhat handy with a wrench) or an LBS.

This has been a surprisingly civil BD thread. Must be the good weather.

canyoneagle

I've purchased two bikes from BD, a "cheapie" flat bar commuter and a mid-level 29er mountain bike for my son. In both cases, I was pleased with the value for money and overall quality.
Below the $600-800 mark, BD will generally go with no-name seatposts, stems, saddles, BB and handlebars (unless specified otherwise).
With BD the slight tradeoff is that you have to do final assembly (easy with basic tools/skills), and it is a bit more difficult to return a bike (they have a return policy, but you have to pay for shipping) than it would be of purchased from a LBS.

If you know what your body sizing warrants (fit is extremely important) online bike shopping can net some excellent values. If you don't know what will suit you, it is more difficult.
I like to point folks to this very basic online fit calculator that will give you some information to work with for a few common fit methodologies.

Nemetchek

Thanks everyone's been very helpful.

I have a lot of friends in my local cycling community so I'm not worried about assembly and such.

I looked on Ebay and didn't see much maybe I just don't have a good eye for things.

Also I made a list of all the BD bikes that are still available in my size and in my budget and I'll be reading up on reviews

Motobecane-Vent Noir
Motobecane-Grand Sprint
Motobecane-Sprint
Windsor-Knight
Windsor-Fens
Windsor-Falkirk
Gravity-Pro 20

Thanks again for the feedback any word on any of the bikes mentioned above would be great too.

Bianchigirll 

I am not sure if any of the responders actually purchased from BD but I did. I wanted a Bianchi San Jose in the worst way. however I could not justify spending $800+ on a SS, so I got a BD Motobecane. the price was around $350 and for as much as it use it it was a great buy. I do however do most of my own maintenance ( I do not have 'shop tools' like HS press and other frame prep tools) and was able to easily build it up.

that is quite a price sread. if it is in your budget and first bike I say get the Sprint

ZippyThePinhead

I don't know if Motobecane USA is a subsidiary of BD, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were. According to the address in their owner's manual, they're in Houston, whereas BikesDirect is located in Dallas. Are there dealers that sell Motobecane which are independent of BD? I don't know. It is necessary to contact Motobecane to get a list of dealers. Regardless, BD gets some of their frames from this company, including the titanium Motobecanes.

ZippyThePinhead

BD has an email list... if you subscribe, they will advise you when they get particular bikes in stock:

https://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/bikesdirectbikes/