sanfranguy06

I've finally narrowed the bike choices down to 4 and need a little help from you folks out there. I'm just getting into the sport and I'm planning to do tri's and maybe try tackling a few centuries and so opting for full carbon. These all seem like great deals and maybe in the grand scheme of things or at my level it wouldn't make a bit of difference, but which should I get?!?!

CC's got a LitespeedM1/SRAM Rival for $1449 shipped and no tax.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RODUCT.ID=9479

BD has a Motobecane/SRAM Rival for $1599.95 shipped and no tax
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...heat_rival.htm

A bay area chain has a Felt Mens Z6 105 Carbon Road Bike for $1550, but I'll have to pay tax. They typically have 10-20% sales so I think I'd hold out for when a deal pops up again.
https://www.sportsbasement.com/istar....1!Felt&icon1=3

And I found this place offering a full carbon with 105/Tiagra for $1049 no shipping/tax.
https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/road-b...cing-bike.html

Thoughts opinions? Anyone own or ever ridden on any of these and can offer some insight? Thanks much in advance!

dykim90

i would go for either the litespeed or felt. felt looks nice actually.

Palomar01

Litespeed or the MB Immortal. Maximum value in my opinion.

thcri

If you are just getting into it I would think about whether or not you can adjust/fix/repair the bike after you get it?? You local bike shop just may give you you that for the first year free? Something to think about.

valleycyclist

A big drawback of buying mailorder is that you may get the wrong size. At a local shop you can sit on a few bikes/sizes and get the one that fits you best.

RT

I understand California has a higher tax rate, but come on - making a decision based on tax? That money is (ideally) what helps pay for bike lanes and road maintenance. You really aren't helping by avoiding paying tax. If it is the right bike, buy local.

Silvercivic27

Felt

sanfranguy06

Thanks all or the responses. I thought about this a bit as well prior to posting. I looked around and a fitting/adjustments would tack on about $150 or so. I'm also sure after studying up on bike geometries and using online fit calculators that I'm a 54. But I do get that buying from a LBS affords me more than just the bike and have taken that into consideration as well. This was more just a question on the bikes as well. Maybe I shouldn't have included the prices as factors since they are so similarly priced, taxes or not.

garciawork

I say Litespeed.

eippo1

Get the Felt. They'll most likely have a clothing/ accessories deal w/ buying a bike being an LBS as well.

valleycyclist

Technically we are all supposed to pay sales tax for out of state purchases. It is a big problem for shops trying to compete with mail order prices plus the sales tax issue. Some manufacturers do not allow online sales of their products and maybe it is for that reason.

guadzilla

Litespeed

datlas 

Get the one you can get at the LBS so you can test ride, get help with fitting etc...so I reckon that's the felt. Ask about upcoming sales etc.

ScoJo

Litespeed. I'm very happy with my CC purchase - great transaction.

datlas 

"Just getting into the sport" and getting a bike online?

I say too risky.

ScoJo

Hmm. This is a good point. OP, is the Felt your only local option?

And as far as tax goes, I wouldn't sweat that if I were you. Whether you're paying tax on a bike or not should not sway your decision. Too many other more important factors.

sanfranguy06

I've cruised more than a few of the LBS's and for the price/components it was definitely the best deal/value. Other comps were Trek 5.2, Ridley Orion, Giant TCR all at around the $1900 price level and similar/same componentry.

I don't know that getting a bike online would necessarily be a poor decision even though I'm just getting into the sport. The internet is a great equalizer imo and I've been able to learn a lot about the sport just trolling these forums! I'm not all too worried about the tax at all, just figured since I was listing prices that it would be better to compare apples to apples.

I guess I was really just trying to get an idea of which bike everyone thought was the best buy...

uncrx2003

Many have stated that Litespeed warranty is garbage. If you are going to spend that much, look at the Wilier Izoard on CC. I think that is a much better deal.