Buying online

I just had a Cannondale carbon frame replaced by the factory. Good luck trying to get a free replacement from BD. I have no clue how good BD's frames are but the 2 or 3 hundred more I paid at the LBS has paid off huge.

I purchased a Nashbar A-1 or 2 mountain bike a few years back. The tourney components suck and after 1 year I had to replace the 7 speed free wheel. This bike is no better than a low end department store bike. I would suggest buying Fuji or GT only from Nashbar. Also Nashbar will not ship name brand bikes to any location that has a brick and mortar retailer in the area.

Originally Posted by Myosmith .

Anyone here dealt with Nashbar or BikesDirect for framesets or complete roadbikes? I'm considering an online purchase as, even with the year-end deals, my local LBSs can't match the prices I see online. Other than the obvious lack of local support, are there quality issues with frames, forks, or complete bikes from either of these companies? Any other good places to get bang for the buck on roadbikes online?

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From what I've read of buyers' comments, it seems as if most folks have been pretty chuffed about purchases from Bikes Direct. The frames are quality frames, and the bikes usually come with good or great kit. The biggest complaint people seem to have is that the assembly done by Bikes Direct is not always great, so if you go there, just assume that you or your LBS will have to suss out the assembly, making sure everything is torqued correctly, seated, lubed, and etc. Note that any worthy LBS will do this for you, of course at some cost.

You can get components in many places pretty damned cheap. I bought my frame through Bicycle John's. They have brick and mortar stores in California (LA?) but also have a presence online at their own website and on eBay. Their eBay prices can be quite good. You might also check Price Point. Their Sette frames have been getting decent reviews. Of course there loads other places.

For components it might be worth looking overseas. Total Cycling and Slane Cycles in the UK also have some great component deals. Again, there are of course a lot more places.

I would be careful to avoid any place that has an addy in Malaysia, Pakistan,....... There have some big scams out of those places. Do diligent research into whatever dealer stimulates spasms in your nethers. Spend a bit of time with Google, Bing, "search engine of happiness".

In the never ending LBS vs. online dealer battle, perspective is necessary. It's nice to be able to buy from your LBS whenever possible, but you have to respect your financial resources, too. My LBS, Fairwheel Bikes in Tucson, told me that it would be silly to pay a lot more in their shop when I could get a particular item much cheaper elsewhere. They don't begrudge people for where they make their purchases, and they aren't dicks to people who come in with something like a Bikes Direct purchase that needs sorting. They'll treat that customer as just like they'll treat someone that purchased a frame/bike from them. That's one big reason why I make as many purchases as possible at that LBS, and that's why they have the stellar rep they do.