My review is for those of you new to bikesdirect.com and not especially skilled in bike mechanics.
First, bikesdirect.com isn't the cheapest. After purchasing my bike from bikesdirect.com, I found the Diamondback Metric 1 available at diamondback.com for the same price, *with professional sales reps available on the phone. In fact I spoke with a helpful rep today.
Second, adjustments to assembly are necessary if you want to do right by your bike. Be prepared to spend at least $100 more at a shop after assembly. Don't be mislead by "See how easy" assembly is in large type on bikesdirect.com's home page. Assembly is easy, but adjustments are not, and they ARE part of assembly on the website's fine print.
My bike arrived with front breaks unaligned, tires needing truing, gears needing adjusting, etc. Are you skilled at these fixes? Do you have time to learn these skills? Is all that you need to learn available in video?
Most importantly, I found bikesdirect.com's customer service deplorable and inexcusable. They came across as non-inclusive, as though only seasoned bikers are worth treating with respect. Additional to reaching out to brands directly, I recommend reaching out to a local bike shop upfront. Ask them about the bike(s) you're interested in. See what they have to say about anticipate adjustment costs on a boxed bike. Ask about their opinion of bikesdirect.com. Spend your time and money with people who treat all levels of bikers with courtesy, enthusiasm, and respect.
First, bikesdirect.com isn't the cheapest. After purchasing my bike from bikesdirect.com, I found the Diamondback Metric 1 available at diamondback.com for the same price, *with professional sales reps available on the phone. In fact I spoke with a helpful rep today.
Second, adjustments to assembly are necessary if you want to do right by your bike. Be prepared to spend at least $100 more at a shop after assembly. Don't be mislead by "See how easy" assembly is in large type on bikesdirect.com's home page. Assembly is easy, but adjustments are not, and they ARE part of assembly on the website's fine print.
My bike arrived with front breaks unaligned, tires needing truing, gears needing adjusting, etc. Are you skilled at these fixes? Do you have time to learn these skills? Is all that you need to learn available in video?
Most importantly, I found bikesdirect.com's customer service deplorable and inexcusable. They came across as non-inclusive, as though only seasoned bikers are worth treating with respect. Additional to reaching out to brands directly, I recommend reaching out to a local bike shop upfront. Ask them about the bike(s) you're interested in. See what they have to say about anticipate adjustment costs on a boxed bike. Ask about their opinion of bikesdirect.com. Spend your time and money with people who treat all levels of bikers with courtesy, enthusiasm, and respect.
