BuGzBuNNy

I know not to buy from a Walmart or Academy Sports like store, but I've located two shops. One is bicycle specific and another though not bicycle specific it's their main product. Bicycles Inc and a place called Sun and Ski Sports.

Here's the website to both if it helps or matters.
https://bicyclesinc.com/
https://www.sunandski.com/

I've visited Bicycles Inc. and I liked what I saw. I noticed the prices of two bikes on the Sun and Ski website that are cheaper than what I saw at Bicycles Inc. I'm basically asking if I'd be doing myself an injustice by choosing a bike from Sun and Ski to save.

What do you think of these two bikes?
https://www.sunandski.com/Marin_Porto...1060041100.htm
https://bicyclesinc.com/product/trek-1.1-123188-1.htm

The Trek is what I saw at Bicycles Inc. I liked it, but if they're not much a difference then I'd obviously like to save the couple hundred dollars.

Thanks for any help.

Wolfador

Does sun and ski have a service dept? If not who will do the required fitment and adjustments?

Personally I would go with a dedicated cycle shop as they will usually have the best mechanics.

straykat71

I agree with wolfador. Go to dedicated bike store.

10 Wheels

I like Sun and Ski. They have good people here.

RTC

Sounds like you're in the North Texas area? Personally, I prefer Bikes Inc between the two places you mentioned. BI is a dedicated bike shop and they are all pretty knowledgeable there. Sun and Ski Sports isn't a bad choice either, but support our Texas shops if you can!

Paul Barnard

If you are going to mail order an entry level bike, I'd strongly encourage you to look very closely at this one. It has better parts than the two you are looking at and it has a carbon fiber fork. This one has free shipping and Jenson Unboxes it, assembles it, makes sure everything is adjusted properly, then reboxes it. You'll have minor assembly to do when it arrives. No shipping, no taxes and a very good entry level bike. You'll save over 200 bucks over the Trek and that buys some nice shorts, helmet, gloves, etc.

https://www.jensonusa.com/Complete-Bi...gen-10-Bike-11


If your local shop is a good one, then it may be worth the extra bucks to buy from them. They may discount accessories and offer free adjustments for the first year. They may be useful at fitting too. Some aren't very good at that though.

BuGzBuNNy

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm thinking I'll end up purchasing the bike that Paul provided in his link. I've watched the assembly video and it doesn't look to complex and I'm sure the experience will help down the line when I'll have to do repairs, upgrades and such. I wasn't sure about purchasing online at first, but I've gained confidence. Anyone have anything against buying online? I talked to a guy from jenson and he asked for my height(6') and waist size(32) and suggested I get a size 54 or 57 cm.

PhotoJoe 

********** Waist size? This is the first time I've ever heard of that. Are you sure he didn't ask your inseam? Height is important and leg length, when compared to your height can tell them a little about your proportions. If you truly believe he asked about waist size, I'd confirm that before placing an order. It could make a big difference.

BuGzBuNNy

My mistake, yes he did ask for my inseam.

Hydrotim

I purchased a Look 566 from Sun and Ski - no problems. The bike area is just like a dedicated bike store and they did a fitting and have serviced the bike.

Paul Barnard

I'd opt toward the 57 if I were you. I can't see a 6' guy on a 54. I have odered from Jenson 3 times over the past year and have had very good experiences.