Scrodzilla

Actually, it's funny you mention that because someone from Amazon called the shop this afternoon asking if we would like to open a merchant account with them.

ChrisDR

Did the service seem like it would be worth it? From a buyer's perspective, I love using Amazon. Plus I would have another place to use these gift cards, and I know I would be supporting an actual bike shop.

I still wouldn't hesitate to do business with you either way, but I'm sure that Amazon would open you up to business from more casual bikers.

Scrodzilla

I'm not sure. I have to call her back tomorrow and go over all the details.

PeDDeR27

I had the same problem when looking for an Orbit X headset. I probably called 8 or 9 bike shops, and no one carried it. I had to have one of the shops order one for me, and it was there by the next morning.

ChrisDR

I have called quite a few shops around me and in Orange County, and only two shops have even close to what I am looking for and they say it will take at least a week to order in the X.

After looking on the FSA website, it seems like the Orbit MX is almost exactly the same, except that the transition from the cups is angular as opposed to rounded. Will this headset look strange on my bike? Is there any other difference?

Scrodzilla

I've used the Orbit MX. It's very similar but has stiffer (and slightly bigger) cups. I think it will look fine.

ChrisDR

Yeah I checked online and it shows that the overall stack height of the MX is ~.6" taller which doesn't worry me. What does cup stiffness mean in terms of riding? Or is it more of a durability change?

Since the MX comes in white and my frame is white, I'm thinking I may as well opt for the matching color. Will it look strange with black spacers?

Also, for those of you out there that live in Long Beach; if you don't get your mail tomorrow, it's because the mailman is dead. I've killed him for not delivering my crankset, even though I left written authorization on the door. My bet is that he didn't even come to the door. Also didn't leave me a notification though he did claim online that he did. So yeah, he's dead now.

PeDDeR27

I wouldn't get the white headset. Black will look best, IMHO.

Muffin Man

black goes with almost anything.

ChrisDR

Damn well that is a bummer, the shops around here only carry white for some reason. I will track a black one down somehow.

It's strange that the shops I have spoken to that carry FSA only have the Orbit MX and not the X.

NateRod

Had an Orbit X on my old fixay... A PAKE, TO BOOT!... and it was the jam.

I didn't really read up on why you're so apprehensive to use any other method than LBS or Amazon, but I'd say stop wasting time and money, and open up your options. Links have been posted to your benefit already.

ChrisDR

I was initially trying to buy as much as I could through Amazon because I had gift cards through them. Since then I have purchased stuff for the build through other sources as well.

I haven't wasted any money through Amazon, as I got some pretty good deals on my parts. I also didn't want to waste time by ordering parts from stores in other states because of having to have parts shipped.

At any rate, hopefully I will be able to finalize my build this weekend. If I can't find what I am looking for locally, I will be buying the rest of my gear through Retrogression.

NateRod

I didn't know you had Amazon gift cards on you. That makes a little more sense, I suppose. I'd want to milk it for all it's worth too.

However, I'd still say that, if you can't find what you're looking for on Amazon, go with Retrogression and/or other online options. Time spent waiting for parts is time you could potentially be spending riding your bike.

And money spent on gas / fare hopping from local shop to local shop is money you could spend on better parts.